tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64709898225916598332024-03-19T08:07:21.282-04:00monkeys on the bedthe monkeys' mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00109553147883049597noreply@blogger.comBlogger392125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470989822591659833.post-11228186509008121342011-08-07T21:50:00.000-04:002011-08-07T21:50:35.432-04:00long absence, huge request<div style="text-align: justify;">I realize it's been ages, literally months and months, since i've updated this blog. I regret that for lots of reasons and hope to be back in bloggy land one day soon...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">but for now, i'm posting for a purpose.<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">For a blog-friend turned In-Real-Life friend.<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">More specifically, for their 5-day old son, Caden.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Long story short, Caden's much-anticipated and very-celebrated arrival was quickly dampened by news of a previously unknown and very serious heart condition. Due to the severity and urgency of his weak heart, this little tiny, not even one-week old will be undergoing open-heart surgery tomorrow morning (Monday, August 8th).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhewxs-KVGEFouubmm-NnbVJo2ma958YKBRzz94ijaVqrdEbyodHnBnW1hqvtaivmkwNTpQoj8KMQlIxPipqmWdVw2rlBNRSn7bmDS-jRCPeiKOLd1YzvFlSrWyn5jPTHHwv6RPyH7H2IGA/s1600/IMG_7886.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhewxs-KVGEFouubmm-NnbVJo2ma958YKBRzz94ijaVqrdEbyodHnBnW1hqvtaivmkwNTpQoj8KMQlIxPipqmWdVw2rlBNRSn7bmDS-jRCPeiKOLd1YzvFlSrWyn5jPTHHwv6RPyH7H2IGA/s400/IMG_7886.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">His family, our friends, are the most incredible people you'll ever meet--they are full time missionaries filled with an incredible passion for the very people Jesus himself was most passionate about--the poor, especially those living in the inner-city of Atlanta. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It is very apparent that Becca and Adam are being thrown all sorts of curves to test their faith in the Lord and His plan for their family. Caden's heart condition is no exception. But their faith is being strengthened even in this crazy whirlwind of adversity.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKeM4vcAgvmtH5dUo-GCfR1pKeBCa0pCS43ojXGqVU_W8t4PXkvT_1M0fczDCvcHZzix5cHDhRdLsuJRa6KdVAEMLTiemnwQ3QqF12O5HWZ3P4PNZeHIQSYm_JOsuhmoOPDykGo3upiJY/s1600/262562_10100671456113410_4905478_63564480_1378101_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKeM4vcAgvmtH5dUo-GCfR1pKeBCa0pCS43ojXGqVU_W8t4PXkvT_1M0fczDCvcHZzix5cHDhRdLsuJRa6KdVAEMLTiemnwQ3QqF12O5HWZ3P4PNZeHIQSYm_JOsuhmoOPDykGo3upiJY/s400/262562_10100671456113410_4905478_63564480_1378101_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Please join me in praying for peace and hope for Becca and Adam, wisdom and steadiness for the surgeons, and safety and healing for Caden. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">For more details, please see their blog: <a href="http://thestanleyclan.blogspot.com/2011/08/cadens-surgery-tomorrow.html">The Stanley Clan</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>the monkeys' mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00109553147883049597noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470989822591659833.post-34669513173836773712010-08-05T21:08:00.000-04:002010-08-05T21:08:32.846-04:00Giveaway Winner...and thoughts<div style="text-align: justify;">Thanks to all who took my survey and were kind enough to leave comments. I keep thinking that it would be <i><b>so fun</b></i> to come back to this blog. I miss it and I miss the schedule it gave me.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Thankfully, God answered my prayer for wisdom on re-opening this blog--the lack of survey responses and comments clearly told me that this blog is over...for now.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">In the meantime, we have a giveaway winner to announce!</div><br />
Congratulations to the 12th survey respondent, Katie C.! I'll be contacting you shortly about a hat!the monkeys' mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00109553147883049597noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470989822591659833.post-52836870387933989062010-07-21T14:30:00.002-04:002010-07-21T14:33:53.534-04:00Monkeys on the Bed! Redux<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime;"><b><i>Hi </i></b></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime;"><b><i>friends</i></b></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime;"><b><i>!</i></b></span></span></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Wow! it's been more than 6 months since my last Monkeys on the Bed! post. So many great things have happened--especially the birth of our second daughter. (<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">If you'd like to catch up, there are 6-months of posts just waiting for you at our family blog: <a href="http://cutiefaces.blogspot.com/">{life with} the Cuties</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">)</span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br />
</span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">I'm thinking about blogging on Monkeys on the Bed! again because...</span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><ul><li><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">My new camera is giving me lots of great images to enter into iheartfaces (Monday); </span></i></li>
<li><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Sewing, photography, and baking, are putting lots of <b><i>Tutorial Tuesday</i></b> ideas in my head; </span></i></li>
<li><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Being involved with another Beth Moore Bible Study gives me incredible inspiration for <b><i>Word of God Wednesday</i></b>; </span></i></li>
<li><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Thankful...doesn't even begin to cut it--overflowing with thanks for <b><i>Thankful Thursday</i></b>;</span></i></li>
<li><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Friday--well I just love giveaways and finding fabulous items online to share with you on </span><b>Fabulous Friday</b></i></li>
</ul><div style="text-align: center;">BUT</div><div><br />
</div><div>I'm not going to start blogging just to take up space in the blogosphere--i want to make sure that this is something that my readers (Y-O-U) want, too.</div><div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">SO</div><div><br />
</div><div>Please consider taking <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1585878808">this (<b>very short</b>) survey</a> to tell me your thoughts on Monkeys on the Bed! making a comeback. I promise it will be worth your time--your completed survey will give you one entry to my first 2010 giveaway--a fun reversible toddler sunhat made by moi just for your kiddo or a kiddo you know. </div><div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">here are the cuties modeling the same style hat in the giveaway!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp9%3B2%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D335%3B%3A58649335nu0mrj" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp9%3B2%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D335%3B%3A58649335nu0mrj" width="200" /></a><a href="http://images1e.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp%3A87%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D33697%3A998%3B335nu0mrj" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://images1e.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp%3A87%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D33697%3A998%3B335nu0mrj" width="200" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/FGHT2WF"><b>Click here</b></a><b> to take the survey and enter the giveaway!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div>the monkeys' mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00109553147883049597noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470989822591659833.post-11675112389117163772010-01-01T21:48:00.003-05:002010-01-01T22:03:41.013-05:00A Fond Friday Farewell<div style="text-align: center;">Dear Friends,<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;">After a lot of thought, I've decided to end my blogging career on Monkeys on the Bed.<br /><br />I have so very much loved getting to know you all through your sweet and thoughtful comments on my posts.<br /><br />I have also loved writing my various daily themed posts like Word of God Wednesday and Thankful Thursday. And Tutorial Tuesday has definitely pushed me beyond my usual crafty-self to be more creative!<br /><br />Sadly, this blog has also consumed my life at times and taken time away from Cutie Face and J. I have even prioritized writing a blog post over doing daily Bible devotions and quiet times.<br /><br />I wish I could carry on with this blog but I really want to refocus my priorities in 2010 and I think it needs to begin with being online less.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">HOWEVER!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I am not leaving the bloggy world completely!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I most definitely still want to keep a daily record of my life with Cutie Face and our impending arrival (6 weeks left!) so you can still find me blogging on <a href="http://cutiefaces.blogspot.com">{life with} Cutie Face</a>.<br /><br />I've also started a 365-day picture journal blog called "<a href="http://pictureayear.blogspot.com">Picture a Year</a>". Nothing exciting at all--just a place to record a moment of our day for one year.<br /><br />I welcome you to check both of those blogs out and continue to be a part of our small little world. I also promise not to neglect YOU, my faithful readers--I'll still be keeping tabs on you :)<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Happy New Year! Many blessings in 2010!<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>the monkeys' mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00109553147883049597noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470989822591659833.post-28396814970205760132009-12-31T23:17:00.003-05:002010-01-01T00:10:44.636-05:00Thankful Thursday: 2009!<div style="text-align: justify;">I have a lot to be thankful for this week but I also wanted to highlight a few BIG things that I was thankful for this year.<br /></div><br />So this week I'm thankful for:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">1. My bloggy friend <a href="http://ourlincolnlog.blogspot.com/">Kelly</a> who gave me a gift subscription to Picnik Premium. If you read my i❤faces posts, you'll know that most of my photos are edited in picnik. Well, they can be made even cooler by upgrading to Premium status and that is what <a href="http://ourlincolnlog.blogspot.com/">Kelly</a> gave me! THANK YOU SOOOO much, <a href="http://ourlincolnlog.blogspot.com/">Kelly</a>!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">2. J let me sleep in while he fed Cutie Face breakfast this morning. Now that was nice!<br /><br />3. Fun times with Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins (we have five cousins that are down here celebrating Christmas and New Year's Eve with us)<br /><br />4. A great Christmas celebrating the birth of our savior and watching Cutie Face open presents<br /><br />5. Wonderful weather in Florida!<br /><br />6. Less than 43 days left with this pregnancy! I'm very excited by that and very thankful, too!<br /><br />7. That the USPS delivered J's mom's Christmas package ON CHRISTMAS DAY. Yes, you read that right--they were delayed due to a lot of snow but spent their CHRISTMAS Friday morning delivering packages to people. WOW. that is impressive.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Now onto this year!</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">January</span><br /><br />We celebrated Cutie Face's 5th month by starting to use cloth diapers--I'm very thankful that we use them and save money, waste, and (usually) no diaper rash!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2206/213/82/71501410/n71501410_30701995_9933.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 337px;" src="http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2206/213/82/71501410/n71501410_30701995_9933.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">February<br /></span> Thankful to have many family members to see our pastor baptize Cutie Face<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2206/213/82/71501410/n71501410_30701950_970.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 453px; height: 604px;" src="http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2206/213/82/71501410/n71501410_30701950_970.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I'm thankful that I started this blog (!) in february--I've met so many incredible people thanks to it!<br /><br />Thankful for an extra visit to see my grandparents in Florida--this was pre-brain cancer diagnosis<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs028.snc1/2368_511391026836_71501410_30708393_4648_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 337px;" src="http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs028.snc1/2368_511391026836_71501410_30708393_4648_n.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">March</span><br />So thankful for my sweet niece--Lil Miss--who turned 1<br /><br />Cutie Face let us know that she was a good teether--what a blessing!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2577/213/82/71501410/n71501410_30722877_3085969.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 453px; height: 604px;" src="http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2577/213/82/71501410/n71501410_30722877_3085969.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">April</span><br />We were able to visit my Grandpa again! I will be ever thankful that we had this time with him<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs011.snc1/4195_517052361476_71501410_30758033_4481865_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 449px; height: 337px;" src="http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs011.snc1/4195_517052361476_71501410_30758033_4481865_n.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />We also visited J's mom in Hillsdale and are grateful for that extra time with her!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://hphotos-snc1.fbcdn.net/hs011.snc1/4195_517052670856_71501410_30758070_4123266_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 337px;" src="http://hphotos-snc1.fbcdn.net/hs011.snc1/4195_517052670856_71501410_30758070_4123266_n.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><br />May</span><br />Wrapped up a wonderful year at CBS (Community Bible Study) I'm so thankfu for all that I learned from these ladies and the book of Genesis<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs011.snc1/4195_517052316566_71501410_30758025_2572114_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 318px;" src="http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs011.snc1/4195_517052316566_71501410_30758025_2572114_n.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><br />June</span><br />Thankful and shocked that I found out I was pregnant!<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><br />July</span><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">We celebrated my Grandma's 80th birthday in Kansas! Our family is very thankful for her and Cutie Face is soooo thankful for her because GiGi made Cutie Face her security blanket (we'd be lost without it!)<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs208.snc1/7529_519456104356_71501410_30867387_4705780_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 337px;" src="http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs208.snc1/7529_519456104356_71501410_30867387_4705780_n.