tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72177312829210453442024-03-13T14:46:51.709-04:00My Thoughts - UninterruptedLaura @ My Thoughts-Uninterruptedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836990493552363157noreply@blogger.comBlogger777125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7217731282921045344.post-34576686613577775322014-02-06T00:00:00.000-05:002014-02-06T07:07:55.822-05:00Free Printables for Last Minute Valentine's!<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As an adult, I don't get very excited about Valentine's Day, but I do love putting together Ethan's valentines for his class. I think it brings back memories of being young and having all of those sweet little notes from friends. I have always loved mail. <i>Always.</i> I think Valentine's Day is a tiny celebration of that. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Anyways, I put together a few free printable options for you to use however you wish. I've included a scripture card that you could toss in a cellophane bag with something sweet, clip to the top of a paper bag or even just use on it's own. I've also included a couple of bag toppers and a tag that you could hole punch and tie onto your valentine treats. </span></div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B9SoQrAurP-hUHBqSHhZU1VhZHM&usp=sharing" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Click here to download.</span></a></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I hope that these are helpful to you. Please be sure to share with me how you use them. I'd love to know!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For one more free downloadable option click on over to <a href="http://citymomsblog.com/knoxville/valentine-printable/" target="_blank">Knoxville Mom's Blog</a> to see what Ethan will be giving his classmates this year!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I like you will you "like" me too?</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10062514306900028672noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7217731282921045344.post-74826352210942773462014-01-31T19:04:00.001-05:002014-01-31T19:04:25.562-05:00Catching the Moment<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I can't believe January has come to an end. It has been the fastest January ever, but if time has taught me anything, it will just keep getting faster. When I began this Catch the Moment project I solely wanted to improve my iPhone camera skills. I've discovered some new tricks and definitely gotten a little more comfortable with it, but I'm still battling toddler blur. But this project has taught me more than just which apps to use.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It has taught me to embrace the now and to remember the small things that might otherwise be forgotten. These kids change so quickly. I mean some behaviors seem to drag on for-ever, but truly...everything is just for such a short time if you blink you could miss it. And while I'm totally ok with forgetting dirty diapers and snotty noses, I never want to forget blue tongues and sleeping babies.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you follow me on Instagram, you've probably seen quite a few of these. As time goes on, might give myself some grace and not worry about having an Instagram worthy photo every day. Because really blur or bad lighting isn't going to keep me from the moment I choose to capture. Sometimes there is beauty in imperfection isn't there? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">January has been a fast and fun month. And cold. <i>Definitely cold.</i> We might have a little <span style="font-size: x-small;">(or a lot)</span> of cabin fever which probably explains why there has been so many shenanigans this month. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I hope this encourages you to capture your everyday. While life might seem mundane, I bet you can find some special moments if you just look. Embrace them, blur and all!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i> - I've been giving myself grace in these parts lately as I tackle other checklists that have been living in the back of my mind far too long. But I'm promising that when I'm here to make it count.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>- I've started a new link up on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mythoughtsuninterrupted" target="_blank">Facebook</a> called Friday Favorites. Please join me and help get this thing off the ground. All you need to do is come link up your favorite post of the week. It can be yours or someone elses. I'll leave it pinned to the top of the page through the weekend and hopefully everyone can find some new reads and provide encouragement to the bloggers that have inspired us.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>- While I'm here more sporadically than normal, you can find me daily on <a href="http://instagram.com/mythoughtsuninterrupted" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and of course on Facebook...</i></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10062514306900028672noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7217731282921045344.post-45897571126489401482014-01-23T11:12:00.001-05:002014-01-23T11:12:58.837-05:00To the Bloggers of the World: Encouragement Matters<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A friend reminded me the other day of just how long I've been doing this whole blogging thing. <span style="font-size: x-small;">It's been almost 6 years if you are wondering.</span> Honestly, it feels like yesterday to me and <span style="font-size: x-small;">(while I'm being honest)</span> it still feels like I have no clue what I'm doing. <i>And that's okay.</i> This whole blogging thing has grown and changed so much over the years it's hard to imagine that anyone can keep on top of it all. