tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27913524771169546912024-03-13T05:53:16.678-07:00Get Busy LivingGet Busy Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09580717415362212825noreply@blogger.comBlogger132125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791352477116954691.post-85591001122580450072014-12-27T11:04:00.000-08:002014-12-27T11:04:21.649-08:00The Wishing Tree<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K_KLaf3pzzY/VJ7_EtOZktI/AAAAAAAABPM/KsCMtlPJHoY/s1600/wishful.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K_KLaf3pzzY/VJ7_EtOZktI/AAAAAAAABPM/KsCMtlPJHoY/s1600/wishful.jpg" height="400" width="271" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #999999;">Celebrating the New Year seems like a magical way to bubble up our dreams, goals, and what we love in life. As 2015 approaches, I want to focus more on attainable goals that will really impact my life in a positive way. Out with the far-fetched resolutions that never happen (like the year I made a resolution to travel to Africa.... eventually threw that one on a lifelong bucket list). </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #999999;">Get Busy Living will be sharing some great ways to launch off the New Year with style, organization, and fun! Lets make 2015 the year we make things happen!</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #999999;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #999999;">Here's a great idea from <a href="http://creativeorganizing.typepad.com/creative_organizing/2012/01/the-wishing-tree-visualizing-our-new-years-goals.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+typepad/simplify101/creative_organizing+%28Creative+Organizing%29" target="_blank">Simplify 101</a> to decorate for the New Year and something you can keep around all year! The Wishing Tree captures all your wishes/wants for the year. This would be a fun family tradition to see what truly matters to each person. </span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #999999;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #999999;">The best part is that The Wishing Tree can be turned into a Thankful Tree during Thanksgiving time! I am all about recycling and reusing for future seasons.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #999999;"><br /></span></b>
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<i><span style="color: #e06666;"><b>What are some things you would put on your Wishing Tree?</b></span></i></div>
Get Busy Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09580717415362212825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791352477116954691.post-82748673347333398832014-12-04T23:30:00.003-08:002014-12-05T11:32:55.987-08:0012 Days of Blogger Christmas Giveaways<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3DyQ2XbqRDE/VIFZ0L3tpQI/AAAAAAAABOE/zd6ru-Q7Wpc/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3DyQ2XbqRDE/VIFZ0L3tpQI/AAAAAAAABOE/zd6ru-Q7Wpc/s1600/12.jpg" height="218" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<b> Get Busy Living is participating in the 12 Days of Blogger Christmas Giveaways. The holidays get so busy that we need something to keep the kiddos occupied at the same time. I am giving away:</b></div>
<span style="color: #990000;"><i><br /></i></span>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">A Holiday Kit for Kids</span></i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><b><i>You will receive:</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><b><i>*Gingerbread House Decorating Kit</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><b><i>*Foam Ornament Kit (makes 18 ornaments)</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-He1UbBUi8OA/VIFZ0DmWRmI/AAAAAAAABOI/3N5goFEEGTI/s1600/giveaway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-He1UbBUi8OA/VIFZ0DmWRmI/AAAAAAAABOI/3N5goFEEGTI/s1600/giveaway.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<b> A winner will be chosen on Saturday, December 13th.</b></div>
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<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="14e63af07" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/14e63af07/" id="rcwidget_8chqc6mt" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
<script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script><br />
<script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Please check out my fellow bloggers who are participating in the 12 days of Blogger Christmas Giveaways (links will be added when their giveaway item goes live!).</b></div>
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<a href="http://growingingraceandbeauty.blogspot.com/2014/12/12-days-of-christmas-giveaways.html" target="_blank">Growing in Grace and Beauty</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.atozformomslikeme.blogspot.com/2014/12/12-days-of-christmas-blogger-giveaways.html" target="_blank">A to Z for Moms Like Me</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.beingtheimperfectmom.com/" target="_blank">Being the Imperfect Mom</a> <br />
<a href="http://shoppingkim.com/12-days-of-blogger-christmas-giveaways/" target="_blank">Shopping Kim</a><br />
Simply Caribbean<br />
Travel Mamas<br />
Just Another Day in Paradise<br />
Gluten Free Anonymous<br />
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Get Busy Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09580717415362212825noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791352477116954691.post-51041953115465554722014-11-19T10:52:00.004-08:002014-11-19T10:52:44.924-08:00December Sneek-Peek <i>This is the time of year when I want to belt out in song like Julie Andrews from The Sound of Music. Snuggle in sweats and blankets while drinking hot cocoa. See all the Christmas lights and hear Christmas music everywhere (I know, we aren't even past Thanksgiving yet). It's the BEST time of year!</i><br />
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<i>As Christmas gets closer, I am becoming even more neurotic about planning and wanting to make it perfect. </i><br />
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<i>These are the things I'll be sharing with you throughout the month of December and I can't wait!!!! </i><br />
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<b><i>Here's a sneekpeek......</i></b></div>
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1. I scoured all over Pinterest to find <span style="color: red;"><span style="background-color: #38761d;">Elf on the Shelf </span></span>ideas. Then took what I liked and filled in the ideas on a calendar. Some of the ideas are acts of kindness, activities to do with my 3 year old, or to introduce Christmas to him. I'll be sharing the calendar and photos of Elf on the Shelf each week to give you all ideas.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CyEoUQ89KI4/VGzgcIiKmpI/AAAAAAAABM8/-_ezkYB4zPs/s1600/elf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CyEoUQ89KI4/VGzgcIiKmpI/AAAAAAAABM8/-_ezkYB4zPs/s1600/elf.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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2. It has taken me a LONG time to figure out what exactly to do for <span style="background-color: red;">Advent</span>. There are sooo many options for Advent. There are advents geared towards doing something everyday for the month, just counting down till Christmas, Nativity advent, and on and on and on. I'll share more about this next month after I get my items ready.<br />
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3. I really want to incorporate something related to the story of Jesus and the main reason for the season. Either I'm really picky or there's not much that caught my eye. I found a few simple ideas to share the <span style="background-color: red;"><span>Nativity</span></span> story with my son. Last year we tried <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TruthInTheTinsel" target="_blank">Truth in the Tinsel</a> but my son was a bit too little to comprehend anything and would just scribble on all the paper ornaments we were trying to make. Truth in the Tinsel may have to wait another year or two so all my organization doesn't go to waste..... I know the main thing is to get the story of Christ to be the center of it, but again, my neurotic self can't stand cutting out and collecting all the craft items and then my son has no idea what we are doing. So I have a different idea up my sleeve to focus on the Nativity story. Just waiting for Black Friday to purchase the item and then I will share what I'm thinking about ;)<br />
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And since I change my mind about 50 times, I might still do Truth in the Tinsel (especially after I just found out I won a Truth in the Tinsel busy bag giveaway...). We will see what happens. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kPsSsnam7KQ/VGzlFojOFPI/AAAAAAAABNU/zLudQcaGCiY/s1600/truth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kPsSsnam7KQ/VGzlFojOFPI/AAAAAAAABNU/zLudQcaGCiY/s1600/truth.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: #990000;">What are some things you will be doing for Christma<span style="color: black;">s?</span></span></i></b></span></div>
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<br />Get Busy Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09580717415362212825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791352477116954691.post-65962949568962687172014-11-06T16:48:00.002-08:002014-11-06T17:01:13.439-08:00The WhatIf Monster Military Challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_-wugzB61_E/VFwUQeh0YgI/AAAAAAAABMM/Jg2XWs7S4k4/s1600/military.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_-wugzB61_E/VFwUQeh0YgI/AAAAAAAABMM/Jg2XWs7S4k4/s1600/military.jpg" height="236" width="640" /></a></div>
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I am asking for your help. Our troops are coming home with high rates
of PTSD and other anxiety disorders due to time served in combat zones.