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><br />August</span><br />Ever thankful for our marriage--we celebrated 6 years of marriage on the 2nd<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs228.snc1/7529_519456234096_71501410_30867413_7895092_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 300px;" src="http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs228.snc1/7529_519456234096_71501410_30867413_7895092_n.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Felt incredibly blessed by the first year of Cutie Face's life<br /><br />Very thankful for the time spent with my grandpa before he passed in the middle of the month<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs228.snc1/7529_519456343876_71501410_30867431_4940213_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 453px; height: 604px;" src="http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs228.snc1/7529_519456343876_71501410_30867431_4940213_n.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><br />September</span><br />We were so happy to be able to spend time with Uncle Noah and old college friends in Oregon<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs208.snc1/7529_519456773016_71501410_30867462_3695125_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 453px; height: 604px;" src="http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs208.snc1/7529_519456773016_71501410_30867462_3695125_n.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">but equally thankful that we survived our first (two) ER visits for Cutie Face--and that she was completely healed by the time we got home!<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs228.snc1/7529_519457536486_71501410_30867517_886966_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 453px; height: 604px;" src="http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs228.snc1/7529_519457536486_71501410_30867517_886966_n.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><br />October</span><br />Enjoyed a trip to Hillsdale for Homecoming and to visit J's mom<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><br />November</span><br />We celebrated Thanksgiving with many members of my family which was wonderful!<br /><br />Sweet Pea arrived on the very last day of the month!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp9%3A%3B%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3B6863573335nu0mrj"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 449px; height: 597px;" src="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp9%3A%3B%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3B6863573335nu0mrj" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><br />December</span><br />We had a fantastic family Christmas celebration<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp9%3A%3A%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3C4653862335nu0mrj"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 451px; height: 327px;" src="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp9%3A%3A%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3C4653862335nu0mrj" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Soooo thankful we found a wonderful HOUSE to rent (can you tell how excited I am about the extra space?)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I would love to devote more time to this post because 2009 was just a wonderful year full of thanksgivings. <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">But</span>,<br /></div><br />it is now past midnight so I'm going to wish you all a HAPPY NEW YEAR! May 2010 be equally full of thanksgivings for you!<br /></div></div></div></div>the monkeys' mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00109553147883049597noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470989822591659833.post-823845129410916212009-12-30T05:29:00.001-05:002009-12-30T05:29:00.534-05:00W.o.G Wednesday: 2 Corinthians 5:17<div style="text-align: justify;"><br />In honor of the NEW year that is quickly approaching, I wanted to leave you with one of my favorite verses...<br /></div><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><br /><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%205:17&version=NIV">2 Corinthians 5:17</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!</div></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Cutie Face is my photo representative for this week's verse.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp9%3A%3B%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3C5%3C6678%3A335nu0mrj"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 245px; height: 327px;" src="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp9%3A%3B%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3C5%3C6678%3A335nu0mrj" alt="" border="0" /></a>She was less than an hour old here, definitely a new creation!<br /></div><br />The amazing thing is, we, as Christians, can be viewed as "new creations" by our God and Creator TODAY, many many days after we were first born into this world.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">As His Word teaches, a person becomes a new creation upon accepting that through the birth, death, and <span>resurrection</span> of His Son (Jesus!) we (as sinners) are reconciled to God.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">In God's eyes, we are made acceptable, pure, and righteous!<br /><br />Amazing!<br /></div><br />Of course, no one is perfect--not even one<span style="text-decoration: underline;"> (</span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+3%3A10-12&version=NIV">Romans 3:10-12</a>) but, through our belief in Jesus, we, as Christians are assured that God's mercies will be new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23)<br /><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Lamentations%203:22-23&version=NIV">Lamentations 3:22-23</a><br /><div class="result-text-style-normal"> <p> </p><p> Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,<br /> for his compassions never fail. </p><p> They are new every morning;<br /> great is your faithfulness.</p></div></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><div class="result-text-style-normal"><p></p></div>So, if you're looking for a <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">NEW</span> way to start the <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">NEW</span> year or just a way to be a "whole <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">NEW</span> you", I'd urge you to consider these verses -- a life given to Jesus is the only way to truly be 100% new!<br /><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">*Side note: I admit there is an annoying factor to this post with all the "new" references but I got on a roll once i posted the verse and couldn't stop. Thanks for indulging me :)*</span></span><br /><br /></div>the monkeys' mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00109553147883049597noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470989822591659833.post-27267391480686951162009-12-29T05:53:00.000-05:002009-12-29T05:53:00.297-05:00Tutorial Tuesday: Making New Year's Resolutions<div style="text-align: justify;">Well let me just say that I am NO expert in writing, making, or keeping New Year's Resolutions. But I thought I'd let y'all know how I go about making my resolutions every year...<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 51, 0);"></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 51, 0);"></span></div><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 51, 0);"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 51, 0);">and I'd LOVE to hear your ideas or goals for 2010!</span><br /><br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3311/3609819998_5eae6540df_o.gif"><img style="width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3311/3609819998_5eae6540df_o.gif" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;">1) <span style="font-weight: bold;">Get out (at least) several pages of paper and a pen/pencil</span>--I do a lot of computer work but prefer to do my "thinking work" with a paper and pen.<br /><br />2) <span style="font-weight: bold;">Jot down all the things you are happy you accomplished in 2009</span>. Maybe you lost weight, found a new job, started a blog, journaled every day, became more fit, etc.<br /><br />3) <span style="font-weight: bold;">Write down all the things you WISH you had accomplished in 2009</span> or maybe things you regretted doing (2009 NYE resolutions that didn't quite make it, fitness goals you didn't reach, bad habits you started, etc.)<br /><br />4) <span style="font-weight: bold;">Analyze and compare your two lists</span>. Does anything overlap? Do you see that something in list #2 hindered you from accomplishing something in list #1? For example, maybe you wanted to get better sleep and exercise more frequently BUT you failed to get more rest so your ability/energy to workout was diminished. Feel free to circle and draw lines! I love making correlations<br /><br />5) Look again at your two lists. Do you want to carry any resolutions over to 2010?<br /><br />6) <span style="font-weight: bold;">Add new goals</span> to your 2010 Resolution list.<br /><blockquote>Keep in mind the following:<br /><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Be realistic</span>! <span style="font-style: italic;"></span><ul><span style="font-style: italic;"><li>Example: If you want to get more sleep but just had or are expecting a new baby, this goal will most likely not be met!</li></span></ul><br /></li><li>Think about <span style="font-weight: bold;">what will aid in accomplishing your goal-</span>-maybe these aids should be the first resolutions you make! <span style="font-style: italic;"></span><ul><span style="font-style: italic;"><li>Example: If you want to eat healthier this year, start by making a resolution to not buy junk food or to take a nutritional class, etc.</li></span></ul><br /></li><li>Think about <span style="font-weight: bold;">what will hinder your resolution</span>. <span style="font-style: italic;"></span><ul><span style="font-style: italic;"><li>Example: If you want to boost your blog readership but don't have time to devote writing new posts, etc., perhaps time management or something else should be the primary resolution.</li></span></ul><br /></li><li>Do you have a certain <span style="font-weight: bold;">time limit for these goals to be reached</span>? <span style="font-style: italic;"></span><ul><span style="font-style: italic;"><li>Example: You want to lose 2lbs a month or drop 1-minute off your 10k time in 6-months. </li></span></ul><br /></li><li>If you have a BIG resolution, it really helps to <span style="font-weight: bold;">break the resolution into mini-goals</span> (especially monthly goals) <span style="font-style: italic;"></span><ul><span style="font-style: italic;"><li>Example: You just received a new sewing machine but haven't ever sewed before! Despite that fact, you aspire to sew a quilt in 2010. In January, you should practice sewing, in February, you should take a class on beginning sewing, in March you should pick out fabrics, in April you should take a class on quilting, in May you should start working on your quilt, in August you should be half-way done and in November you should be finished</li></span></ul><br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Life happens</span>!!! There could be sudden changes to your family dynamic--someone could be born, someone could move away, someone could lose a job or take one on with more hours. You name it, it could happen so <span style="font-weight: bold;">be prepared to be flexible</span>!!! These should be considered more as goals than as things you are "resolving to do from this day forward"</li></ul></blockquote>7) <span style="font-weight: bold;">Make your 2010 resolutions and goals visible</span>. Print them out and place them on your fridge, your cubicle at work. Download them to your phone. Post them to your blog. Ask a trusted friend/spouse/relative/etc. to hold you accountable.<br /><br />Here is what I came up with:<br /><br />I have two main goals for 2010:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><blockquote>1)<span style="font-weight: bold;"> To read through the Bible</span><br />2)<span style="font-weight: bold;"> To become a more accomplished photographer<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-style: italic;">(i'd also like to run a sub 3-hour marathon in 2010 but that depends on a lot of things and we'll get to that after Babette #2 is born!)</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></div></blockquote><br />In order to achieve these goals I have several "sub-goals":<br /><br />1) To read through the Bible I'd like to:<br /><ul><li>read it every day by using my 365-day Bible</li></ul><blockquote></blockquote><blockquote>Knowing that I am more likely to read my Bible in the morning...</blockquote><ul><ul><li>I resolve to go to bed earlier! That way I can wake up refreshed and ready to read the Bible before Cutie Face wakes up.</li></ul></ul><div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote>Knowing that I'm easily distracted, I need to resolve to avoid reading a blog or checking my email before I read my Bible...so... </blockquote></div><ul><ul><li>I resolve to keep my computer turned off until I have accomplished my daily reading goal!</li></ul></ul>2) To become a more accomplished photographer, I'd like to:<br /><ul><li>Take a photo every day for a year--a 365-Project to showcase how I grow in my photography skills (okay--hopefully i'll develop new skills and you'll see a difference in January 2011!)</li><li>To be held accountable, I resolve to make a <a href="http://pictureayear.blogspot.com/">365-Picture blog</a>!</li><li>I will also sign up and take an online photo class</li></ul></div></div>So there you have it. A quick and easy way to make a few new resolutions for this coming year and a preview of my goals!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">What about you? Do you make resolutions each year? Do you have a method for doing them and accomplishing them? Have you already made any?<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">I'd love to hear your tips and goals!</span><br /><br /><br /></div></div>the monkeys' mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00109553147883049597noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470989822591659833.post-38535878589007622712009-12-27T21:37:00.005-05:002009-12-28T21:30:27.798-05:00i ❤ faces: Outtakes<div style="text-align: justify;">Wow! This is the 51st week of <a href="http://iheartfaces.blogspot.com/">i ❤ faces</a> contests! That means next week marks their 1-year anniversary! Crazy coolness.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.iheartfaces.com/"><img src="http://www.livinglocurto.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/125x125.jpg" /></a></center><br /><br />In honor of their birthday that is coming up, they wanted to make this week all about F-U-N photos...typically deemed "outtakes" these are photos that are just funny or humorous or just make you smile.<br /><br />Here are mine in chronological order...I didn't have to go too far back to get some of my favorites...though, I'm sure if I did, I'd find some priceless ones of Cutie Face!