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I don't know in which way the rest of the Internet world is headed, but I have decided it's time to figure out where I am headed. At one point, and maybe I'm over-generalizing but, I think we were all just happy to find that we weren't the only crazy people in the world with x,y,z problem so we shared our hearts, our day to day and all the little trivial tid-bits about ourselves in hopes of finding out we weren't "the only ones".</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We made close friendships and read each others words daily. Now that we have that covered, I think things have been going in a different direction. There are so many people in this Internet world now. There are more bloggers, more readers and a lot of opinion givers. I no longer feel comfortable sharing the nitty gritty of my children's lives. I don't know if that has more to do with the fact that there are so many people out there or if it's more to do with the fact that really their story is not my own. But regardless, this blog will stay about me and my experiences because that is all I know. Of course the children are intertwined with that, but at a comfortable distance.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I also realize how many reading choices there are out there. We are bombarded daily with what Facebook recommends us reading or the numerous tweets and alerts telling us the hot topics that certain well known blogging sites will most certainly cover and soon be scattered around Facebook taking over the hope of ever seeing "real life" friends pictures and updates. We are filled with inspiration from beautiful Instagram and Pinterest pictures showing us how, if we wanted, we too could make life more picture perfect. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We battle with doubts of self worth and the wonderment of if we have anything we could offer when all we can think about is that "she" could or has done it better. Why can't <i>we </i>do it all? Regardless, we all have our stories, our talents and our ways of sharing them. Maybe it's through pretty pictures, or projects, or tutorials or our words. Maybe it's by knowing how to share others stories with just the right person or, strange as it is these days, your physical presence in someones life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I may be getting off track or over thinking this a tad much, but all of this culminates to where I want this teeny, tiny blip on the Internet to go. Over the past year I've struggled with this very thought. It takes time and effort to keep something like this going. I have to sit and write and edit, take pictures and edit those, and do projects with tutorials included to make this blog go. <i>All for free.</i> That's right. I make minimally reportable income on this little old space that I've been keeping up with for 6 years which I'm sure makes a lot of you wonder <i>"WHY?!?"</i>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's a good question.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">One I've been asking myself a lot more lately as I feel smaller and smaller everyday.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So I've done some soul searching. I've chased the money train with this blog. I've tried ads and networking and "really putting myself out there" and I find it exhausting...and obviously fruitless (for me). I've tried to do this blog solely for myself without regard to anyone reading and I have found that it's an ugly place where <i>I feel </i>all "look at me!". I've thought about quitting, but I just can't. So I've determined that I'm going to do it for <i>you.</i> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I do it for the person sitting behind their computer reading this who maybe has never even commented before that can read my words and relate. I do it for the person who hops onto one of my tutorials from Pinterest and realizes that they too can do something crafty or maybe make what's in their head come to life. More than anything I want to make sure this blog is for inspiration, thought and hope. I am not trying to sound noble, I just want to offer the inspiration and hope that so many of <i>you</i> have given me over the years. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was telling my friend that sometimes the silence around these parts really gets to me. It makes me feel like no ones out there and that doing this was all for nothing. But after I stopped feeling sorry for myself, I realized just how many times I had been the silent one. The one who read something powerful and never said a word but had it resonate with me throughout the day. The one who used a Pinterest tutorial to make a birthday party come to life without ever thanking the person who helped me make it happen. The one who had read heartfelt posts that literally had me crying on my keyboard and never said a word. The one who never encouraged the person who obviously so desperately needed it, but was thankful that they too were like me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>This is not some crazy plea to have you comment on my blog I swear.</b> All of this just made me realize that this little place can matter. Your little (or big) place can matter. <b>You matter.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I've decided this year that I'm not only going to be more selective about the things I read or allow into my life, but I'm also going to be more selective about the things I share. I want this place to be encouraging and inspiring. I'm not doing this for me, I'm doing it for you because there are so, so many of you lovely ladies that do it for me every day. Some I have never even told. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Encouragement matters. In a world of overly opinionated, overly stimulated people, encouragement for good matters. We are so quick to hop on the debates over hot topics, but we need to be quick to encourage. So that's what my hope is for this year. To encourage. To be encouraged. It's a wonderful little circle and I thank you for being part of it. You encouragers and inspirers of the world out there sharing your hearts and talents: <b>keep it up!</b> It matters, you matter, it's making a difference even if you have never been told so.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>- Here's another post on a somewhat related topic from Jamie the Very Worst Missionary: <a href="http://www.theveryworstmissionary.com/2014/01/say-anything.html" target="_blank">Say Anything.</a></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Join me on Facebook...</span></div>