This is causing significant stress and anxiety on their families
including their children. A fellow Usborne Consultant is married to a
Wounded Warrior and has a dream. She would like to get all children of
military members a WHATIF Book and Monster.<br />
The book Jonathan James and the Whatif Monster gives an identity to anxiety and fear. Ha<span class="text_exposed_show">ving
a Whatif Monster plush empowers children to tell their fears and
anxieties to their own monsters. It can be a powerful tool for healing. -</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KI0g3Imbnfk/VFwU5INa2oI/AAAAAAAABMU/7uFmUSM3rPk/s1600/what.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KI0g3Imbnfk/VFwU5INa2oI/AAAAAAAABMU/7uFmUSM3rPk/s1600/what.jpg" /></a></div>
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--Make a monetary <a href="https://www.youcaring.com/other/whatif-military-donations/259204" target="_blank">donation</a>. 100% of the
donations, through the link, will go towards the purchase of the Whatif book and plush
monster for a military child. <br />
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--<a href="http://e4978.myubam.com/" target="_blank">Shop</a> for yourself, your children, grandchildren, gifts, etc!<br />
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Usborne Books and More has agreed to match the donations I collect with an additional 50% for these families.<br />
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Please share this opportunity with everyone that you know. We want as
many military families to be blessed with these wonderful books and
plushies as possible. And if you know of any other individuals or
corporations that would like to be involved in this event let me know!<br />
Thank you for your support and please spread the word.<br />
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I love to do fundraisers and share my love of childrens books with others. Please follow my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ReadingWithLiz" target="_blank">Facebook Page</a> for updates.</div>
Get Busy Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09580717415362212825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791352477116954691.post-43090549449410277412014-10-22T11:35:00.002-07:002014-10-22T11:35:44.284-07:00Cleaning Schedule<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have been trying to find my cleaning niche and organize a routine that works for me. With the holidays coming up, my house needs to be in tip top shape. Your routine might look different from mine, and that's okay! Do what works for you.</div>
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How to organize a month of cleaning:</div>
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1. Walk around the house and take note of urgent items that need to be fixed or focused on (ex: change air filter, fix weather stripping, fix closet knob)</div>
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2. Write down certain rooms you want to focus on during the month for P.R.O.M (Purge, Remove, Organize). Then donate the items you want to purge. I did not include a "donation day" on my calendar but figured it would happen sometime during the month. </div>
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3. Grab a <a href="http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2014/01/getting-organized-one-dayweekmonth-at-a-time-free-printable-planners.html?utm_source=getresponse&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=onegoodthing&utm_content=[[rssitem_title]]" target="_blank">printable calendar</a>, use your list, and start filling the calendar in. I try to focus on fix-ups for the weekends and pick one thing to do each day. Keep it simple so you can stick with it!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y_K3_Two4QQ/VEftsMhDbiI/AAAAAAAABKw/Dr9Ed9hjTic/s1600/KFDoc0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y_K3_Two4QQ/VEftsMhDbiI/AAAAAAAABKw/Dr9Ed9hjTic/s1600/KFDoc0002.jpg" height="640" width="464" /> </a></div>
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Not only do I want to focus on fixer-uppers in the house, but I want to keep up with everyday household cleaning too. <a href="http://www.cleanmama.net/2014/05/modern-day-homekeeping-weekly-cleaning-routine-free-printable.html" target="_blank">Clean Mama</a> has a printable that organizes daily/weekly tasks (below). This list might come in handy when a quick reference is needed. </div>
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Please share any helpful tips you have about staying organized with cleaning! We would love to hear it :)</div>
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<br />Get Busy Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09580717415362212825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791352477116954691.post-33670428633027371842014-09-22T15:37:00.001-07:002014-09-22T15:37:16.976-07:00Pen Pals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Get Busy Living is starting this season off with a bang! Introducing our new idea called "Pen Pals". I miss the days when snail mail mainly consisted of handwritten notes, not just bills. Days when it seemed slower paced and we would take the time to diligently write to a friend. Now it's about the hussle and bussle of everyday life, with no thought of hand written notes. Most of us are in the tech age and send a quick text or email to our buddies. <br />
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Well.... lets get back to simplicity! Pen Pals was designed with you in mind. I will pair you up with a partner. Write to eachother at least once a month. Keep the same partner for as long as you would like. If you love the idea you may add more pen pals to your address book. There are really no rules here! Just a way to make new friends, encourage one another, and spend some time relaxing while we write away.<br />
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With this being such a new idea, please share about it with your friends. Get Busy Living would love to get things rolling here asap. <br />
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<u>To participate</u>:<br />
-Hop onto our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/338210716339652/" target="_blank">Pen Pals</a> fb page and become a member (this is where most of the updates and news will take place)<br />
-Email your home address to me (ehermesch@gmail.com) with "Pen Pal" as the subject, and a little blurb about yourself (age, kids, hobbies, etc). <br />
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Voila! Then I will send you your partner's information.<br />
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Have fun and remember to spend time really getting to know the other person and sharing about your life. If we keep it at "hey, how are you? How's the weather?" all the time, then it really is not worthwhile (in my opinion). This is gonna be great! Lets get to snail mailin'!<br />
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Love,</div>
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Elizabeth</div>