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Ah, well, I hope you enjoy these top 5 from October through December:<br /></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">In October, J decided to see what weighed more, Cutie Face or a bushel of apples:<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp939%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3C5436457335nu0mrj"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 598px;" src="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp939%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3C5436457335nu0mrj" alt="" border="0" /></a>In early December, Cutie Face hugged {very tightly} a sweet, innocent girl at J's company's Childrens' Christmas party (please excuse the iPhone quality but I just think this photo is hilarious and had to include it!):<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp9%3B2%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3C54469%3B6335nu0mrj"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 598px;" src="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp9%3B2%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3C54469%3B6335nu0mrj" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Mimi (my mom) gets to know her newest granddaughter, Sweet Pea, born November 30:<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp9%3A8%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3C544%3B99%3B335nu0mrj"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 598px;" src="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp9%3A8%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3C544%3B99%3B335nu0mrj" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Cutie Face makes a million hilariously expressive faces, especially during dinner, and especially after eating a lemon!:<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp9%3A7%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3C5743%3B52335nu0mrj"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 337px;" src="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp9%3A7%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3C5743%3B52335nu0mrj" alt="" border="0" /></a>and, finally, Cutie Face was "pottied" by her unsuspecting Uncle. He took his daughter (my niece, Lil Miss) to the potty and Cutie Face followed them in to the bathroom just to declare that she needed to "POTTY!" too. I love the exchange of looks here:<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp9%3A7%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3C545%3A389335nu0mrj"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 458px;" src="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp9%3A7%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3C545%3A389335nu0mrj" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">There are going to be A LOT of entries this week, I just know it--especially because everyone can enter FIVE (yay! 5!) photos! So be sure to check out <a href="http://iheartfaces.blogspot.com/">i ❤ faces</a> for more outtake fun!<br /><br /><br /><center>Happy New Year!</center><br /><br /><br /></div>the monkeys' mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00109553147883049597noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470989822591659833.post-51287362901453145042009-12-24T23:24:00.002-05:002009-12-24T23:36:32.414-05:00Thankful Thursday: Christmas Edition<div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;">This week it goes without saying that I am thankful for the Birth of my Savior, Jesus Christ.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.virgofidelischurch.co.uk/images/joseph_mary_jesus_manger.PNG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 320px;" src="http://www.virgofidelischurch.co.uk/images/joseph_mary_jesus_manger.PNG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />But! We have so many blessings from Him to be thankful for, too, that I didn't want to leave these out:<br /><br />2) We are going to rent a house! We finalized it on Sunday. I'm soooo thankful that we have a place to move to in 2.5 weeks!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1.zillow.com/is/image/i0/i1/i4526/ISuap5xzfjqpib.jpg?op_sharpen=1&qlt=90&size=460,300"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://images1.zillow.com/is/image/i0/i1/i4526/ISuap5xzfjqpib.jpg?op_sharpen=1&qlt=90&size=460,300" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />3) A safe 10-hour drive from Atlanta to Florida with two cats and a toddler!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp9%3A9%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3C3%3A458%3C8335nu0mrj"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 337px;" src="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp9%3A9%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3C3%3A458%3C8335nu0mrj" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />4) Kitty cats to occupy our children...<br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1e.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp9%3A3%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3C3%3A4%3C837335nu0mrj"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 600px;" src="http://images1e.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp9%3A3%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3C3%3A4%3C837335nu0mrj" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> ...and keep us company at night<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp9%3A7%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3C4366486335nu0mrj"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 337px;" src="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp9%3A7%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3C4366486335nu0mrj" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />5) A beautiful home lit up with love and light and life...from the inside out!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp9%3A8%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3C4366492335nu0mrj"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 337px;" src="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp9%3A8%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3C4366492335nu0mrj" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />6) A sweet niece to remind me and J of what is to come and prepare Cutie Face for life with a newborn (She loves it)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1e.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp99%3A%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3C4366484335nu0mrj"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 337px;" src="http://images1e.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp99%3A%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3C4366484335nu0mrj" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />7) a Wonderful pre-Christmas celebration with J's dad and step-mom. We loved seeing them and Cutie Face really bonded with them (and still keeps asking for Papa!)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp9%3A8%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3C3%3A3%3C%3A67335nu0mrj"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 600px;" src="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp9%3A8%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3C3%3A3%3C%3A67335nu0mrj" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div>the monkeys' mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00109553147883049597noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470989822591659833.post-23965800875907155732009-12-23T19:48:00.008-05:002009-12-23T23:40:34.601-05:00W.o.G. Wednesday: Isaiah 9:1-7<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">J and I had the privilege of attending a college that performed Handel's Messiah every 4 years. The college did this every four years so that everyone who attended our school could either sing it as a choir member or watch it as a viewer once in their collegiate career...Needless to say, I chose option 2 but J chose option 1. It was wonderful for both of us!<br /><br />Here is one of my favorite parts (12):<br /><br /></div><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Enough Said {Sung}:</span></span><br /></div><br /><center><object height="240" width="380"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/MS3vpAWW2Zc&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/MS3vpAWW2Zc&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="315" width="500"></embed></object></center><br /><br /><h5><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%209:1-7&version=NIV"> Isaiah 9:1-7</a></h5><h5>To Us a Child Is Born </h5><div style="text-align: justify;">Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the Gentiles, by the way of the sea, along the Jordan- </div><p style="text-align: justify;">The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death; a light has dawned. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as men rejoice when dividing the plunder. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">For as in the day of Midian's defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Every warrior's boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire. </p><p></p><blockquote><p> <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">For to us a child is born, </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> to us a son is given, </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> and the government will be on his shoulders. </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> And he will be called </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.</span></p><p style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> Of the increase of his government and peace<br /> there will be no end.<br /> He will reign on David's throne<br /> and over his kingdom,<br /> establishing and upholding it<br /> with justice and righteousness<br /> from that time on and forever.<br /> The zeal of the LORD Almighty<br /> will accomplish this.</p></blockquote><p></p>the monkeys' mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00109553147883049597noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470989822591659833.post-91962236369466350712009-12-22T00:31:00.004-05:002009-12-22T01:00:19.142-05:00Tutorial Tuesday: Easy Stocking Stuffer (personalized beanbags!)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3311/3609819998_5eae6540df_o.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3311/3609819998_5eae6540df_o.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I wanted something fun, homemade, personalized and educational to put in Cutie Face's stocking this year.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Tough order? Nahhh...<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">...not when you can make (homemade) beanbags that spell her name (personalized) on one side and have numbers on the other side (educational) that can also be used as a game (fun).<br /><br />This is a super easy tutorial if you have a sewing machine. If you don't have a sewing machine it will take you longer but it is totally doable.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">What you'll need:<br /><br /></div><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fabric</span>--I used 4 different fabrics to give Cutie Face some variety...maybe she can even learn how to match them (more educational uses every time I think about it!)</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sewing Machine</span> (or needle and thread)</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Beans</span> (BAKED--you don't want your beans to sprout or get moldy so make sure you BAKE them on low for about 20 minutes)</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Something to personalize your beanbags with</span>. I used an applique on the letter/name side but felt it was a bit too time consuming so I used a permanent marker for the number sides<br /></li></ul></div><div style="text-align: justify;">1) <span style="font-weight: bold;">Cut out fabric for the beanbags</span>. I wanted to make 9 beanbags (Cutie Face's name has 9 letters) so I cut 18 squares of fabric, 6x6. You can make them any size but I wanted it to be manageable with Cutie Face's small hands. (<span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Side note: this step would have been much easier had I used my rotary cutter and healing mat. Oh well</span></span>)<br /><br />2) <span style="font-weight: bold;">Personalize each side</span> (or one side or NO sides). Make sure you do this <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">before</span> you do any sewing!<br /><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1e.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp99%3B%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3C374%3C46%3A335nu0mrj"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 337px;" src="http://images1e.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp99%3B%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3C374%3C46%3A335nu0mrj" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />3) Once your fabric squares are ready, match them to each other (for example, Cutie Face's name starts with a "C" so I matched the "C" and "1" fabric squares). <span style="font-weight: bold;">Put the "good" side of the fabric squares together, on the inside</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp938%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3C374%3C472335nu0mrj"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 600px;" src="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp938%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3C374%3C472335nu0mrj" alt="" border="0" /></a>4)<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Sew <span style="font-style: italic;">nearly</span> all the way around</span> (i used a straight stitch) making sure you leave a large enough space to turn the fabric rightside out. I made the mistake of making my hole too small in the beginning and turning the fabric was very difficult. So go easy on yourself and leave a nice big space!<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1e.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp997%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3C374%3C473335nu0mrj"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 337px;" src="http://images1e.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp997%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3C374%3C473335nu0mrj" alt="" border="0" /></a>5) Turn the fabric right side out<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp935%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3C374%3C474335nu0mrj"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 600px;" src="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp935%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3C374%3C474335nu0mrj" alt="" border="0" /></a>6) <span style="font-weight: bold;">Sew a border around the square, <span style="font-style: italic;">making sure you leave that original hole open</span></span>! Don't sew anything closed yet!<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1e.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp995%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3C374%3C477335nu0mrj"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 337px;" src="http://images1e.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp995%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3C374%3C477335nu0mrj" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">See? there's my hole!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp937%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3C374%3C478335nu0mrj"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 337px;" src="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp937%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3C374%3C478335nu0mrj" alt="" border="0" /></a>7)<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Make a funnel.</span> I tried using a cooking funnel but the hole was too small to allow the beans to pass through so I just used a rolled up piece of heavy magazine paper.<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp9%3A9%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3C374%3C479335nu0mrj"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 337px;" src="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp9%3A9%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3C374%3C479335nu0mrj" alt="" border="0" /></a>8) <span style="font-weight: bold;">Place your funnel in the hole, </span>allowing it to unfurl a bit once it is inside the bag.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1e.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp996%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3C374%3C47%3A335nu0mrj"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 337px;" src="http://images1e.