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Laura @ My Thoughts-Uninterruptedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836990493552363157noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7217731282921045344.post-9721556630158447612014-01-22T13:44:00.000-05:002014-01-22T14:11:03.252-05:00Jackson's Winter ONE-derland Party<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Well folks another party is in the books. I think people are secretly waiting to see if I get tired of throwing these charades, but it's my happy place. I know it can be stressful at times <span style="font-size: x-small;">(mostly the night before when we are up until 2:30AM)</span>, but I love, love, love the party planning and crafting. Could I do without throwing the actual party...yep. <i>Strange? </i>Maybe. But, I'm an introvert soooo maybe it makes sense? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Honestly, I feel like it's the one place where my talents come off as "cool" for my kids and if I can make them happy then it's a winner. Ethan has been bitten by the party bug for sure and was super excited about Jack's 1st party. In fact, Ethan proclaimed that his 4th birthday would be a 4-wheeler theme. If he's anything like me <span style="font-size: x-small;">(and he is 100% all me)</span> that theme won't change even though his party is 10 months away. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jackson's party was semi-woodland themed. It turned out less woodland than I originally planned, but I think I got an okay mix in there. Every time I throw a party I learn a little something and this time I learned to let things go, for example, a homemade cake. I'm ashamed to admit that even though baking is another happy place of mine, it is just too time consuming in combination with crafting and having a house clean with little ones so I cheated. One day, I'm sure that will change, but for now...a cheat is totally okay. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jackson and Ethan both had a wonderful time with friends. We are so thankful that our family made the drive up to celebrate with us. It made the party extra special. If you have any questions about party details, please ask. I handmade pretty much every last bit of the party decor so it was super easy and affordable. </span></div>
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Laura @ My Thoughts-Uninterruptedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836990493552363157noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7217731282921045344.post-50215827353520383432014-01-21T11:04:00.001-05:002014-01-21T11:04:41.656-05:00For Those Who Feel Empty<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Have you ever felt lost in life like you are walking around without a light on? You have no idea where you are going and you have even given up caring about the fact that you are stumbling around in the dark? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I've been there. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I've lacked passion for life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My inner fire went out. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I felt empty.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">While this time period is frustrating and emotionally draining, I do believe it serves a greater purpose. Without this period we would be unwilling to make the uncomfortable changes that God is calling us to make. Sometimes to do great things and serve the way God sees fit we have to do uncomfortable things. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Do not be scared to take the steps God is calling you to take because <b>we can be fearless in the Lord</b>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So, if you are lost today wandering around in the desert without a light on, please don't loose hope. <b>God is your light.</b> He might just be calling for you to listen and reminding you to be dependent on Him. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Great things are coming. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You just wait.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Let's be friends?</span></div>
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Laura @ My Thoughts-Uninterruptedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836990493552363157noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7217731282921045344.post-84797199812977195522014-01-13T07:00:00.000-05:002014-01-13T07:00:00.979-05:00How to Organize Your Photos<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Photo organization is more important than ever before. I say this because the amount of photos we take now is astronomically more than we did 5-7 years ago. I'd venture to say that most of us don't even print our pictures out anymore (at least not the majority) because where in the world would we put them all?? Last year I took close to 8,500 pictures. <i>That's a lot of pictures!</i> I just got a smart phone a few months ago <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Behind the times, I know!)</span> and I'm betting that will even increase that number more. Without good organization, all this documenting I'm doing has a good chance of never even being seen by my children when they grow up. <i>What a waste! </i>So today, I'd like to share with you how I digitally organize my photos or basically a glimpse into my "process".</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Everyday or perhaps every few days I hook up my DSLR and phone to my computer and upload every picture to Lightroom. Lightroom has been such a fantastic way for me to organize my photos, but no worries, if you don't have it the ideas I'm about to share will still be helpful. I have a "Pictures" folder on Lightroom and my computer that sorts everything out by year then the date.