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<br />Get Busy Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09580717415362212825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791352477116954691.post-83402774541454343042014-06-15T18:12:00.000-07:002014-06-15T18:12:18.612-07:00Love Books 2014 Summer Exchange<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Three Little Pigs</span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c;">This summer we were so excited to be part of the Love Books Summer Book Exchange for the second year in a row. It is one of our summer highlights to receive a story and activity in the mail. My 3.5 year old son was napping when the package arrived, and I could not wait to see what our partner sent us. It was exciting to get the Walt Disney vintage book of The Three Little Pigs. Our lovely partner from <a href="http://www.lovelycommotion.com/" target="_blank">Lovely Commotion</a> created the cutest activity to go along with it!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c;">Joshua LOVES vintage Disney clips so it was no surprise when he delved right into the story! I read the story of The Three Little Pigs. Then I explained that we are going to create a retelling of the story, using the crafts that our partner sent us. Joshua did a great job gluing the straw, sticks, and bricks on his paper houses. The houses were then taped onto plastic cups, and ready for our retelling!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c;">While my husband read part of the book out loud, I videotaped our son trying to "retell" the story with his stick figures. It was cute how he was trying to impersonate the wolf. "I'll huff and I'll puff, and I'll blow your house down!" Joshua started blowing on the brick house and knocked it over.... Well, it's the thought that counts and I know he truly loves this story. This was such a creative way to retell the story. I may have to do this kind of activity with other stories as well. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c;">Feel free to follow the Love Books Exchange on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/educatorsspinon/summer-book-exchange/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>! </span></div>
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<br />Get Busy Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09580717415362212825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791352477116954691.post-28685526952007145902014-03-07T13:38:00.000-08:002014-03-07T13:38:11.508-08:00Human Hamster Wheel As I was flipping through tv channels last night, I came across a news segment that caught me off guard. Two men living in a human hamster wheel for 10 days. They eat, sleep, poop, read, watch tv, etc on this wheel. <br />
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Seriously, why would anybody want to do this? I think I would last 24 hours before snapping. The biggest thing that gets me is that if one person needs to do something then it takes both of them walking in this hamster wheel to get to that object. It's like, "Dude, wake up! I gotta pee. Start walking so I can get to the bathroom." That's all I picture happening in my head in this scenario. Seems interesting but what's the point in this entire experiment? <br />
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Watch the video: <br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c;"><i><b>Would you live in a hamster wheel for 10 days? What do you think about this experiment?</b></i></span></div>
Get Busy Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09580717415362212825noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791352477116954691.post-30580984211788770252014-03-06T12:13:00.003-08:002014-03-06T12:13:29.589-08:00Love Mercy <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><i>Mercy House is in Kenya and helps provide resources for pregnant women. I
wanted to do something to help such a great organization. When I saw
that they were asking for fundraiser volunteers, I couldn't resist! </i></span> <span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><i><br /> Help them by purchasing a Love Mercy Bracelet for $10 each. 100% of the
proceeds go back to the Mercy House. I have 49 bracelets to sell and
only 20-something days to do it in! </i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><i>-Paypal ehermesch@gmail.com the $10 (add $1 if you need it shipped)</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><i>-Choose "Family/Friends" option</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><i>-In the note section, put "Mercy House"</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><i> </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><i>I will be sending a check straight to the organization at the end of the month.</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><i>Lets provide Mercy House with the support they need to speak love to the women in Africa. Every dollar counts! </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><i>*When I have a bit more time, I can go into detail about why this means so much to me. My heart always goes back to Africa when I think about traveling, if I ever adopt a child, and the African culture. <a href="http://www.mercyhousekenya.org/" target="_blank">Mercy House</a> stands for the same foundation and beliefs that I embrace too.</i></span><br />
<b><br /></b>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Love,</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Elizabeth</span></b></div>
Get Busy Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09580717415362212825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791352477116954691.post-82612666875826116182014-03-03T15:20:00.002-08:002014-03-03T15:28:58.311-08:00Another parenting milestone!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p_vs3-KHhlY/UxUHJzsJsFI/AAAAAAAABCM/pb03stLH5Mg/s1600/turbo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p_vs3-KHhlY/UxUHJzsJsFI/AAAAAAAABCM/pb03stLH5Mg/s1600/turbo.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>1,161 days of diapers</b></i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>Months and Months of Training & Tears (from child and parents)</b></i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>LOTS of bribing going on </b></i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>First POOP in the toilet today!</b></i></span></span></span></div>
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I WISH!</div>
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For a few weeks I have not pushed Joshua to do anything. Pretty much gave up and told myself we'd start over during Spring Break. </div>
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As I am talking on the phone today, my big boy runs up to me, butt-naked, and screams, "I POOPED on the potty!" Seriously?! That was completely random. Kids have a mind of their own. They will do things at their own timing and when they feel like it. No matter how much insisting on your part independent kids will do it when you least expect.</div>
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I still don't understand the ins and outs of potty training, but somehow he FINALLY caught on. We are soooo proud of him. We reached another milestone in parenting and survived :) Now we just have to work on continuously using the toilet every time, and get him in big boy underwear. </div>
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Thank God he won't be going to college in diapers!</div>
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Next time I have a child, I will be reading Potty Training books-- that's for sure!<br />
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*The snail photo actually does go along with this post, believe it or not. I gave Joshua 2 snails a few weeks back, and told him that when he poops on the potty he will get the next 2. He was soooo happy to have an entire collection after his efforts today! Yup, I am a bribing mom. I told myself that I never would be <i>THAT</i> kind of mom, but you take things back when you actually have children. </div>
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Get Busy Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09580717415362212825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791352477116954691.post-52688890175261780172013-11-21T14:41:00.001-08:002013-11-21T14:41:12.794-08:00Cara Box Reveal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m979t0kIwzw/Uo6GT0Zc9fI/AAAAAAAAA-4/WBVsxOPaNSw/s1600/cara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m979t0kIwzw/Uo6GT0Zc9fI/AAAAAAAAA-4/WBVsxOPaNSw/s640/cara.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">CARA BOX REVEAL</span> </b></span></div>
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Life here has gotten quite crazy these last few months. I need to get my
blogging mojo back. We are getting into the holiday season, and
couldn't be more excited to start some new family traditions... On that
note, our new family traditions would make a great future blog post.