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp996%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3C374%3C47%3A335nu0mrj" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />9) <span style="font-weight: bold;"> Pour the beans into the beanbag</span>. Make sure that you don't fill it too high--you need to be able to sew it closed!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1e.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp999%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3C374%3C47%3B335nu0mrj"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 337px;" src="http://images1e.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp999%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3C374%3C47%3B335nu0mrj" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />10) <span style="font-weight: bold;">Fold the opening of the hole under and sew it closed. </span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp8%3C7%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3C374%3C484335nu0mrj"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 337px;" src="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp8%3C7%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3C374%3C484335nu0mrj" alt="" border="0" /></a>11) Voila! You now have one beanbag!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp8%3C7%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3C374%3C483335nu0mrj"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 337px;" src="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp8%3C7%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3C374%3C483335nu0mrj" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />12) Repeat steps 1-10 until you've made all your beanbags:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp8%3C7%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3C374%3C485335nu0mrj"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 337px;" src="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp8%3C7%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3C374%3C485335nu0mrj" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Enjoy</span>!<br /><br /></div>the monkeys' mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00109553147883049597noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470989822591659833.post-15158752135442451552009-12-18T00:44:00.009-05:002010-01-06T19:55:03.459-05:00CLOSED: Fab Friday Giveaway: Life Verse Design<div style="text-align: center;">This week's giveaway truly is fabulous!<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com//iusb_760x100.5416261.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 449px; height: 59px;" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com//iusb_760x100.5416261.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">When Julie Chen, the creative mind behind <a href="http://lifeverse.etsy.com/">Life Verse Design</a>, contacted me about featuring her amazing <a href="http://lifeverse.etsy.com/">Etsy store</a>, I didn't think twice! I know you all will love the things that Julie offers!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Life Verse Design started when Julie was pregnant with her 3rd child (and had an almost 2 & almost 4 yr old running around!. Julie had the foresight to realize that she would not be having good quality devotional time with God when #3 came along so she started placing index cards of Scripture around her house.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image3.etsy.com//il_430xN.47177543.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 344px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com//il_430xN.47177543.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div>At the time, Julie was going through Beth Moore's fruit of the Spirit study & thus memorizing the fruit of the Spirit (which her pregnant brain could not even handle) so, one day while brushing her teeth and looking at her index card, she asked herself, "why am i not designing these cards since i am a designer?!" Voila! a new idea was born!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com//il_430xN.90823384.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 399px; height: 320px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com//il_430xN.90823384.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://lifeverse.etsy.com/">Life Verse Design</a> began as a simple act of worship between Julie and God. She not only found a new way to use her creative gift but Julie also found that creating these cards helped her hide His Word in her heart. What a great way to glorify God!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image3.etsy.com//il_430xN.85372067.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 344px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com//il_430xN.85372067.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Julie decided to give the art to her bible study and they, in turn, encouraged her to participate in the craft show at her church. Julie's first show was in November 2007 and she almost completely sold out! It was there that Julie learned about Etsy from another craft show vendor. In late March 2008 <a href="http://lifeverse.etsy.com/">Life Verse Design</a> opened. Two short months later, DEMDACO (the creators of the willow tree figurines) found <a href="http://lifeverse.etsy.com/">Life Verse Design</a> and contacted Julie to be licensed! Her art is now being licensed nationwide and she can still sell her prints on paper through Etsy.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image3.etsy.com//il_fullxfull.109193627.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com//il_fullxfull.109193627.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Julie loves getting to know her customers and hearing their feedback on her art art: whether it is a personal story of why the verse meant so much to them, or just their excitment when they open the package; it continually amazes Julie that her art is hanging on people's walls all over the world!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com//il_430xN.102071516.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 428px; height: 342px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com//il_430xN.102071516.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />Outside of Etsy, Julie's first love is being a wife and mom, She says, "I have the best hubby in the world & love spending any moment with him. Ialso have the most adorable kiddos, with whom I love to be outside. We love the zoo, the arboretum, and going on the train into Chicago."<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp9%3A%3A%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3C26%3B664%3A335nu0mrj"><img style="width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp9%3A%3A%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3C26%3B664%3A335nu0mrj" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1e.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp99%3A%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3C26%3A4%3B8%3A335nu0mrj"> <img style="width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://images1e.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp99%3A%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3C26%3A4%3B8%3A335nu0mrj" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">On top of all that, Julie has another "other" job as a book designer. She was trained as an illustrator, but her entire career has been spent designing books for Tyndale House Publishers, Zondervan, and Willow Creek Association.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1e.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp9%3A2%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3C26%3B664%3B335nu0mrj"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://images1e.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp9%3A2%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3C26%3B664%3B335nu0mrj" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp9%3A%3A%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3C26%3A4%3B8%3B335nu0mrj"> <img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp9%3A%3A%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3C26%3A4%3B8%3B335nu0mrj" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />Some of you, my readers, may have heard the BIG titles that she has worked on: the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Box-Set-Left-Behind-Books/dp/B000YJAJIU/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1261173315&sr=1-2">Left Behind</a> series by Tim LaHaye & Jerry B. Jenkins (creating books 4-12), <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bringing-Up-Boys-James-Dobson/dp/1414304501/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1261173289&sr=1-1">Bringing Up Boys</a> by Dr. Dobson (and she just finished Bringing up Girls!).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61wS59p7doL._SL500_AA240_.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 240px;" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61wS59p7doL._SL500_AA240_.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />However, Julie's all time project was designing <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Storybook-Bible-Every-Whispers/dp/0310708257">The Jesus Storybook Bible</a> <--that is the Bible that our church uses in Sunday School. It is GREAT! <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Seen and heard enough that you want to go out and buy a print right now?! </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">BUY IT!</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">You can find on <a href="http://lifeverse.etsy.com/">Life Verse Design</a> Etsy. These are great gifts for new parents, long-time or new Christians, teachers, and friends looking to be inspired!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">WIN IT!</span><br /><br />Julie is generously giving away one <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">free 8x10 print of the winner's choice</span>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Winner!<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuBUFJuOmbxtYmPqEBCXuyFa2bvh-nYkuYTrS6luC8WxldAofOP4O952bByBwsN-F80iVVWIq76986VQvBKj21XbmpMPy_wZfg7Hnfav4h_QQT-p0l5G7XZKHUUpLHUrOc6aMFOJhtlx8/s1600-h/Life+Verse+Design.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 158px; height: 183px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuBUFJuOmbxtYmPqEBCXuyFa2bvh-nYkuYTrS6luC8WxldAofOP4O952bByBwsN-F80iVVWIq76986VQvBKj21XbmpMPy_wZfg7Hnfav4h_QQT-p0l5G7XZKHUUpLHUrOc6aMFOJhtlx8/s200/Life+Verse+Design.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423794889691489858" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><dl id="comments-block"><dt class="comment-author" id="comment-503377873445818286" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="profile/06169045344677178001" rel="nofollow">Mrs. McFadden </a> said... <span class="numberingcomments" style="float: right; font-size: 20px;"> <a href="http://monkeys-on-the-bed.blogspot.com/2009/12/this-weeks-giveaway-truly-is-fabulous.html?showComment=1261188455780#c503377873445818286" title="Comment Link"> <script type="text/javascript"> CommentsCounter=CommentsCounter+1; document.write(CommentsCounter) </script>13 </a> </span> </dt><dd style="text-align: justify;" class="comment-body"> <p>ordered 4</p> </dd><dd class="comment-footer"><span class="comment-timestamp"> </span><br /></dd></dl><br /></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Congratulations!<br /><br /></div></div>the monkeys' mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00109553147883049597noreply@blogger.com50tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470989822591659833.post-90186399305595529632009-12-17T22:39:00.004-05:002009-12-18T00:02:33.969-05:00Thankful Thursday!<div style="text-align: center;">Well, my friends, it has been another week! Time flies!<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />I don't want to skip a week's worth of thankfulness but I also want to jump into bed so this will be a short and sweet list this week....but...<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">PLEASE feel free to add something (or many things!) that you are thankful for!</span><br /></div><br />1) My cousin came home today! He is a Ranger in the Army who was serving in Afghanistan. While I'm sad to report this last deployment of his was the worst one yet (in terms of losses and injuries), I'm SO thankful God kept him safe and that he is happily (finally!) back with his beautiful wife Sara, just in time for Christmas. BONUS--we get to see them in January!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs022.snc3/10938_511754953171_136000692_30494265_2345661_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 436px; height: 604px;" src="http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs022.snc3/10938_511754953171_136000692_30494265_2345661_n.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />2) J came home tonight! I'm weekly thankful for Thursdays since these are the days that J returns home from his 4-day week away. It is SO nice to be in his company again.<br /><br />3) Cutie Face got sick on Tuesday but, as of this evening, seems to be on the mend already! YAY! So thankful that this sickness seems to be short-lived!<br /><br />4) Being able to attend two Christmas parties this past weekend. Here is a nice pic (ha!) of us at the end of a looong but very fun evening (approximately 1 AM)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp9%3A7%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3B%3B3%3B73%3B2335nu0mrj"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 338px;" src="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp9%3A7%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3B%3B3%3B73%3B2335nu0mrj" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />5) One-on-One time with just me and J for 24 (yes! twenty-four!!!) hours. (we love self-portraits)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1e.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp9%3A3%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3B%3B3%3B736%3A335nu0mrj"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 599px;" src="http://images1e.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp9%3A3%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3B%3B3%3B736%3A335nu0mrj" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />6) Being able to leave Cutie Face with my parents (and her cousins!) Thanks Mom and Dad!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images5b.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp63257%3Enu%3D3264%3E9%3C2%3E9%3A5%3EWSNRCG%3D338%3A%3B364%3A%3A32%3Bnu0mrj"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 337px;" src="http://images5b.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp63257%3Enu%3D3264%3E9%3C2%3E9%3A5%3EWSNRCG%3D338%3A%3B364%3A%3A32%3Bnu0mrj" alt="" border="0" /></a>She really loves her new cousin Sweet Pea!<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images5b.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp63256%3Enu%3D3264%3E9%3C2%3E9%3A5%3EWSNRCG%3D338%3A%3B39%3B%3C%3B32%3Bnu0mrj"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 448px; height: 336px;" src="http://images5b.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp63256%3Enu%3D3264%3E9%3C2%3E9%3A5%3EWSNRCG%3D338%3A%3B39%3B%3C%3B32%3Bnu0mrj" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />7) A fun package arrived in the mail this week from <a href="http://www.musselmans.com/">Musselman's Applesauce </a>company! It was SO incredible to receive their delicious applesauce (we even got to sample three of their super-healthy <a href="http://www.musselmans.com/TotallyFruit.aspx">fruit-infused flavors</a>-my favorite being peach-it is like having dessert without the guilt!) and a few other products from their parent company. What a great treat! SO thankful for that little pick me up!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1e.