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A glance at photo organization in Lightroom...</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I then go through my upload and delete the ones that are blurry or what not and flag the ones that are my absolute <b>favorites</b>. I define favorites as the ones that are framable or possibly usable in a photo book at some point. I'm trying to do a little better at weeding out as I'm still left with quite a few "okay" ones. I just have a hard time parting with some of the candids! You just never know what you will want to look at years down the road.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Yearly "Favorites" Collection...</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">*Notice how few pictures are in each folder.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ok so at this point I edit the "favorites". And yes, I typically do all of this the day that I shoot the photos. I have found it is very, very important to not get behind on this. Do it while it's still exciting and then be done with it instead of letting it overwhelm you later. After I edit, I save my favorites in a collection in Lightroom. I <b>label</b> these in my back-up disk as Date_Edited_Event. And my "okay" photos are just labeled Date_Event. That way I can quickly find my favorites if I need them for a blog post or photo book. Some days are just labeled with a date and those are typically my random phone shots that just have 1-5 pics in the folder. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I back-up my photos 4 different ways. I feel this is super important because you can never trust just one system. Everything has a potential risk of failure, but it's highly unlikely that all three systems would fail me at once. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I use an <b>online backup system</b> to automatically backup everything on my computer and my external hard drives every single day. I personally use <a href="http://www.code42.com/crashplan/" target="_blank">Crashplan</a> although there are many services out there like it. It costs $5/month on a month to month basis...I did a longer term, I believe 4 years and it costs $4/month. I don't know about you, but peace of mind is worth a lot more than that to me so I'm happy to hand over my money. I've used it to restore accidentally deleted files. If your whole computer goes down you can either restore it online for free or you can have them ship everything to you on a hard drive for about $200 for a quicker restore. Considering I have all my memories on here....that is priceless. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I also use my <b>computers back up system</b> to back up everything on an external hard drive. I do this less often than I should...every few days, but it should really be everyday!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Monthly</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">At the end of each month I transfer all of my photos to an <b>external hard drive</b>. I sort them much like I do in Lightroom. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Inside my 2013 folder...</i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A look inside the month of October...</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I also upload them to <b>Shutterfly</b>. I solely do this because it is typically where I order my photo books from and how I share pictures with family. They have an easy to use sharing site that will email your family once a week to share any new pictures you choose to share with them. I previously used Kodak as my go to photo site and was greatly disappointed to learn that <b>Shutterfly does not offer high resolution downloads</b>. If I had not backed up my pictures elsewhere I'd be stuck with low-res quality pictures if I ever wanted to order from any other site!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>**Side Note** I know we are talking mostly about pictures here, but I do the same thing for my videos. I separate all my videos from my pictures into their own little folder each month. At the end of the month I'll put together a highlights reel of sorts using iMovie in hopes that maybe one day my kids will actually watch it instead of having to sort through hours of video to find the good stuff!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Step Four: Making It All Tangible</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Oh, this is the step I'm still working on. I try so hard to think about how our children are going to be able to sort through all of this documentation one day. If I took an average of 8,500 pictures every year for the next 18 years that would be 153 MILLION pictures and probably a years worth of hours of video. No one is ever going to sort through that people! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">At the moment, I make a year end video using all my monthly highlight reels and stick it on a DVD as well as my back up disk. I also make a yearly photo album using my "favorite" pictures and a yearly Instagram only photo book to show more of our daily life. Minus the pictures I hang on the wall, I do not order prints. There are just too many! And where would I put them???</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Instagram Books</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lately I have been feeling the need to make the boys their own keepsake box of photos. I love photo books, but I just make one each year for the family and the photos are still not <i>really </i>tangible for the boys in the future. I'm hoping to order one of <a href="http://www.mpix.com/products/funstuff/keepsakebox" target="_blank">these</a> for each of the boys soon to put my absolute favorite photos in it each year and perhaps put together some sort of disk with extra photos and video for them to go through one day. I don't want all this work to go to waste! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>How do you make your photos/videos tangible for the future generations?