Our little man will be turning 3 on Christmas Eve. With the holidays in
full force, my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/GlamByLiz" target="_blank">Origami Owl</a> business has been keeping me on my toes as well! During the busy month, I was able to participate in the Cara Box Exchange:<br />
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The blog Wifessionals does a gift exchange throughout the year. This time around was the Fall theme--which I love!!! Anything to do with Fall I'm all over it! I was partnered up with 2 wonderful ladies, both of whom got married within the last month.</div>
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My other partner, <a href="http://alwaysajerseygirlatheart.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Betsey</a>, sent me these awesome items!!! </div>
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~A recipe book filled with Fall recipes (my favorite! very thoughtful)</div>
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~Tazo Pumpkin Spice Chai :)</div>
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~Rice Krispy treat owls (perfect for craft day with my toddler)</div>
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~Cute Mug</div>
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~Monster Bash treat book</div>
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~Chicken Soup for the Soup (I used to read these as a teen! love inspirational stuff) </div>
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I sent Danielle some Fall goodies, which you can view at <a href="http://www.sweet-southern-girl.com/2013/11/cara-box-reveal.html" target="_blank">Sweet Southern Girl.</a></div>
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Get Busy Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09580717415362212825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791352477116954691.post-7726450279155578812013-10-17T11:08:00.000-07:002013-10-17T11:08:53.446-07:00At the Well<br />
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Centuries ago, there was a Samaritan woman who would travel to the well to collect her water. During those times, the women of that region would travel together during the cooler parts of the day, gather their water, and travel back to town. The Samaritan woman was in no place emotionally or mentally to travel with these ladies. There were experiences in her life that led her to believe that being surrounded by these other women would only lead to ridicule, judgement, and "looks". She had been married 5 different times, and her husbands divorced her. During that time, this was often unheard of. Now she was living with a man that was not her husband....an even bigger no-no during that time. For a lady to be married this many times and be disowned by her husbands meant that she was unclean, unworthy, and unwanted. It was very much frowned upon by that society. <br />
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The Samaritan woman traveled to the well during the hottest part of the day to avoid the chastising. Who wants to feel like they are unworthy of love and are ridiculed by others? So to avoid the "heat" from others, she decided to travel alone. Alone--to think about her problems and to replay those negative thoughts of being unworthy of love.<br />
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When she arrived to the well, she was surprised to see another person there--a man. Most men during those times were not the ones in charge of going to the well. I believe they left that job for the women. The Samaritan cautiously gathered her water until this man approached her asking for a drink. She asked him how he could be talking to a Samaritan when he was evidently a Jew (Samaritans and Jews NEVER conversed with each other. Not only that, but a man to be openly talking to any woman was also unheard of). This man's boldness and lack of what society would consider okay was shocking. He did not care. This man invited the woman in conversation and would ask her personal questions. He knew she had been married 5 different times, he knew why she was there alone, he knew the pain and ridicule this woman had to confront on a daily basis. He comforted her. He provided answers to how she could be free from the pain of shame. This man was Jesus.<br />
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Jesus meets you where you are today. Just like the Samaritan woman was dealing with the shame, fear, and sadness of her life, Jesus met her where she was. He provided her an opportunity to know Him and to show her that He loves her unconditionally. She does not have to live in the bondage of shame and guilt anymore.<br />
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While doing the study <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Confident-Heart-Doubting-Yourself-Security/dp/0800719603/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1382030794&sr=8-1&keywords=a+confident+heart" target="_blank">A Confident Heart</a> by Renee Swope, the story of the woman at the well stood out to me. I have heard this Bible story many times while growing up, but this time it impacted me even more. There are many times when I think that I am alone in my struggles, and there is no one that would understand. These last few months, God has shown me that I am beautifully and wonderfully made and that the more I depend on Him, the more love and acceptance I will feel. I get that from knowing Jesus, and I can rest in the fact that I can accept myself. I don't need to doubt myself anymore.<br />
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The author of A Confident Heart shared in the book something that stood out to me: "Oh how I longed for someone to see past the exterior facade and look into the secret places of my heart. I wanted to be known and loved for who I was. Yet if I let my guard down, I was afraid someone would say I was too sensitive or too serious. It had happened before. So I pretended everything was fine. With each attempt to keep others impressed and distant, I stepped further into the shadows of doubt. Even though I was surrounded by people, my insecurities convinced me I was all alone."<br />
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Renee Swope talked about her relationship with her father as well, and I could relate oh so well. Many things I do in life are to find acceptance from others because I did not get that from my own father. Throughout my life I have doubted whether I am good enough. I doubt my capabilities. Some of that stems from the relationship I have with my father, while it's also how the world has impacted me. The good news is that God is really showing me what perfect love is right now. There is no need to be inflicted with doubt anymore.<br />
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Love,</div>
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Elizabeth</div>
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<b><i>If you would like to join A Confident Heart book study, click on the photo below. </i></b></div>
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<a href="http://proverbs31.org/online-bible-studies/category/obs-blog-hop/" target="_blank"><img alt="P31 OBS Blog Hop" border="0" src="http://proverbs31.org/images/OBSBlogHop.png" /></a></div>
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<br />Get Busy Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09580717415362212825noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791352477116954691.post-43897665941248186502013-10-15T14:33:00.002-07:002013-10-15T14:33:25.602-07:00Oh boy! I was gone for a long time...Hello, Friends!<br />
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I took a pretty long break from the blogging world. It's tough to keep up with it on a daily basis, and find motivation to write about interesting topics. I have come to the point now that I will only write about something that touches my heart. Otherwise, it's a struggle to be authentic and the post will come out mediocre. I don't want that.<br />
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There has been A LOT of good things happening in my life these last few months. For most of you that have followed my blog or know me personally, you know about my struggle with anxiety and depression. There were a lot of things contributing to my anxiety that I needed to get a handle on. It was starting to become easier to be mad and have a woe-is-me attitude.<br />
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Now there is joy in the journey. These last few months I surrounded myself with support groups, counseling, new friends, and people I can trust. My journey is not yet over, and I will continue to better myself. I have learned more about myself these last few months than the 27 years of my life so far. <span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Today I am thanking God for my pain. If I did not go through the hardships of not having a loving father, of failing at being a first-time teacher, experiencing having hardly any close friends and feeling lonely, I would not be where I am today. Today I am happy that those things happened because it forced me to reach out. As a result of reaching out and plugging myself into numerous groups, I have made a great group of friends, I have FINALLY figured out that getting approval and acceptance from others is not what matters, and I have worked hard on being positive. I have been given MORE than I could have ever imagined. I pray to God to allow my hurts and disappointments to not be in vain. To allow my hurts to reach other people. Maybe there is someone struggling with something similar and needs encouragement. To go through all of this is shaping me into the person I was meant to be. When I quit teaching, I felt mediocre. To be a mom made me proud and happy, but I always felt like beyond mommyhood there was something more. I can be a mom, a wife, a friend, and still have more to give. Still not quite sure what the whole plan is or where I am headed, but the journey is exciting now. There is not as much fear taking hold of me and holding me back. Someone once said to me "the puddin' ain't set yet". We cannot see the entire picture right now. Little by little we might notice our calling or niche in life. Sometimes I think as we go through seasons of life our niche can change. I always thought being a teacher was the ONLY thing God wanted me to do. Boy, was I wrong. There is a lot more that fulfills me and gives me purpose. God has a big plan for each of our lives. We just need to be willing to experience the hardships so we can be refined and reach our full potential. </span><br />