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp99%3B%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3C25848%3B5335nu0mrj"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 600px;" src="http://images1e.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp99%3B%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3C25848%3B5335nu0mrj" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />8) I've actually been MIA on the blog and internet world lately. I'm thankful that I've taken nearly a week off from the web and not felt guilty about it (usually i feel this immense pressure to be in the know with what is going on with all my bloggy and twitter and facebook friends that i stay up crazy late browsing, perusing, reading, and clicking...it was a nice change of pace NOT to be doing that and to NOT feel badly about missing out....but I do promise to catch up with y'all soon!)<br /><br />9) I won an awesome book (One Wintry Night) from <a href="http://roofwithaview.blogspot.com/2009/12/train-up-tuesday-book-give-away-jesse.html">Roof With a View</a>. I cannot wait to read it to Cutie Face!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxwUt24usvWQVYcMaAr6uA4ZXPU6iaB9wNa6_kxlZzFWSXK6-DAy1kDMnORaFJnmrVJfDAtRtXDpApBtxxaYFBx0V99ZHw__NJu4enWrLIQQ2JXvP6JzAjblaDsKCBGlVJq1W1tL5l3TI/s320/IMG_5416.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 252px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxwUt24usvWQVYcMaAr6uA4ZXPU6iaB9wNa6_kxlZzFWSXK6-DAy1kDMnORaFJnmrVJfDAtRtXDpApBtxxaYFBx0V99ZHw__NJu4enWrLIQQ2JXvP6JzAjblaDsKCBGlVJq1W1tL5l3TI/s320/IMG_5416.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />10) Christmas Cards! I LOVE getting picture Christmas cards in the mail! And regular cards! Really, getting mail is an awesome daily highlight for me and Cutie Face...it is just a HUGE bonus when we get real mail and even better when we get Christmas cards!<br /><br />11) For a girl after her mama and daddy's hearts--she reads ALL the time and loves it--in the car, in bed, you name it, if there is a book she is all about it!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp8%3C8%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3B%3B3%3B7366335nu0mrj"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 339px;" src="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp8%3C8%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3B%3B3%3B7366335nu0mrj" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1e.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp99%3A%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3C258489%3A335nu0mrj"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 338px;" src="http://images1e.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp99%3A%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3C258489%3A335nu0mrj" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />12) It seems i have a lot to be thankful for this week! Last one--Christmas Carols and Songs--EVERYWHERE. I love hearing news of Jesus' birth proclaimed in malls, stores, and even the airport (here is Cutie Face watching a trio sing in the airport atrium while we waited for J to arrive--she, too, seems very thankful for the songs--or at least the entertainment!)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1e.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp996%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3C25848%3A9335nu0mrj"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 337px;" src="http://images1e.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp996%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3C25848%3A9335nu0mrj" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Okay that about does it for me! What about you?</span><br /><br /><br /></div></div>the monkeys' mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00109553147883049597noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470989822591659833.post-69486197923369643422009-12-16T08:41:00.000-05:002009-12-16T22:36:28.432-05:00W.o.G. Wednesday: James 1:22-25<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=james%201:22-25&version=NIV">James 1: 22-25</a><br /></div><br /><div class="result-text-style-normal"> <p> </p><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote>Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like but the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.</blockquote></div><p></p></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I've recently been reminder of how very FALLEN I am.<br /><br />This week, our sermon was about building your house on the rocks vs. the send. And how easy it is to pay lip service to our God but not DO them. Faith without Works is D-E-A-D dead. And works done for others and not for God...well, that doesn't count either!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I've been convicted and humbled by reading many God-inspired stories on your blogs (like <a href="http://thestanleyclan.blogspot.com/2009/12/one-very-cold-night.html">Becca</a>'s and <a href="http://thestanleyclan.blogspot.com/2009/12/one-very-cold-night.html">Melissa</a>'s).<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />And then many of YOU awesome readers left some INCREDIBLE comments on <a href="http://monkeys-on-the-bed.blogspot.com/2009/12/tutorial-tuesday-you-tell-me-holiday.html">yesterday's post</a>--listing your meaningful Christmas traditions that revolve around service and focusing on Christ's coming.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote style="font-style: italic;">Me? Well, I can easily hide behind another Word of God (W.o.G.) post, throw up a relevant Advent verse and move on, not letting myself dwell on how lacking (in growth and zeal, among other things) my spiritual life has been lately.<br /></blockquote></div><br />You see, I've been caught up in the season of <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">busyness </span>and am incredibly ashamed to admit that I've let the meaning of Christmas slip by while I was occupied buying gifts, worrying about moving, trying to stay healthy (but failing! we're still sick!) and planning my holiday schedule...all without taking time to schedule a REAL quiet time to reflect on what this Christmas season brings.<br /><br /><blockquote style="font-style: italic;">In fact, I'll even admit that I let my daily devotional lapse thinking that it could be on my 2010 New Year's Resolution list.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Yes. Seriously! how bad is that?!?!<br /></div></blockquote><br />I've pushed away Christ in the midst of HIS season--where He came to be a Light to the World, I've snuffed it out so that I could focus on getting tasks accomplished.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lavistachurchofchrist.org/Pictures/Jesus%27%20Childhood/images/the_story_of_the_birth_of_jesus.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 532px;" src="http://lavistachurchofchrist.org/Pictures/Jesus%27%20Childhood/images/the_story_of_the_birth_of_jesus.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">BUT, there is HOPE!<br /><br />Christ DID Come for us!<br /><br />He DID die for us!<br /><br />And it is NEVER too late to celebrate His coming or accept His sacrificial gift!<br /></div><br />And here is a celebratory Christmas Hymn to go along with that!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Good Christian Men Rejoice<br /></span>(meant to be sung with enthusiasm! Christ has come to SAVE us! AMEN!)<br /></div><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><br />Good Christian men <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">rejoice</span><br />With heart and soul and voice!<br />Give ye heed to what we say<br />News! News!<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Jesus Christ is born today!</span><br />Ox and ass before Him bow<br />And He is in the manger now<br />Christ is born today!<br />Christ is born today!<br /><br />Good Christian men, rejoice<br />With heart and soul and voice<br />Now ye hear of endless bliss<br />Joy! Joy!<br />Jesus Christ was born for this<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">He hath ope'd the heav'nly door</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">And man is blessed evermore</span><br />Christ was born for this<br />Christ was born for this<br /><br />Good Christian men, rejoice<br />With heart and soul and voice<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Now ye need not fear the grave:</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Peace! Peace!</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Jesus Christ was born to save</span><br />Calls you one and calls you all<br />To gain His everlasting hall<br />Christ was born to save<br />Christ was born to save</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></div>the monkeys' mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00109553147883049597noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470989822591659833.post-3427001738285669302009-12-15T19:53:00.004-05:002009-12-15T19:58:34.197-05:00oh my!<div style="text-align: center;"><br />I'm sorry for doing so many double posts these days...<br /><br />BUT...<br /><br />I was talking to <a href="http://babculbygrows.blogspot.com/">the twin</a> about the "<a href="http://monkeys-on-the-bed.blogspot.com/2009/11/tutorial-tuesday-breakfast-while-you.html">Breakfast While You Sleep</a>" tutorial tonight...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">she needed the recipe but couldn't access her computer so I was reading it outloud to her...<br /></div><br />when I realized...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Oh MY</span>!<br /><br />I left out the <span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >VANILLA</span> in the <a href="http://monkeys-on-the-bed.blogspot.com/2009/11/tutorial-tuesday-breakfast-while-you.html">recipe</a> ingredients!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">In my opinion, the <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">VANILLA</span></span> is what makes <a href="http://monkeys-on-the-bed.blogspot.com/2009/11/tutorial-tuesday-breakfast-while-you.html">this recipe</a> delicious! So, if you've made <a href="http://monkeys-on-the-bed.blogspot.com/2009/11/tutorial-tuesday-breakfast-while-you.html">this recipe</a> and didn't love it, you MUST try it again and add the vanilla this time. SOOOOO much better!<br /></div><br />I'm sorry for leading you astray!<br /><br /></div>the monkeys' mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00109553147883049597noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470989822591659833.post-57276589164060345652009-12-15T00:03:00.003-05:002009-12-15T00:16:31.743-05:00Tutorial Tuesday: You-Tell-Me: Holiday Traditions<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3311/3609819998_5eae6540df_o.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3311/3609819998_5eae6540df_o.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I know this is going to sound redundant but...my phone appears to be a little on the fritz today...which means that tutorial Tuesday pictures were not taken (as my camera died about a month ago my phone has been serving dual purposes).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">So, I'm going to plan "B"...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">In the past, I've loved doing these "You-Tell-Me" Tutorials because you all have such GREAT insights, tips, advice, and comments.<br /><br />Cutie Face was 4-months old when Christmas came last year. We didn't really do anything special for her since she was so young. No traditions were started and, thus, nothing was continued this year.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I'd really like that to change.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">For next year, I'm already planning on doing the <a href="http://buildingwiththreads.blogspot.com/2009/11/celebrating-advent-jesse-tree.html">Jesse Tree advent calendar</a> (thanks <a href="http://buildingwiththreads.blogspot.com/2009/11/celebrating-advent-jesse-tree.html">Lauren</a>!!!) with the two kiddos (yikes! we'll have an almost one-year-old by Christmas 2010!).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">BUT<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I long to create our own family traditions...with tips from y'all!<br /></div></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">So, here are my questions:</span><br /><br /></div><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>What traditions have you started with your family for Christmas (or another holiday that you celebrate--Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, etc.)?</li></ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>No family yet? What traditions did you cherish with your family when you were growing up?</li></ul><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>What traditions have you heard about that you want to incorporate next year?</li></ul><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;">and one last one to grow on:<br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What do you do to make this season SPECIAL?</span> this can be:<br /><ul><li>how you decorate,<br /></li><li>where you go to see Santa</li><li>special places you visit to shop, see lights, etc.<br /></li><li>what special movies and music you play (or radio station you listen to),<br /></li><li>the holiday (from Thanksgiving-New Year's) foods you make/eat/consume,<br /></li><li>the parties you throw,</li><li><span style="font-style: italic;">SOMETHING YOU DO FOR YOUR COMMUNITY</span> (I'm especially interested in this one!)<br /></li></ul>etc, etc.--i want to hear about them!<br /><br />I can't wait to hear your ideas!<br /><br /><br /></div></div></div>the monkeys' mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00109553147883049597noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470989822591659833.post-16737602324687635572009-12-14T21:17:00.003-05:002009-12-14T21:22:24.323-05:00Project320<div style="text-align: center;">Have you heard the buzz?<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Amazing Crafters are going to <a href="http://mycharitywater.org/p/campaign?campaign_id=1929">build a well</a>.<br /><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">YOU</span></span> are going to <a href="http://mycharitywater.org/p/campaign?campaign_id=1929">build a well</a>.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLJY0mHYWi6YGYBZERIk-4ryqT2DVcN-F0-0DFGIJ8RtCRkGhIC8qFDI1_WmphQRlkISBETmkcNHTxqxrllzOrHKVDsNTtZpd6HBW6KghEucD-JWz5zfVuZdKqatJriHj3DW0rw562xuA3/s1600-h/charitywater17.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 272px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLJY0mHYWi6YGYBZERIk-4ryqT2DVcN-F0-0DFGIJ8RtCRkGhIC8qFDI1_WmphQRlkISBETmkcNHTxqxrllzOrHKVDsNTtZpd6HBW6KghEucD-JWz5zfVuZdKqatJriHj3DW0rw562xuA3/s400/charitywater17.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410811849592834530" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">(</span><a href="http://jodyrlanders.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">photo courtesy of Jody Landers</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">)</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Because the crafters can.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Because you can.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">How?</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Right now sweet, generous, creative and caring women from all over the country are sewing, knitting, painting, shopping, blogging, praying.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Donating.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Over 100 items.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Handmade and heartfelt happiness.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Starting</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span style="font-weight: bold;">December 14th</span><br />(TODAY!!!)