</b></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10062514306900028672noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7217731282921045344.post-90764805758600080742014-01-10T15:14:00.001-05:002014-01-10T15:14:33.715-05:00Getting All Caught Up...<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Apparently, I've given myself some grace in the blogging department, but here I am. <i>Hello.</i> I always have such a hard time bouncing back from breaks and honestly we are just now getting back into the swing of normalcy around here. But that's okay...just practicing some more grace in life right?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I think I mentioned this in my last post, but I decided that this year I would join in on the Project 365 fun on Instagram. You can follow me <a href="http://instagram.com/mythoughtsuninterrupted" target="_blank">here</a>. I'm not sure how often I will link up on the blog, but today seemed like a good day to have a picture filled random post so here is what we have been up to so far in 2014...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I woke my husband up 20 minutes before this picture was taken at midnight. Approximately 5 minutes later he puked <span style="font-size: x-small;">(and it was not from having too much fun)</span>. Yep, that's how this household rings in a New Year....with sickness. I'm holding out hope that it was just left over sickness from 2013. <i>Fingers Crossed.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Besides that little detail we had a very wonderful New Years Eve. We took both boys to see Frozen. They were entranced the whole time. Ethan was caught up in my Sour Patch kids (and the singing) and Jackson was mesmerized by the large bag of buttery popcorn. Although I much would have seen American Hustle or Saving Mr. Banks, I have to say I really enjoyed the movie. We even braved dinner after the movie and I couldn't have been more pleased with the way the boys handled it all. Yay for getting out again!</span></div>
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<a href="http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m597/lauralou92/Project%20365/Project365-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m597/lauralou92/Project%20365/Project365-2.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This little guy has been doing more and more walking lately and he is completely obsessed with apples! Really, food in general is an obsession at this point. He is now officially our number one beggar and he has some pretty stiff competition. We had our one year appointment yesterday and finally this guy is in the clear growth-wise. Height and weight are both over 40% and his head is still ginormous at 78%. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We have decided to continue with the Emeals program this year. We have been doing the clean eating plan and I love how easy meal planning has become. We are still struggling with managing a grocery budget though! This week will be our first week trying out the low-calorie and comfort food menus (the comfort food is per request of the husband). I'm hoping these might be a tad less costly, but we will see. </span></div>
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<a href="http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m597/lauralou92/Project%20365/Project365-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m597/lauralou92/Project%20365/Project365-4.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ethan is now obsessed with having all kinds of things in his bed with him. We are up to 3 "blanks", a fox**, an "Ellie", a turtle and various bears. This is why I have a fairly strict "please no stuffed animals as gift" rule. These were all preapproved gifts by the way ;). I know, I suck. But seriously, he carts everything downstairs in a crate everyday and most of the time requires multiple trips or assistance. It's getting out of control.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">**And yes, we are OBSESSED with "What Does A Fox Say?". He almost knows all the words and even has a book.</span></i></div>
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<a href="http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m597/lauralou92/Project%20365/Project365-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m597/lauralou92/Project%20365/Project365-5.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">One of my goals this year is to find more one on one time with Ethan. I get to spend special time with Jackson while E's at school, but honestly I hardly ever get any one on one time with Ethan. This has got to change. I miss being fun and silly with my boy. Not that we can't be fun and silly with Jackson...it's just different. I'm spread thinner, more distracted. We need our special time. So when we got a chance to go to the grocery store by ourselves, I let him do something he always begs me to do...push the cart. Watch out folks! We are dangerous both to other shoppers and our grocery budget. I'm pretty sure I came home with at least 5 items I had no recollection of putting in our cart. </span></div>
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<a href="http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m597/lauralou92/Project%20365/Project365-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m597/lauralou92/Project%20365/Project365-6.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jackson is in teething hell right now.<i> Scratch that.</i> We are all in teething hell right now. My beautiful, angel of a sleeper is now a party animal who refuses to go to sleep and won't even settle for being rocked or held. He has had 6 teeth for the longest time, but now has at least 4-5 more coming in all at once. I recently got him some teething tablets and one of those crazy, magic bead necklaces is on it's way to our front door. <i>*Hangs head in shame.*</i></span></div>