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">We go through what we go through to help others go thorough what we went through. - Kathe Wunnenburg</span><br />
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<br />Get Busy Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09580717415362212825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791352477116954691.post-59013119260772589062013-09-12T16:15:00.000-07:002013-09-12T16:16:58.358-07:00PremonitionsDo you believe in premonitions? According to the dictionary, it's a strong feeling that something is about to happen, especially something unpleasant. I honestly did not start believing in premonitions until recently. A few weeks ago I shared with ya'll about a dream I had that had elements of true events that actually played out the next day... You can read about that <span style="color: red;"><a href="http://elizabethhermesch.blogspot.com/2013/07/wedding-day-afro.html" target="_blank">here</a>. <span style="color: black;">To me, that was a funny, weird thing to happen but I brushed it off.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">Last night, my mother was digging through her dusty journals. She came across an entry that stopped her in her tracks. Mother asked me if I remembered a dream I had as a teenager about 15 years ago. My dream consisted of me waking up in the night to realize that our house had caught on fire. Opening the bedroom door, there were flames everywhere. I tried to scream to warn my family, but it seemed as though I had lost my voice completely. In an attempt to save my family I turned on the radio full blast to wake them up since my voice was subdued. Trying to save my life and free myself, I broke the window and became bloody in the process. I escaped.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">When I had that dream as a teenager I woke up the next day and divulged it to my mother. Unbeknownst to me, my mother had a similar dream a few nights after mine. This is what she confided in me last night:</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">Mom's dream was very similar to mine. She dreamed that a fire had woken her up and she was trying to warn us kids. She opened the bedroom door and there were flames preventing an escape. She also escaped through her bedroom window and found us kids waiting for her outside.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">Mom then informs me that soon after we both had these dreams, she heard loud popping noises coming from the garage. Not thinking much of it she ignored it and continued her crafting project. Later that day, my father came home and said that the hot water heater had a big black streak across it. Apparently it had caught on fire.... (that was the popping sound my mom heard earlier). My mom had this nudging feeling to get it checked out.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">The plumber arrived and insisted we get an electrician out immediately! The wiring was jerry-rigged... not a huge surprise since our old house had problem after problem. The electrician arrived and had a bizarre event happen. He was checking things out and found that not only did the hot water heater have a fire cause the black streak across it, but it actually had 2 other fires/electrical issues inside the heater previously. While he was checking things out, the wires started sparking and he had to run out to the electrical box and shut everything off. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">My mother said that if our dreams did not happen that it would have been easy to ignore the hot water heater and not insist on a electrician to survey it. What an eerie thought that maybe our dreams were warning us of something??? </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">Also, not even 24 hours before the hot water heater caught on fire, my father had moved a bunch of spray paint away from the hot water heater....</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">There are just way too many things here to not think that Someone was watching out for us. </span></span><br />
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Get Busy Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09580717415362212825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791352477116954691.post-84642164862805622422013-09-11T14:44:00.000-07:002013-09-11T14:44:13.011-07:00Moments Not Wasted<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><b><span style="color: #45818e;">It is very rare to have a beautiful weather day this time of year in Arizona. Today I am soaking up the breeze outside, and watching my son play. My 2 year old is splashing around in the muddy, wet sand table from the rain we got the last few days. In this moment I could care less about the dirty soaked clothes or that he's flinging muddy water everywhere. Taking in this moment instead of wishing it away.</span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="color: #45818e;">As the news and everyone else is reflecting back on September 11th, I do not want to focus on the sadness of that day. Instead, I want to not waste a single moment and relish these little things in life. Every day should be cause to love your family more, to not be easily angered or frustrated, and to soak up the hugs and kisses from your children. </span></b></i></div>
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<b><span style="color: #45818e;">~Elizabeth</span></b></div>
Get Busy Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09580717415362212825noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791352477116954691.post-21614379840570474772013-09-06T08:54:00.000-07:002013-09-06T08:54:48.012-07:00Celebrity Dinner Party<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">You are invited to a Celebrity Dinner Party! </span> </i></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><i>You won't want to miss this because it will be </i></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><i>LEGEN.....wait for it....
DARY!</i></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #e69138;"> ::Robin Williams:: Brad Paisley:: Wynonna Judd :: Neil Patrick Harris::</span></b></div>
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You cannot tell me that being in the same room as Robin Williams would not knock your socks off! Better yet, his hilarious stand-up comedy would cause you to pee your pants from laughing so much. Growing up, I loved his movies "Mrs. Doubtfire" and "Patch Adams". You never know what will come out of Robin Williams' mouth. He can be quite raunchy at times, but then again, he would be the life of the party. I seriously don't want my party turning out to be a dud.<br />
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Brad Paisley... hmmm....yum... enough said. He's just plain sexy! Any girl can tell you that his cowboy charm and songs tug at your heart. In real life he is married to the actress from "Father of the Bride". Such a cute couple! I honestly would just love to be serenaded all evening by Brad.<br />
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I need some sassy at my dinner party. The third guest I would invite would be Wynonna Judd. Growing up, my mom and I would listen to The Judds, and I would pretend to be a diva like her. Blaring my boombox to "Girls with Guitars" was what rocked my world back in the day.<br />
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I saved the best for last... Neil Patrick Harris! As I picture him at my party, he is bursting through the door with a Broadway number and dancing on my dining table. My little Doogie Howser, has now grown into Barney Stedson. Neil Patrick Harris just seems like an all-around-good-guy. When the party gets out of hand, he would be the one to rally everyone back to order. Plus, I just want to hear him quote from the show How I Met Your Mother: “Think of me like Yoda, but instead of being little and
green I wear suits and I'm awesome. I'm your bro—I'm Broda!” <br />
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<b><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: large;">Who would be at your Celebrity Dinner Party?</span></span></b></div>
Get Busy Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09580717415362212825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791352477116954691.post-68963848874212110082013-09-05T11:34:00.000-07:002013-09-05T11:34:30.608-07:00The Best Advice I Ever Received on Motherhood<div style="text-align: left;">
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<span style="color: #666666;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i> The best advice I received was from my mother when I was about to give birth to my son. Every day I remind myself of the importance of taking every moment to heart...never take anything for granted.</i></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i> <span style="color: #666666;">Dear Elizabeth,</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>"In the coming months and years you might find yourself saying such
things as: “We don’t eat Bella’s dog food.” “We don’t climb on the
dishwasher door.” “What’s in your mouth?” Through it all, learn to
laugh at yourself, your son and remember … it’s only for a short time.