<br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">and ending</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">December 18th</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Project 320</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">will be holding a virtual raffle.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">10 prize bundles.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><a href="http://mycharitywater.org/p/campaign?campaign_id=1929">Each $10 donation to the well</a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">earns one virtual ticket.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">You get to choose how many "tickets" to buy </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">and which prize package you want to win.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">On December 21st we will "draw" ten winners.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">But most of all, </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">we will celebrate the victory.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">The promise of clean water for a village.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Life.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Are you excited?</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">You should be!!!!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Because it is going to be awesome.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Check out <a href="http://project320.blogspot.com/">today's first set of amazing bundles</a><br /><br />(20 gifts in each bundle!)</span><br /></span></span></div>the monkeys' mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00109553147883049597noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470989822591659833.post-61711134530191834272009-12-13T22:20:00.007-05:002009-12-14T00:12:07.633-05:00i ❤ faces: Pets!<div style="text-align: center;">WHOA.<br /><br />I just posted a really cute cat photo and then I saw some reallllllly reallllly cool farm animal photos.<br /><br />So, I'm changing up my entry :)<br /><br />Hey, why not?<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Back in October, we took Cutie Face to a pumpkin patch (courtesy of J's work!) and there was a petting farm there, too...I specifically took pictures of the animals thinking that they would make interesting entries for i ❤ faces one day...and that day has come!<br /><br />Here is a turkey, hiding his head, in hopes that Turkey Day would pass by him (and i wonder if it did...hmmm...)<br /><br />And, as a small fun fact to know and tell, this very much might be my FIRST entry that I didn't edit!<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.iheartfaces.com/"><img src="http://www.livinglocurto.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/125x125.jpg" /></a></center><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp9%3A%3A%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3B%3A%3B33873335nu0mrj"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 338px;" src="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp9%3A%3A%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3B%3A%3B33873335nu0mrj" alt="" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">For more adorable pet shots and interesting animal pics, visit<a href="http://iheartfaces.blogspot.com/"> i ❤ faces</a> today!<br /></div><br /><br /></div>the monkeys' mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00109553147883049597noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470989822591659833.post-61778549484196421212009-12-11T08:05:00.008-05:002009-12-26T19:46:45.042-05:00CLOSED: Fab Friday Giveaway: Peanut Feet<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/peanutfeet"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 449px; height: 59px;" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com//iusb_760x100.6286694.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">This week's giveaway is from the super fun Etsy shop <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/peanutfeet">Peanut Feet</a>!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Jill is the super sweet mom and designer behind <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/peanutfeet">Peanut Feet</a>. She is a proud Texas girl that at one time practiced interior design. While she loves working on her Etsy shop, she loves to hang out with her two curious and wonderful kids, her hard working husband and their crazy westie.<br /><br />Jill started designing socks just after her daughter was born. Her daughter had tiny "peanut feet" that just screamed for cute socks. Problem was, Jill could not find any cute socks that would stay on her feet. So, Jill purchased tiny white newborn socks and started embellishing them.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28732701"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 322px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com//il_430xN.83076296.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28732701"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">pastel double flower socks</span></span><br /></a></div><br />Aren't these cute socks? These are Jill's favorite things that she makes because these are what got <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/peanutfeet">Peanut Feet</a> started! Every mom knows that newborn babies need socks no matter the season! Why not put them in something cute?!?! And bonus--Jill makes socks in bigger sizes, too!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30712172"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 322px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com//il_430xN.89722536.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30712172">flower beaded socks</a></span><br /></div><br />The hair accessories were a natural progression from the cute flower socks! And they are equally adorable. Think how cute it would be to have your kiddo match from head to foot!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=35222068"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 456px;" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com//il_430xN.104901722.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=35222068">What is your Name? hair clippie</a><br /></span></div><br />Jill's favorite thing to make for <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/peanutfeet">Peanut Feet</a> are the wool-blend felted flowers. She then loves to attach them to everything! They are so bright and cheerful that you can't have a bad day while wearing them.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30942745"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 405px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com//il_fullxfull.90504079.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30942745">Forget Me Not flower clippies</a></span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The great thing about the felt material she uses is that it has enough stability to withstand lots of washing and comes in tons of beautiful colors. </div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30392405"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 346px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com//il_430xN.88650508.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30392405">cheerful double flower headband</a></span><br /><br />Jill even makes bibs!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25873468"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 322px;" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com//il_430xN.73494578.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25873468">Happy Heart bib</a></span><br /></div> .<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">BUY IT!</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>All of the items found in <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/peanutfeet">Peanut Feet</a> are affordable and cute! They'd make the perfect stocking stuffer or gift accessory this year!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">***Special: Now through the end of next week, Jill is offering free shipping on all items purchased from </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/peanutfeet">Peanut Feet</a><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">!***</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">WIN IT!</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-style: italic;">Jill is giving away a <span style="font-weight: bold;">$15 gift certificate to </span></span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/peanutfeet">Peanut Feet</a><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-style: italic;">!</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Congratulations commenter #85, Andrea B! </span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi81y7wzbrhbSI56slXQjaXoZpGFxIwlrXLmjuu1kj8bu9tx1X3rmMP80ve4-ZhN9zcSEHkkZdepeuHgUoXjsOGzYCSvrTyd21G7AxCO0tmg_Jocnrt8dCeNx-C-fFtp8FAStTr4kxb_ps/s1600-h/PeanutFeet.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 160px; height: 184px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi81y7wzbrhbSI56slXQjaXoZpGFxIwlrXLmjuu1kj8bu9tx1X3rmMP80ve4-ZhN9zcSEHkkZdepeuHgUoXjsOGzYCSvrTyd21G7AxCO0tmg_Jocnrt8dCeNx-C-fFtp8FAStTr4kxb_ps/s200/PeanutFeet.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419710760481920434" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Andrea, you have been contacted and have 48-hours to reply. Thanks!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></div>the monkeys' mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00109553147883049597noreply@blogger.com81tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470989822591659833.post-9718277540160918292009-12-10T23:03:00.002-05:002009-12-10T23:45:18.445-05:00Thankful Thursday: barely eeking by<div style="text-align: justify;">Today I've finally felt pregnant--in terms of emotions. I never really got the idea that pregnant women were hormonal. In fact, when I was pregnant with Cutie Face I couldn't figure out what the big deal was.<br /><br />Well, let me tell you, my emotions have run the gamut today and I'm S-P-E-N-T. Unfortunately, they all decided to wax and wane as soon as we picked J up from the airport (poor guy!) and I finally understood the pregnant power--try as I could, I just couldn't help myself!<br /><br />Then I thought...ehhh, i'll slack on my blog post today. I'm not in the mood. But then I remembered--"forcing" yourself to find 7 things to be thankful for will definitely lift my mood.<br /><br />So here I go!<br /><br />This week I was especially grateful for:<br /><br />1) A brand spankin' <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">CLEAN car</span>. We took it to the car wash for the first time in MONTHS. Poor car needed a lot of work but it looked, smelled, and felt brand new when it was done! Woo hoo! now to keep it that way...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1e.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp996%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3B966%3A2%3A9335nu0mrj"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 337px;" src="http://images1e.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp996%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3B966%3A2%3A9335nu0mrj" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />2) Getting my craft on with my twin and mom to help me! This week I made two <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Christmas shirts</span> and refashioned a t-shirt into a skirt for Cutie Face. I'm surprised myself.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp9%3A%3A%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3B99979%3C7335nu0mrj"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 600px;" src="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp9%3A%3A%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3B99979%3C7335nu0mrj" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />3) <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Friendly commenters</span>. I've been feeling the blog love lately and I really appreciate it! Thanks to all of you who take the time to comment!<br /><br />4) <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Fluffy Mail</span>! We received the pink ruffle gDiaper in the mail yesterday and I so desperately wanted it to be hot outside so Cutie Face could just wander around with a top and diaper. Sadly, it was a bit too cold for that but that didn't stop me from letting her parade around in her new diaper at home!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1e.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp997%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3B998%3C5%3A9335nu0mrj"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 600px;" src="http://images1e.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp997%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3B998%3C5%3A9335nu0mrj" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />5) We are still looking for a new place to move into...in 4 weeks. We've been praying about it a lot and have received some very firm "Nos" and doors closing (two places we really liked both went off the market and not because they were rented by someone else! strange circumstances that clearly indicated God did not want us in either apartment!). <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">An answer to prayer</span> is an answer even if it is a no and we're thankful for that!<br /><br />6) J came <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">home</span>! And he brought me <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">candy</span>! and he let me cry about my frustrations/thanks mentioned in #5<br /><br />7) <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">a very happy and content and funny and (so far) obedient daughter who LOVES babies</span> (and puppies). She is the best and I'm thankful for my fun companion every day! (us in the Publix bathroom. This pregnant mama had to make a pit stop during our errand "walk" today!)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp9%3B3%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3ESNRCG%3D32%3B998%3C5%3B4335nu0mrj"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 600px;" src="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp9%3B3%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3B998%3C5%3B4335nu0mrj" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />8)<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);"> Christmas decorations and music</span> that bring me (and Cutie Face!) great joy and peace and happiness.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1e.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp995%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3B99979%3C%3B335nu0mrj"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 600px;" src="http://images1e.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp995%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3B99979%3C%3B335nu0mrj" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />9) Cutie Face has <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">not been sick for more than two weeks</span>--no runny nose, no nothing! Hallelujah! That could all change since I took her to the {potentially germy} playground in 38 degree weather today...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp938%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3B9997%3A42335nu0mrj"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 600px;" src="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp938%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3B9997%3A42335nu0mrj" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1e.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp99%3A%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3B9997%3A33335nu0mrj"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 337px;" src="http://images1e.