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<a href="http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m597/lauralou92/Project%20365/Project365-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m597/lauralou92/Project%20365/Project365-7.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Oh hey, did you know last week it snowed and was really freaking cold? Yeah...it even made it's way down here to Tennessee and we enjoyed it for all about 5 minutes. Anything below 30 degrees is entirely too cold for me. <i>Please never make me move north.</i> That statement was probably the kiss of death.</span></div>
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<a href="http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m597/lauralou92/Project%20365/Project365-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m597/lauralou92/Project%20365/Project365-9.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m597/lauralou92/Project%20365/Project365-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Not only am I not prepared for cold weather, neither was our house apparently. While I love having snow for a short period of time because of its beauty, I could do without the cold that comes with it. We had a busted pipe causing water to spill out of ceiling in the bedroom and one heating unit stopped working on us all in the same day. Thankfully our downstairs unit held strong and we all just piled into our warm, yet leaky bedroom. I am super thankful to God that everything was resolved the next day with very little impact to our wallet thanks to a handy husband. </span></div>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/xy-NQqW2wWog6wpfV08QlAVbevW5Xgg4k-suqimKeLEIsftdxgpMtYoRfvT3AlXWFrJeTlYhN1-_RpRTNK5pVCqCq8M0aRkVJdUiVMwpI0DLBWRzT3r80Ky1yzmIwutbvoxnHSc3Rw" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m597/lauralou92/Project%20365/Project365-10.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">While the experience was annoying, it did remind me of how lucky we are to have the simple things like a warm, dry house that can weather out the cold. I really feel for families less fortunate than us that can't afford to keep their heat running for days or don't have enough coats for their children when in-climate and unusual weather strikes. The experience was a little reality check for sure. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you pretend I am on central time, then I made this picture just in the nick of time to count for day 8. I thought this project would be a snap, but turns out sometimes it is hard to find beauty or something interesting in a typical normal day. I'm thankful that this project is going to stretch me in that aspect. </span></div>
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<a href="http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m597/lauralou92/Project%20365/Project365-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m597/lauralou92/Project%20365/Project365-11.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Yesterday was the first day in what feels like 3 weeks that actually was normal. I was needing that so much. Ethan headed back to school, Michael actually left the house for work and Jack and I had a couple of errands to run. It felt so good to be back on track! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As always, I appreciate your support. Thanks for over 200 likes on Facebook. Totally amazed...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I honestly think 2014 is the first year in many, many years that I truly do not know what is going to happen. We have a few travel plans we hope to follow through with, but other than that the calendar and life planning are generally clear. I am looking forward to the surprises that life will bring this coming year (hopefully good ones!). But good or not so good, I'm leaving it to God to show the way. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Every year I come up with a little paragraph about my hopes and goals for the next year, nothing too specific, just a general theme. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I find it's invigorating and nice to start the new year with a little inward focus. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I just love the thought of a fresh start and a renewed focus on bettering myself and life around me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Quite frankly, my goals have been somewhat similar the last few years: slow down, enjoy the moments, be a more joyful giver and financially fit. And this coming year, is not really any different. I still want to focus on those very same things. With every new little life change…a new baby here, a new move there…new challenges always seem to arise. There is definitely still room for improvement.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This year though, I'd like to add a new focus to the list. Something that God has laid on my heart and that is to have more grace. More grace for myself; more grace for others. If I may confess, this is not a strong suit I have. It is a place where I fail time and time again. I have very little patience for things not going as planned whether it is my own fault or someone else's. It causes undue stress for myself and everyone else and it's time I practice giving myself and those around me more grace.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Happy new year friends! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>**To fill my goal of slowing down and soaking in the little moments life brings, I've decided to do project 365 through Instagram. You can follow me <a href="http://instagram.com/mythoughtsuninterrupted" target="_blank">@mythoughtsuninterrupted</a>.**</i></span></div>