You only have a limited amount of time that you will be able to guide
and influence Joshua’s every action. Raising little ones is exhausting
and busy and adventurous. But it is only for a season. So be present in
all the moments - in the hard ones, the funny ones and the joy-filled
times. Don’t wish them away. Instead, be thankful that you get to
experience each and every one of them.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><br /> God gives us these little
people to enjoy, love, encourage, and teach. But keep in mind that our
babies are, in reality, His. They are only on loan to us. He is
entrusting you with one of His most precious creations." </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>Love, Mom</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>Thoughts
inspired from: “In its time - </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>He has made everything beautiful in its
time.” www.samuelmay.com.</i></span></span></div>
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Get Busy Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09580717415362212825noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791352477116954691.post-49990084818327297302013-09-04T09:09:00.000-07:002013-09-04T09:09:08.729-07:00I Dream of Africa<br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">My dream is to one day venture to Africa</span></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-79gFdaD0Gdw/UiUKXbhuNSI/AAAAAAAAA7o/40GzrSecV9M/s1600/africa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-79gFdaD0Gdw/UiUKXbhuNSI/AAAAAAAAA7o/40GzrSecV9M/s400/africa.jpg" width="315" /></a></div>
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The sweltering, desert that Africa consists of.</div>
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To experience their culture and the heart of the people.</div>
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I want to be greeted by the natives, </div>
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with singing and dancing.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ahAc5TaLnhw/UiUJ4jsFnuI/AAAAAAAAA7g/ouEYgQ_WY60/s1600/africa+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ahAc5TaLnhw/UiUJ4jsFnuI/AAAAAAAAA7g/ouEYgQ_WY60/s400/africa+1.jpg" width="236" /></a></div>
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Most of my days I would love to be with the children.</div>
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Help and love on the kids in the orphanages and schools.</div>
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Teach them about my country, language, and my faith,</div>
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while they teach me all about theirs.</div>
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Dreaming of African animals.</div>
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A safari to witness the grandness of all the creatures.</div>
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Lions, Tigers, Bears, Oh my! (maybe not bears...)</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TY4x50-jrK8/UiUNXKqeAfI/AAAAAAAAA78/dpPgub9jTZc/s1600/elephants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TY4x50-jrK8/UiUNXKqeAfI/AAAAAAAAA78/dpPgub9jTZc/s400/elephants.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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To lay under the stars at night and take in God's glory.</div>
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To put fear aside and go somewhere in pure faith.</div>
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No agenda, no schedule, but just to experience what Africa has to offer.</div>
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Like my own "Eat Pray Love" adventure in finding myself. </div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>~Elizabeth</b> </span></div>
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<br />Get Busy Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09580717415362212825noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791352477116954691.post-20440140636727187942013-09-03T11:23:00.001-07:002013-09-03T11:23:49.324-07:00Where Do I Come From?I was so excited to see that <a href="http://storyofmylifetheblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Story of my Life</a> was going to do another blog-everyday challenge! This month they are doing a "Blogtember" challenge to blog every day during the month of September. Most of the prompts already inspire me, and I will also blog about what suits me on a daily whim. Join me as I attempt to blog through the month!<br />
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<b>I am the 4th generation on my Dad's side of the family to live in America.</b></div>
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<b>My paternal Great-Grandparents moved from Japan to Hawaii as young adults.</b></div>
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<b>My grandparents started their family in Southern California.</b></div>
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<b>My mother's side of the family can be dated back to the late 1700's.</b></div>
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<b>French Huguenots that fled from religious persecution</b></div>
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<b>to the new land. </b></div>
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<b>Growing up in Southern California for most of my childhood was grand.</b></div>
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<b>We lived 5 minutes from Disneyland, and had perfect weather.</b></div>
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<b>I remember making my first friend at 5 years old and </b></div>
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<b>are celebrating 22 years of friendship this year!</b></div>
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<b>In 5th grade, we moved to Arizona.</b></div>
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<b>Been here for 17 years.</b></div>
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<b>In jr. high, I went to my church's youth camp.</b></div>
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<b>It changed my life. </b></div>
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<b>I rededicated my life to God and got baptized.</b></div>
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<b>My teen years were difficult.</b></div>
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<b>Struggled to find my identity and worth.</b></div>
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<b>After years of depression and soul searching,</b></div>
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<b>God once again showed me that there is more to life.</b></div>
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<b>My first love was at 15 years old.</b></div>
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<b>I would always get grounded for talking on the phone</b></div>
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<b>for hours on end with him.</b></div>
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<b>He was my first kiss...</b></div>
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<b>and my last kiss.</b></div>
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<b>I married this man 6 years later.</b></div>
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<b>Becoming a mommy was the best thing that ever happened!</b></div>
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<b>Our son is our pride and joy.</b></div>
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<b>We live our lives to provide for him and bring him </b></div>
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<b>up in a Christian household.</b></div>
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<b>When someone said having a little one is like</b></div>
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<b>having part of your heart walking on the outside,</b></div>
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<b>they had no idea how true of a statement that is.</b></div>
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<b>My child is what brings purpose to my life.</b></div>
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<b>Currently, I am still soul searching.</b></div>
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<b>Wanting to once again hear and see God's hand working in my life.</b></div>
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<b>Sometimes He is silent and I feel alone,</b></div>
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<b>like the Israelites wandering through the desert for 40 years.</b></div>
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<b>But through the silence I am asking for guidance and answers.</b></div>
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<b>And I know if I am still and quiet, I will receive the comfort and guidance needed.</b></div>
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<b>My story is not yet over.</b></div>
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<b>Today is a new day</b></div>
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<b>to rediscover myself,</b></div>
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<b>to make amends,</b></div>
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<b>love those around me,</b></div>
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<b>and to live a life of meaning. </b></div>
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Get Busy Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09580717415362212825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791352477116954691.post-75433281009234350952013-09-02T10:52:00.001-07:002013-09-02T10:52:15.093-07:00Living with the End in Sight<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-midcO98hOFE/UiTPVdSbCGI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/6RV06MEfVwY/s1600/praying.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-midcO98hOFE/UiTPVdSbCGI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/6RV06MEfVwY/s400/praying.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It is not every day someone inquiries, "How would you treat your marriage differently with the end in sight? What would you want your husband to say at your funeral?" That is not something I care to think about... How morbid of a thought is that?! <br />
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After a few days of stewing over my feelings and thoughts, I came to the conclusion that these are really good questions! I live my life thinking that I have all the time in the world to postpone thinking about such topics. And I am sure most of you do too. <br />
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At my funeral, I would love to think that my husband would say such things as:<br />