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp99%3A%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3B9997%3A33335nu0mrj" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />10) <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">BONUS</span>! (<span style="font-style: italic;">note: i'm not being paid or compensated for writing this last one--its just very true and makes me very thankful!</span>) the camera on my iPhone takes <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">decent pictures</span> and a <span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0); font-weight: bold;">free online photo editor</span> (<a href="http://picnik.com/">Picnik</a>) makes them better. I'd seriously be soooo sad if I didn't have either of these tools to document Cutie Face's life...especially since our camera has been broken for a MONTH!<br /><br />Here are three pictures <span style="font-weight: bold;">from today</span> (first two edited with Picnik and lasst one SOOC) that make me laugh and thankful:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp8%3C6%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3B998%3C7%3B8335nu0mrj"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 600px;" src="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp8%3C6%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3B998%3C7%3B8335nu0mrj" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1e.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp998%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3B9994%3B%3A4335nu0mrj"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 600px;" src="http://images1e.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp998%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3B9994%3B%3A4335nu0mrj" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp8%3C7%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3B998%3C5%3B6335nu0mrj"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 600px;" src="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp8%3C7%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3B998%3C5%3B6335nu0mrj" alt="" border="0" /></a>Phew! I feel better now, how about you?<br /><br />I hope you take a few minutes during this busy season to recall a few things you were thankful for this week!<br /><br /></div><br /></div>the monkeys' mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00109553147883049597noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470989822591659833.post-43076019430884795072009-12-09T10:16:00.003-05:002009-12-09T10:49:11.438-05:00W.o.G. Wednesday: Hark the Herald Angels Sing!<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://renaissanceguy.files.wordpress.com/2007/12/angels.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 558px;" src="http://renaissanceguy.files.wordpress.com/2007/12/angels.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>When I was driving to my Cross-Country race on Saturday morning, I was listening to Christmas music. "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" came on and I couldn't get enough of it. I kept hitting repeat and belting out the words. It was a great praise time, just me and this hymn. I knew right then that I wanted to make it my Word of God post and incorporate verses with it.<br /><br />The first verse alone has soooo many Biblical reference verses that we could be listing them for hours. Here is a sampling, though (click on the verses to read them on Bible Gateway)<br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote>Hark the herald angels sing<br /><div style="text-align: right;">{<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%202:10&version=NIV"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Luke 2:10</span></a>}<br /></div>"Glory to the newborn King!<br /><div style="text-align: right;">{<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%202:14;%201:78&version=NIV"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Luke 2:14; 1:78</span></a>}</div>Peace on earth and mercy mild<br />God and sinners reconciled"<br /><div style="text-align: right;">{<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%205:18-21;%20Colossians%201:20-22&version=NIV"><span style="font-weight: bold;">2 Corinthians 5:18-21; Colossians 1:20-22</span></a>}</div>Joyful, all ye nations rise<br /><div style="text-align: right;">{<a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%2021:24;%20Haggai%202:6-7&version=NIV">Revelation 21:24; Haggai 2:6-7</a>}</div>Join the triumph of the skies<br />With the angelic host proclaim:<br />"Christ is born in Bethlehem"<br /><div style="text-align: right;">{<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%202:10-11;%20Matthew%201:4-6;%20Micah%205:2&version=NIV"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Luke 2:10-11; Matthew 1:4-6; Micah 5:2</span></a>}<br /></div>Hark! The herald angels sing<br />"Glory to the newborn King!"<br /><div style="text-align: right;">{<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%202:2&version=NIV"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Matthew 2:2</span></a>}</div><br />Christ by highest heav'n adored<br />Christ the everlasting Lord!<br />Late in time behold Him come<br />Offspring of a Virgin's womb<br />Veiled in flesh the Godhead see<br />Hail the incarnate Deity<br />Pleased as man with man to dwell<br />Jesus, our Emmanuel<br />Hark! The herald angels sing<br />"Glory to the newborn King!"<br /><br />Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace!<br />Hail the Son of Righteousness!<br />Light and life to all He brings<br />Ris'n with healing in His wings<br />Mild He lays His glory by<br />Born that man no more may die<br />Born to raise the sons of earth<br />Born to give them second birth<br />Hark! The herald angels sing<br />"Glory to the newborn King!"</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>The last verse can pretty much be summed up by the ubiquitous Bible Verse seen everywhere. But oh! how true it is:<br /><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%203:16&version=NIV">John 3:16</a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."</span></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Below is a video of the "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" version I had on Repeat for about 20 minutes. LOVED it. Do yourself a favor and listen to it--guaranteed to boost your spirits and remind you why we are celebrating this season!<br /></div><br /><center><object width="445" height="364"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/PKHVBC-Td_E&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/PKHVBC-Td_E&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="445" height="364"></embed></object></center><br /></div>the monkeys' mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00109553147883049597noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470989822591659833.post-38429311752877446042009-12-08T09:28:00.005-05:002009-12-09T16:00:20.635-05:00Tutorial Tuesday: {Foot and Hands} Reindeer Shirt<div style="text-align: justify;">Cutie Face has lots of beautiful Christmas dresses but doesn't own any Christmas or Holiday shirts. That all changed yesterday!<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3311/3609819998_5eae6540df_o.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3311/3609819998_5eae6540df_o.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a>I made a super cute shirt off of another blog tutorial--scroll to the very end to see it! For my Tutorial, though, I wanted to make a Reindeer shirt using Cutie Face's hands and feet as the template.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Side Note</span>: I think that you can make a lot of cute Reindeer shirts using templates, etc. but it is <span style="font-weight: bold;">SO NEAT</span> to use your kiddo's hands and feet because then you can always look back on this shirt and see how small they used to be! And, if you keep the shirt for a long time, you can eventually pass it along to their children--how cool would that be for them to wear their mom or dad's hands and feet!</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">What you'll need:</div><blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><ul><li>Your toddler's hands and feet</li><li>Felt in brown, red and white</li><li>Googly eyes (or buttons to make the eyes or just more felt!)</li><li>For a girl: a bow is a MUST so ribbon for a bow</li><li>Stitch Witchery</li><li>Iron</li><li>Sewing Machine (or your own hand sewing would work fine, too!)</li><li>Glue gun for adhering the eyes<br /></li><li>T-shirt in any color</li></ul></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 1</span>: Trace your child's hand and foot onto the felt that you want to use for the body of the reindeer. Cutie Face wouldn't stay still long enough for me to take a picture AND trace so no picture! sorry!<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />Step 2:</span> Cut out two of the hands and one foot, two circles for the eyes and two hearts for the mouth. If you are making this for a boy, you might want to make circular mouths. This is what you should have:<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp9%3A%3A%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3B8988675335nu0mrj"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 337px;" src="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp9%3A%3A%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3B8988675335nu0mrj" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 3</span>: Figure out the placement of your hands, foot, etc. on the t-shirt:<br /><div style="text-align: justify;"> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1e.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp99%3A%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3B89863%3A3335nu0mrj"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 600px;" src="http://images1e.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp99%3A%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3B89863%3A3335nu0mrj" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 4</span>: Use Stitch Witchery or any other fabric fuser, to fuse the elements together. Then stitch witch (is that a verb? hmmm. It is now!) the Reindeer onto the shirt. This is a MUST for me as I'm a rotten sewer!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1e.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp997%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3B89863%3A7335nu0mrj"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 337px;" src="http://images1e.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp997%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3B89863%3A7335nu0mrj" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 5</span>: {OPTIONAL} Don't break your mother's sewing machine while you are visiting her. And certainly don't scare her by taking a screwdriver to it! Just document it with pictures and tell her later (or when you can't figure out how to fix it...then ask for help! THANKS MOM!):<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp8%3C6%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3B89863%3A%3A335nu0mrj"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 337px;" src="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp8%3C6%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3B89863%3A%3A335nu0mrj" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 6</span>: Applique the felt pieces together. First do the small inside pieces, then work your way out, eventually appliquing the whole Reindeer onto the shirt (as a rotten sewer, i used all my concentration to applique and forgot to take a picture after this one! but you get the point):<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp9%3A%3A%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3B89863%3B2335nu0mrj"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 337px;" src="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp9%3A%3A%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3B89863%3B2335nu0mrj" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 7</span>: Once everything is sewn in place, determine where you would like to place your googly eyes and bow (optional!)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1e.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp995%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3B89863%3B3335nu0mrj"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 337px;" src="http://images1e.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp995%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3B89863%3B3335nu0mrj" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 8</span>: Glue the eyes and bow in place with a hotglue gun:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp936%3Enu%3D32%3B8%3E85%3A%3E647%3E23%3A985%3A738244ot1lsi"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 600px;" src="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp936%3Enu%3D32%3B8%3E85%3A%3E647%3E23%3A985%3A738244ot1lsi" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 9</span>: Step back and admire your finished product!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp9%3B2%3Enu%3D32%3B8%3E85%3A%3E643%3E23%3A985%3A734244ot1lsi"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 600px;" src="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp9%3B2%3Enu%3D32%3B8%3E85%3A%3E643%3E23%3A985%3A734244ot1lsi" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 10</span>: Put it on your kiddo and take lots of pictures of them looking goofy in their new shirt (Cutie Face actually really really loved this shirt and kept wanting to feel the eyes and bow and then look in the mirror. Success!)<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1e.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp9%3A2%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3B89863%3B7335nu0mrj"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 600px;" src="http://images1e.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp9%3A2%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3B89863%3B7335nu0mrj" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Again, I just LOVE that these are her hands and footprint--I can't wait to see how much they'll grow by next year! Perhpas we'll be making this a yearly tradition!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">***<span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Updated</span>*** My friend, <a href="http://mindyourmillers.blogspot.com">Kim</a>, came up with the genius idea to make these for several years and turn them into a quilt for the kids to snuggle up with during the Christmas season. And, my mom-in-law suggested that I turn it into a pillow and send it to her :) So the options are endless with this craft! </span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">*********************<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I was very inspired by this adorable <a href="http://paigeandbrooke.blogspot.com/2009/12/christmas-tree-shirt.html">Christmas Tree shirt</a> that Paige and Brooke <a href="http://paigeandbrooke.blogspot.com/2009/12/christmas-tree-shirt.html">blogged about</a> last week. SOOO cute.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8XwkVIbPZq6DSqYIlVs9Hj9-TDQ4utwf4scbOqei4fK8DklxELdDckVdMwSRkYmWlbfumdHrCdTx9g_b4kWcO5YLGgFZG1ZY-akshYR1G6UpMROkbFPEUhbgmEsC4FNp_GLBNW02sIbn5/s640/shirtblog.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 226px; height: 301px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8XwkVIbPZq6DSqYIlVs9Hj9-TDQ4utwf4scbOqei4fK8DklxELdDckVdMwSRkYmWlbfumdHrCdTx9g_b4kWcO5YLGgFZG1ZY-akshYR1G6UpMROkbFPEUhbgmEsC4FNp_GLBNW02sIbn5/s640/shirtblog.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">So I decided to make one for Cutie Face (BAD photo quality! sorry!:<br /></div></div></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp9%3A9%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3B8995533335nu0mrj"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 300px;" src="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp9%3A9%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3B8995533335nu0mrj" alt="" border="0" /></a>Many many special thanks to <a href="http://babyculbygrows.blogspot.com/">the Twin</a> for actually doing the sewing for me on that one! I couldn't do the straight edge...yeah...reason #101 why she has an <a href="http://festivefrills.etsy.com/">Etsy store</a> and I don't!