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Laura @ My Thoughts-Uninterruptedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836990493552363157noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7217731282921045344.post-61724203533768025822013-12-30T11:02:00.002-05:002013-12-30T11:02:47.841-05:00The Best of 2013<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The year just doesn't seem complete without some kind of look back of all the little and big things this year has brought us. I've been blessed with several new pairs of eyes around the blog lately so hopefully this will give you all a chance to catch up and see something new. For those of you who have been around…maybe you'll see something you've missed!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">January</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013_01_01_archive.html" target="_blank">January</a> was all about a new life with two. I wrote about <a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013/01/jacksons-birth-story-arrival.html" target="_blank">Jackson's arrival</a> and my first week <a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013/01/my-first-week-alone.html" target="_blank">being outnumbered</a>. Life certainly picked up pace but was also smattered with lots of baby cuddles. My, possibly over detailed, "<a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013/01/a-day-in-life.html" target="_blank">Day in the Life</a>" post was statistically a big hit. I gave <a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013/01/breastfeedinground-2.html" target="_blank">breastfeeding</a> another go and made the horrific discovery that Jackson was allergic to dairy. January also brought our first big snow and we discovered just how wonderful Ethan took on the <a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013/01/big-brother-ethan.html" target="_blank">role of big brother</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">February</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013_02_01_archive.html" target="_blank">February</a> brought on the first round of the sickies. Honestly, if I had to sum up 2013, I would refer to it as the year of the snots. For the love…we still have them. Be gone already! Our family went into <a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013/02/survivingsorta.html" target="_blank">survival mode</a> and we made the unfortunate discovery that Ethan becomes super hyperactive on any kind of allergy medication. Joy. I opened up and shared my "<a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013/02/my-just-mom-moment.html" target="_blank">Just a Mom</a>" moment and made the goal of focusing on <a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013/02/the-next-40-days.html" target="_blank">patience</a> during the season of Lent.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">March</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013_03_01_archive.html" target="_blank">March</a> brought us a new sense of <a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013/03/and-just-like-that-life-is-good.html" target="_blank">normalcy</a>. I had experienced a new love for my toddler and longed to <a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013/03/i-just-want-to-bottle-him-up.html" target="_blank">bottle up</a> his innocence. I shared my<a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013/03/my-favorite-baby-items-months-1-3.html" target="_blank"> favorite baby items</a> and some <a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013/03/5-postpartum-essentials-tips-for.html" target="_blank">postpartum essentials</a>. I also <a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013/03/i-cant-do-it-allat-least-not-all-at-once.html" target="_blank">confessed</a> to not being able to do it all…or at least not all at once. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">April</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In <a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013_04_01_archive.html" target="_blank">April</a>, I blogged about <a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013/04/my-truths-about-blogging.html" target="_blank">blogging</a> (tsk, tsk!). I confessed to sucking at Twitter and emailing and urged you all to connect with me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mythoughtsuninterrupted" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and Instagram (@mythoughtsuninterrupted)…my happy places. I <a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013/04/29.html" target="_blank">mourned</a> the fact that I was entering the last year of my twenties. In case you were wondering, I'm over it now. I also shared a super cute 2.5 year <a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013/04/two-and-half-full-of-life-and-fun.html" target="_blank">v-log interview</a> of Ethan (of course, I might be biased). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">May</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In <a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013_05_01_archive.html" target="_blank">May</a> I talked about <a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013/05/what-are-little-boys-made-of.html" target="_blank">life with boys</a> and how I consider myself to be an adventurous parent. I <a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013/05/its-time-to-stop-dog-paddling-and-start.html" target="_blank">lamented </a>over the fact that I still did not have parenthood all figured out and proclaimed that for Mother's Day all I wanted was <a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013/05/all-i-want-for-mothers-day-is-freaking.html" target="_blank">my own freaking time out</a>. I marveled at the joy of <a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013/05/soaking-up-sibling-love.html" target="_blank">sibling love</a> and enjoyed a family fun beach vacation. May was apparently a roller coaster of emotions.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">June</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013_06_01_archive.html" target="_blank">June</a> apparently was a turn around month for me (minus the fact that the "<a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013/06/oh-hello-there-trying-threes.html" target="_blank">trying threes</a>" reared their ugly head a little earlier than planned). I urged you all to be <a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013/06/go-forth-with-confidence.html" target="_blank">confident mothers</a> and wrote about why I thought <a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013/06/second-borns-are-lucky.html" target="_blank">second borns</a> were the lucky ones. I also gave a little <a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013/06/a-little-shout-out-to-one-who-makes-all.html" target="_blank">shout-out</a> to my better half on our 5 year anniversary while we took a romantic get away to Asheville, NC.