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<b><i> "My wife was the one and only love of my life. She was the peanut butter to my jelly. Life will not be the same because she was my best friend. I loved her sense of curiosity, and love for life. There was not a day that went by where she didn't want to fill another person's life with joy. The most important thing was that she brought joy to my life and my son's life. She made us feel like we were the most important people in her life and she showed that. We took this life on together. Elizabeth was always understanding and never doubted us as a couple. If anything, our marriage was the #1 thing that she worked hard on and was her priority. She took her wedding vows seriously and lived up to them (beyond what was expected). Elizabeth was the most graceful, loving, and sweetest person I knew. Her love for God was unwavering and she looked to God in everything she did. I will miss her every day of my remaining days."</i></b><br />
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Okay.... so that was difficult to write and feels like I just pumped myself up to look like a saint. Honestly though, if my husband says that I honored our vows and he will miss me every day of his life then that is all that I wish for. A friend of mine had mentioned that she thinks her husband would say about her at her funeral: "She was really good at paying the bills and doing her own thing. I didn't feel like I really knew her." That was a major wake up call to do things differently. She did not want to have a mediocre marriage and have her husband resenting her. <br />
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I want to be known as the person that did not take life for granted, and did not put our marriage on the backburner. It is so easy to think that we have all the time in the world to get to the important things in life.... maybe we have 20 years, 50 years left, or maybe tomorrow everything can unexpectedly change. We do not know. Therefore, we need to live every minute of our days with purpose and to let our loved ones know they are important to us. <br />
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When I did this assignment, it was difficult to foresee the impact it would have on me. <b><i>Live with every moment with the end in sight.</i></b> The things I would want my husband to say about me at my funeral, I need to be putting into practice RIGHT NOW.<br />
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How can I show my love for life? How can I bring joy to others? What are ways I can live up to my vows? How can I be an example to my family with my love for God? Those are the things I need to put into practice.<br />
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<i><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: large;">What is one thing you can do today to show your spouse that your marriage is #1 priority?</span></span></i></div>
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<br />Get Busy Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09580717415362212825noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791352477116954691.post-32687219608115554302013-08-26T08:29:00.000-07:002013-08-26T08:29:39.885-07:00Tips to Declutter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5tfPq0xDRdY/Uhp8gcdyfAI/AAAAAAAAA6o/wJrL9-1JMRY/s1600/Project+Declutter+icon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5tfPq0xDRdY/Uhp8gcdyfAI/AAAAAAAAA6o/wJrL9-1JMRY/s640/Project+Declutter+icon.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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As we come to a close for the "Project Declutter" series, I wanted to share some decluttering and organization tips. This weekend I was fortunate enough to attend a workshop by Eileen Roth, the author of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0764553003/?tag=googhydr-20&hvadid=14442942324&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1740900990293981870&hvpone=14.55&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_5po1e9e42x_b" target="_blank">Organizing for Dummies</a>. She had some good pointers to help everyone get started on the road to a clutter-free home. We discussed that the causes of clutter can be receiving items, buying more stuff, and saving items for later use. I have learned that anytime you get your mail, dump the junk mail right away. Then the remaining items that are bills or things you want to keep you can put in a file. When it comes to saving items, ask yourself, "Have I used this in the last year? If not, then I need to sell it or donate the item." If you would like to declutter your closet, here is an awesome idea: Turn all the hangers in your closet backwards. Whenever you wear something, turn the hanger the right way. At the end of the year, all the hangers turning the wrong way should be donated. I love this idea to simplify your closet in a fun way, and to take tabs on items you wear or don't wear.<br />
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Do you make multiple trips to different rooms throughout each day? Have a distributing box where you put items, and then when you pass a room you can easily put those items away. You can also save it for the end of the evening and put everything away at once. It saves the frustration and time you are going back and forth throughout the day just picking up and distributing stuff. <br />
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<u><b>Time Management Tips</b></u>:<br />
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1. Chunk<br />
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Give yourself a reasonable space to work with. If cleaning and organizing is not your forte and you get easily overwhelmed just pick one area. For example, if looking at the entire dresser that has hoards of piles overwhelms you, then pick a 12x12 section to work on.<br />
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2. Time Limit<br />
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Use a timer to limit your cleaning. If you only want to take 5 minutes to clean then use that time wisely! You will probably get more stuff down in that 5 minutes than an hour of unplanned time.<br />
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3. Pretend Move<br />
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Why is it that when you are paying a mover that we are gunho about packing up the boxes in a timely manner? Pretend you are moving and need to declutter in preparation of the move. This does not have to be a one week challenge. Even doing one room per a month is a good goal! <br />
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4. Delegate<br />
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Have the family involved with the cleaning process. They contribute to the mess too, so they can also help with getting the house looking presentable. If the entire family gets involved, the sense of accomplishment can be felt by everyone. Plus, it takes all of the responsibility off yourself.<br />
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5. Accountability<br />
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Have a friend or someone you trust to help keep you accountable. Have them email or call you and ask, "How's the decluttering coming?" It is not recommended to have your spouse or parent be your accountability person because it's easier to cave in and get away with it. Choose someone you know that will encourage, and that you want to impress (you'll most likely want to clean so you can give them a good report).<br />
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If you missed the other posts in the "Project Declutter" series, here they are:<br />
<a href="http://elizabethhermesch.blogspot.com/2013/08/project-declutter.html" target="_blank">Project Declutter Intro</a><br />
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<a href="http://elizabethhermesch.blogspot.com/2013/08/declutter-your-mind.html" target="_blank">Declutter Your Mind</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Have you found some useful tips to help with organizing or keeping the house clutter-free? Feel free to share below.</i></b></span></div>
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<br />Get Busy Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09580717415362212825noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791352477116954691.post-44184528919067160312013-08-25T11:17:00.000-07:002013-08-25T11:19:37.508-07:00Yummi Pouch {Review}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8DQhhnOJuCA/Uho7A-14ZLI/AAAAAAAAA5M/DItm_KzSj9c/s1600/yummi+pouch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8DQhhnOJuCA/Uho7A-14ZLI/AAAAAAAAA5M/DItm_KzSj9c/s640/yummi+pouch.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Our family is trying to find ways to cut down costs when it comes to snacking. Our 2 year old son loves to eat anything that comes in pouches. Most of the premade pouches at the grocery store start to add up every week. <a href="http://www.yummipouch.com/" target="_blank">Yummi Pouch</a> is an affordable and fun way to snack. This mama loves the versatile, vibrant colors of the Yummi Pouch Brights! They are great to keep messes to a minimum and easy when on-the-go. </div>
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Yummi Pouches can hold smoothies, applesauce, yogurt, or any other snack. These are better than the store-bought pouches because they are bigger--holding up to 6 ounces of goodies! Which is fantastic for my always hungry toddler! </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r9MzMx92XvI/UhpBK82HiLI/AAAAAAAAA5k/QXTzQS2RAlg/s1600/yummi4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r9MzMx92XvI/UhpBK82HiLI/AAAAAAAAA5k/QXTzQS2RAlg/s400/yummi4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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My son enjoyed the smoothie I made for him. Yummi Pouches are easy to fill up with the wide zipper opening. You can reseal them, and save for later too! Little Man did not finish his smoothie so I put it in the freezer for a later time.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qzOTsB3zaEs/UhpBK6i6UUI/AAAAAAAAA5s/CTDbVTwsTIA/s1600/yummi1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qzOTsB3zaEs/UhpBK6i6UUI/AAAAAAAAA5s/CTDbVTwsTIA/s400/yummi1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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After enjoying some of the smoothie from the Yummi Pouch, Little Man was really curious and started blowing air through the spout. Again, this mama is thankful for a mess-free snack time. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WWIlxZdA_U8/UhpBK8XZ_-I/AAAAAAAAA54/AMb7wxuiw9U/s1600/yummi2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WWIlxZdA_U8/UhpBK8XZ_-I/AAAAAAAAA54/AMb7wxuiw9U/s400/yummi2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Yummi Pouches have information on the back that includes a spot for the date and contents. This feature is great to use with a dry-erase marker. After each use, they can be cleaned with a bottle brush or easily thrown in the dishwasher. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1E3bUZfDjEs/UhpBLUlFXUI/AAAAAAAAA50/62GysZ_n6JE/s1600/yummi8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1E3bUZfDjEs/UhpBLUlFXUI/AAAAAAAAA50/62GysZ_n6JE/s400/yummi8.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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For $14.99 you get 4 Yummi Pouch Brights. You can check out the different options at the </div>
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<a href="http://www.yummipouch.com/store" target="_blank">Yummi Pouch Store</a>. I was not compensated for writing this review, but the company sent me a pack of Yummi Pouch Brights. All opinions expressed are my own.</div>