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">*********************<br /></div><br /><br /></div>the monkeys' mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00109553147883049597noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470989822591659833.post-11779738930431782762009-12-06T16:09:00.007-05:002009-12-07T00:50:07.129-05:00I ❤ Faces: Sweet Dreams!<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">awwwwww</span></span><br /><br />{<span style="font-style: italic;">I can just imagine...</span>}<br />all the precious tiny sleepy newborn photos that we'll get to see this week!<br /><br />{<span style="font-style: italic;">I am excited because...</span>}<br />I will have my own newborn to take sleepy photos of in less than 10 weeks!<br /><br />for now, though...we get Cutie Face!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">This morning (Sunday) I woke up <span style="font-weight: bold;">S-I-C-K</span> and couldn't fathom staying awake for more than 2 hours. But I had a Cutie Face to contend with so my logical mind decided to take her back to bed with me and see if she could take an early nap (9:15 AM!).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">J, of course, was <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">STILL</span> sleeping<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Sadly, I couldn't fall asleep for the life of me. The babe inside was kicking like crazy and my mind was just as active. Cutie Face fell right asleep, though (amazing!), and I just stared at the two loves of my lives.<br /><br />Finally, I got up, grabbed my <span style="font-style: italic;">phone</span>, and started snapping pictures of them asleep on our bed. I thought about getting a two-for shot with J's face too...nahh. But, this view, my friends is one reason why I couldn't fall asleep (I was gazing at the cuteness that I love!):<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.iheartfaces.com/"><img src="http://www.livinglocurto.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/125x125.jpg" /></a></center><br /><br /></div></div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp9%3A7%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3B7%3C45%3B45335nu0mrj"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 338px;" src="http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp9%3A7%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3B7%3C45%3B45335nu0mrj" alt="" border="0" /></a>We all eventually fell asleep and didn't wake up until 10:45...<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">BUMMER</span><br />that meant we totally slept through the beginning of church.<br /><br />{At least we can listen to the sermon online!}<br /><br />For more adorable sleepy-time photos, head on over to <a href="http://iheartfaces.blogspot.com/">i ❤ faces</a>!<br /><br /><br />{<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">OH! and if you want to see something incredibly uncanny, <a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" href="http://cutiefaces.blogspot.com/2009/12/sleepy.html">click here</a> to see a picture of Cutie Face at 28-weeks gestation. She looks EXACTLY the same. It's crazy talk!</span></span>}<br /><br /></div>the monkeys' mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00109553147883049597noreply@blogger.com50tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470989822591659833.post-35740354336391505732009-12-04T07:32:00.008-05:002009-12-14T23:52:44.206-05:00{Closed} Fab Friday Giveaway: Big Top Vintage<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">I am SO excited to introduce you to </span><a style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/bigtopvintage">Big Top Vintage</a><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">.<br />This fabulous Etsy store is brimming with gorgeous children's clothing & accessories made from vintage fabric and materials.</span><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/bigtopvintage"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 449px; height: 59px;" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com//iusb_760x100.6582045.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Adrienne is the amazingly talented woman behind <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/bigtopvintage">Big Top Vintage</a>. She began sewing a while ago but it was only recently that Adrienne's sister (behind the equally incredible <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/dreamchildstudio">Dream Child Studio</a>) convinced her to begin selling on Etsy. She is glad that she finally opened shop and YOU, my readers, will be glad, too, once you see the wonderful clothes she sells!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34364049"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com//il_430xN.99038024.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 407px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com//il_430xN.99038024.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com//il_430xN.99038024.jpg">Laura Gunn Lantern Bloom Knot Dress</a></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Adrienne loves crafting everything in <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/bigtopvintage">Big Top Vintage</a>, but her very favorite thing she has ever sewn was a Thanksgiving frock: the Joel Dewberry Chestnut Hill Dress. Her best selling item is the Sky Blue and Red Joel Dewberry <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=22429392">Antler Dress</a>, similar to the one you see below. The great thing about each of the items in <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/bigtopvintage">Big Top Vintage</a> is that they always turn out one of a kind because each one is made with love and care.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com//il_430xN.102001241.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 427px;" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com//il_430xN.102001241.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34364049"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Joel Dewberry Dear Valley Christmas Apron Knot Dress</span></span></a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Adrienne loves to work with cotton and experimenting with mixing textures. She is a total sensory person so everything she make needs to be soft and comfortable--perfect for kids' clothes! Making new items for <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/bigtopvintage">Big Top Vintage</a> always remains exciting--especially when she has a new pile of fabric to dig in to!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com//il_fullxfull.101617469.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 435px;" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com//il_430xN.101617469.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com//il_fullxfull.101617469.jpg">Joel Dewberry Vintage Acorn Dress</a></span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Adrienne has a beautiful four year old son who she love to spend time with. She and her husband love to take him rock climbing, snowboarding and skiing. They love living in Colorado and take advantage of all it has to offer. She also LOVES reading children's books and sometimes continues to read them even after her son falls asleep!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34934940"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 453px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com//il_430xN.103930152.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34934940"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span>vintage numbers twirl skirt</a></span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Besides the gorgeous clothing pictured above, you can also find exquisite baby and nursery accessories:<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30207895"><img style="width: 200px; height: 241px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com//il_430xN.88029880.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30398385"><img style="width: 200px; height: 173px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com//il_430xN.88671036.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30207895"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Laffey Giraffey Vintage Diaper Stacker</span></a> and the <span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30398385">Two Little Lambs vintage lap quilt</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">BUY IT!<br /><br /></span>Don't you think your favorite kiddos need some <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/bigtopvintage">Big Top Vintage</a> in their lives?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">***Special: Now through the end of next week, Adrienne is offering free shipping on all items purchased from </span><a style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/bigtopvintage">Big Top Vintage</a><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">!***</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">WIN IT!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-style: italic;">Adrienne is very generously giving away a <span style="font-weight: bold;">$35 gift certificate to </span></span><a style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/bigtopvintage">Big Top Vintage</a><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-style: italic;">!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Congratulations to Laura who won the Gift Certificate!<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Ke0n7rKhZrx0w1X8R5np-adQavZ7jtDMliUYQwMtDyn5uEkbCDvmOMzP_LSovef_euIMOGnoWcQ5HJkYTLFWNFPRgR4noWMmBxfuvh8GsAsR3I5GXvEq653f2CctOFwMtRohbLNau4w/s1600-h/BigTopVintage.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 160px; height: 188px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Ke0n7rKhZrx0w1X8R5np-adQavZ7jtDMliUYQwMtDyn5uEkbCDvmOMzP_LSovef_euIMOGnoWcQ5HJkYTLFWNFPRgR4noWMmBxfuvh8GsAsR3I5GXvEq653f2CctOFwMtRohbLNau4w/s200/BigTopVintage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415321306353140914" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><dl style="text-align: justify;" id="comments-block"><dt class="comment-author" id="comment-3914068967645907542" style="clear: both;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/00331504163459444744" rel="nofollow">Laura </a> said... <span class="numberingcomments" style="float: right;font-size:20px;" > <a href="http://monkeys-on-the-bed.blogspot.com/2009/12/fab-friday-giveaway-big-top-vintage.html?showComment=1259986104384#c3914068967645907542" title="Comment Link"> <script type="text/javascript"> CommentsCounter=CommentsCounter+1; document.write(CommentsCounter) </script>20 </a> </span> </dt><dd class="comment-body"> <p>I'm a public follower!<br /><br />lmerritt49903@gmail.com</p> </dd><dd class="comment-footer"> <span class="comment-timestamp"> <a href="http://monkeys-on-the-bed.blogspot.com/2009/12/fab-friday-giveaway-big-top-vintage.html?showComment=1259986104384#c3914068967645907542" title="comment permalink"> December 4, 2009 11:08 PM </a><span class="item-control blog-admin pid-2011768236"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/delete-comment.g?blogID=6470989822591659833&postID=3914068967645907542" title="Delete Comment"> </a> </span> </span> </dd></dl><br /></div></div></div>the monkeys' mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00109553147883049597noreply@blogger.com154tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470989822591659833.post-34338587275891951302009-12-03T18:06:00.003-05:002009-12-03T18:50:04.528-05:00Thankful Thursday! Already!<div style="text-align: center;">Ummm ...<br /><br />Can anyone believe that<br /><br />1) it has been a <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">WEEK</span> since Thanksgiving<br /><br />and<br /><br />2) it is <span style="font-style: italic;">December</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">THIRD</span>?<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">oh my<br /><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Well, back to reality! It IS Thursday and it IS time for Thankfulness! I hope you all will chime in with what you are thankful for this first week of December!<br /></div><br />This week I am thankful for...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">1. My new niece (known to the blog world as "<a href="http://babyculbygrows.blogspot.com">Sweet Pea</a>")<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procsrserv/47b9cc20b3127cce985483a69fdb00000010100AbNG7Nk3bs2Tg/cwvDm9asA3Lw9ZsWobl5etGTAA"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 315px; height: 420px;" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procsrserv/47b9cc20b3127cce985483a69fdb00000010100AbNG7Nk3bs2Tg/cwvDm9asA3Lw9ZsWobl5etGTAA" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />2. That I was in the hospital when Sweet Pea was born!!! (me and my mom about 30 minutes after she arrived...at 3 AM...!!!)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procsrserv/47b9cc20b3127cce985483cb1e8600000010100AbNG7Nk3bs2Tg/cwvDm9asA3Lw9atmAbl5etGTDg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 337px;" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procsrserv/47b9cc20b3127cce985483cb1e8600000010100AbNG7Nk3bs2Tg/cwvDm9asA3Lw9atmAbl5etGTDg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />3. That <a href="http://cutiefaces.blogspot.com">Cutie Face had a blast with her cousin</a>, Lil Miss, while the twin was in the hospital with Sweet Pea. I could never hope for better playtimes than they had these past three days. SO precious to watch! My mom said it was like watching me and the twin when we were toddlers. (Kind of like Déjà vu all over again :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1e.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp9%3A3%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3B6863553335nu0mrj"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 598px;" src="http://images1e.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp9%3A3%3Enu%3D32%3C7%3E333%3E896%3EWSNRCG%3D32%3B6863553335nu0mrj" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />4. That I scored some AWESOME deals over Black Friday and Cyber Monday (like a new iron from Jo-Ann's and <a href="http://signingtime.com">Baby Signing Time</a> DVDs for 50% off!)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.babygeartoday.com/wp-content/2007/11/baby-gear-signing-time3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 371px; height: 531px;" src="http://www.babygeartoday.com/wp-content/2007/11/baby-gear-signing-time3.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />5. For all the <a href="http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/?cat=13">fabulous giveaways on Sew Mama Sew</a>! Have you all entered any yet?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/?cat=13"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 137px; height: 137px;" src="http://www.sewmamasew.com/media/blog/giveaway_button09.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />6. That the torrential rain actually stopped at the exact moment when I needed to transfer a sleeping Cutie Face from the car to the apartment! She didn't get wet (which is amazing considering all the rain we had on the way home!) and she stayed asleep (another miracle!) Talk about THANKFUL!<br /><br />7. That J is FINALLY coming home tonight! I haven't seen him since Sunday afternoon! sniff sniff! I've missed him--and to all you readers who have husbands that are away for extended periods of time (military, job obligations, etc.) I applaud your bravery, patience and perseverance!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">It is your turn! What are you thankful for this week?</span><br /><br /></div></div>the monkeys' mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00109553147883049597noreply@blogger.com8