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Follow the company for updates and information:</div>
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<u>Facebook</u> - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/yummipouch" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/yummipouch</a></div>
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<u>Twitter </u>- <a href="http://www.twitter.com/yummipouch" target="_blank">www.twitter.com/yummipouch</a></div>
Get Busy Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09580717415362212825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791352477116954691.post-7011426439230604932013-08-21T12:48:00.001-07:002013-08-21T12:48:09.699-07:00Change a Mind about Mental Illness: Bipolar<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Did you know: </b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>1 out of 6 people have a mental illness. </b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><b>That could be your brother, mother, a friend, someone you pass on the street.</b></span></span></span></div>
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Something has been tugging on my heartstrings that I would like to shed some light on. As I was having a conversation with some friends, someone made the comment, "I think my ex-husband is bipolar, and I'm sure some of my kids are too. They are crazy!" This may not sound like an end of the world comment, but it took me aback. Growing up with family members and friends who suffer from the ups and downs of dealing with bipolar makes me extra sensitive towards this topic. Bipolar is considered a mental illness where an individual can be happy one moment and the next be completely down. Sometimes there are days or weeks where they may have a manic high (very positive, full of energy, might even tend to be more of a risk taker during this time) or a manic low (major depression). There is not a week that goes by where I don't hear such comments from friends and strangers using the term "bipolar". Most of the time it is in a negative way... "Oh man, they must be bipolar! You are sooo bipolar!", etc. Sometimes it's in a joking matter. Non the less, we need to be careful what comes out of our mouth. You never know if someone is around and it offends them. It is rather hurtful and ignorant. Our society has started to realize that saying such things as "What a retard! You are so retarded!" can be taken as politically incorrect and insensitive. The same needs to go with using the word "bipolar". Everyone needs to understand that such phrases should be deemed as inappropriate and insensitive as well. <br />
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During my 27 years of life so far, there was a huge phase growing up when "everyone is ADD or ADHD". There was a negative association attached to being ADD or ADHD. Nowadays, I feel that the diagnosis of being bipolar has taken over society. That's the new term doctors like to throw out there every chance they get. It's a very real mental illness.... a mental issue that affects many peoples lives and many have to manage it by taking medication. It is a tough thing to live with day in and day out. I had family members end up in the hospital because they were on the verge of committing suicide when they were having a major low. It is not an easy thing to deal with. It just does not help that our society makes them out to look like fools and crazy people. They are not. If anything, they have to work extra hard to maintain stability in their lives. I am so proud of how far my friends and family have come while battling this mental illness. <br />
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My biggest pet peeve pertaining to this subject is how the media portrays it. Many of the cases people hear about on the news or through movies and tv are the absolute far end of the spectrum cases. I remember a few years back when Britney Spears shaved her head and bashed in car windows. A lot of people instantly went to the idea that she's got to be bipolar. Maybe she is, maybe she's not. All I can say is that that was an EXTREME episode. My friends and family that struggle with being bipolar have never done anything like that. I have seen them happy one moment and then completely depressed the next, sometimes when they are manic high they might go on a shopping spree or be highly energetic, etc. It is nothing to the extreme that the media portrays. Our society has a rigid view on what bipolar is all about, and has given it a negative connotation. Based on what I have learned about it over the years, I vaguely remember hearing that there are multiple levels of bipolar. So don't just assume that because someone is deemed bipolar that they are psycho and crazy. <br />
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It was touching to hear actress, Glenn Close, share her personal experience pertaining to bipolar. Her sister is bipolar and they teamed up to change minds about mental illness. Glenn Close and her sister recently spoke in a commercial about this topic. It is very touching: <br />
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<br />Get Busy Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09580717415362212825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791352477116954691.post-22044608114878539582013-08-19T11:25:00.001-07:002013-08-19T11:28:52.409-07:00Declutter your Mind<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Why is it that on the days when life is more hectic then I cannot find anything in my house? Running late, misplacing everything, and I don't seem to have anything under control. It can be an endless cycle when your house is cluttered and it starts affecting your every day life. Coco Chanel said it best: "An interior is the natural projection of the soul." I truly believe that the way my house is presented 24/7 reflects what is going on in my personal life. It shows what is truly going on in my mind and soul. For a long time now the house has remained cluttered. There are stacks and piles everywhere, clothes scattered all over the dresser, and there are still boxes that have not been unpacked since we moved in 3 years ago. I am a self-proclaimed "Pack Rat". I save everything! That is also where my frame of mind has been. My own life feels out of control and hopeless, sometimes just like the mess within my house.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So here's to focusing on making a few changes! Focus on ONE area you can work on TODAY. The other day I organized my kitchen counters, and could finally walk in without feeling a pit in my stomach. It was a like a breath of fresh air to see it so clean and organized. This experience has shown me just how important it is to keep the outside organized, which makes it possible to focus on the inner peace that comes from an organized home. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">"When your whole house is organized and running smoothly, you will reap the benefits: <i>You
will be saving time, You will be on time, You will be more creative,
You will be less wasteful, and You will be more productive and happy." -<a href="http://metothepowerofwe.com/featured-quote/clear-the-clutter/" target="_blank">Me to the Power of We</a></i></span></i></b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="color: black;">Next week we will be focusing on "Tips to Declutter" during our Project Declutter series! I will be attending a workshop about organizing, and will be sharing info I learned from that also. Hope to see you back! Check the first part of this series: <a href="http://elizabethhermesch.blogspot.com/2013/08/project-declutter.html" target="_blank">Project Declutter Intro</a></span></span><b><i><span style="color: #741b47;"><i> </i></span></i></b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><span style="color: #741b47;"><i>~Elizabeth</i></span></i></b></span></span></div>
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<br />Get Busy Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09580717415362212825noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2791352477116954691.post-7934770075368499172013-08-15T14:19:00.000-07:002013-08-15T14:19:12.530-07:00Creating a "Life List"When fear and doubt come into play they can deter you from living a life of purpose. We all want to listen and do what our heart desires, but sometimes there is that "enemy" getting in the way--YOU. It is easy to start doubting yourself and start questioning why you want to do this, how difficult this will be to accomplish, or the amount of patience or money this will entail. I know because there have been many times when I gave up on a dream in an instant. It was easier to give up than to follow through, conquer my fear or doubt, and to pursue something that might take a little energy from my part. <br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>"Do you know what fear fears? Paper."- Jon Acuff</i></b></span></span></div>
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Author and blogger, <a href="http://www.jonacuff.com/blog/how-to-create-a-life-list/#more-6291" target="_blank">Jon Acuff</a>, shared a wonderful way to tackle fear. We are going to create a "life list". <span style="font-size: small;">This is a list to focus on your dreams, goals, and hopes. Using this format can encourage you to take it a step further without becoming overwhelmed. It can fight off your fears and doubts, if only you write them down. Consider the reality of your dreams and how you will get from point A to point B. Writing down what you tend to avoid because of fear will nip it in the butt. You cannot move on and conquer your fear without doing something about it! So get that paper out, and start creating your own life list. </span><br />
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<b><u>My Life List</u></b><br />
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1. I want to conquer my phobia of storms<br />
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{Reality} The anxiety is more than I can handle<br />
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{Questions} Why am I fearful of storms? What's the worst that can happen? What are some steps and ways of overcoming this fear?<br />
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2. I want to go back to work<br />
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{Reality} I'm not sure what I want to do, and I have a child that I cannot leave by himself<br />
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{Questions} Should I try teaching again or go a different route? What are the pros/cons of daycare vs. homecare? Can my son get into preschool next year?<br />
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3. I want to spend more quality time with my husband<br />
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{Reality} We don't have money to spend on date nights, and when we stay home we tend to do our own individual thing.<br />
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{Questions} What are some ways to spice things up? What are some things we would want to talk about/do together?Get Busy Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09580717415362212825noreply@blogger.com0