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">July</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013_07_01_archive.html" target="_blank">July</a> contained a wide variety of events. I shared <a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013/07/warnings-for-potty-training-boy-moms.html" target="_blank">7 warnings</a> about potty training. I also kicked off <a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013/07/operation-get-fit.html" target="_blank">Operation Get Fit</a> with some embarrassing post partum photos. I reminded myself to let my first born <a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013/07/let-them-be-little.html" target="_blank">be little</a> and shared some photos from a <a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013/07/baby-love-shower.html" target="_blank">baby "love" shower</a> I hosted. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">August</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013/08/jacksons-7-months-oldwait-make-that-8.html" target="_blank">Jackson</a> honed his crawling skills in <a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013_08_01_archive.html" target="_blank">August</a> and Ethan began school after we took our last mountain vacation to Bryson City, NC. I wrote a review on the <a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013/08/dr-ozs-3-day-detox-cleanse-review.html" target="_blank">Dr. Oz Cleanse</a> which is one of my most popular posts to date on a subject that isn't talked about much on here ever. I also shared a v-log with you guys about a <a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013/08/parenting-fail-little-white-lies.html" target="_blank">parenting fail</a> of mine and discovered that you guys <i>do</i> like v-logs…every once in awhile. I haven't done one since.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">September</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We returned to the beach and hit a parenting sweet spot in <a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013_09_01_archive.html" target="_blank">September</a>. I shared a favorite <a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013/09/whats-to-eat-wednesday-glazed-pork-with.html" target="_blank">recipe</a>, attempted to teach my child <a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013/09/toddler-counting-activity.html" target="_blank">to count</a> and did a follow up post to <a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013/09/operation-get-fit-update.html" target="_blank">Operation Get Fit</a>. I also vowed to put myself on my priority list because as we all know: "<a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013/09/if-mama-aint-happy.html" target="_blank">If mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy</a>!".</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">October</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013/10/happy-birthday-ethan.html" target="_blank">Ethan</a> turned 3 in October and I talked about letting go and striving to be a better example. I <a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013/10/taking-care-of-me.html" target="_blank">struggled</a> with not feeling personally fulfilled and wondered if the <a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013/10/the-grass-is-always-greener.html" target="_blank">grass might be greener</a> on the other side. <a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013_10_01_archive.html" target="_blank">October</a> brought us more sickness and cancelled plans and let's just say I wasn't sad to head into November.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">November</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We finally got over sickness enough to celebrate Ethan with a <a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013/11/red-tractor-party-birthday-party-that.html" target="_blank">Red Tractor</a> themed party in <a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013_11_01_archive.html" target="_blank">November</a>. I reminded myself to <a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013/11/just-be-still.html" target="_blank">take in the moment</a> and I got rather crafty and broke my "<a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013/11/5-reasons-im-breaking-my-no-christmas.html" target="_blank">no Christmas before Thanksgiving</a>" rule by decorating early. I shared tutorials on <a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013/11/painted-mason-jars.html" target="_blank">painted mason jars</a> and making an <a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013/11/how-to-make-advent-wreath.html" target="_blank">advent wreath</a>. I did a final (for now) <a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013/11/operation-get-fit-update.html" target="_blank">Operation Get Fit</a> update and joined up with some other bloggers to form a local <a href="http://citymomsblog.com/knoxville" target="_blank">Knoxville Mom's Blog</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">December</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jackson turned one in <a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013_12_01_archive.html" target="_blank">December</a> and I did my final monthly <a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013/12/jacksons-1-and-thoughts-on-more.html" target="_blank">onesie update</a>. I shared one last craft (a <a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013/12/diy-typography-canvas.html" target="_blank">DIY typography canvas</a>) and then gave you a <a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013/12/holiday-home-tour.html" target="_blank">holiday home tour</a>. My son reminded me that <a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013/12/im-pretty-and-you-are-pretty-too.html" target="_blank">pretty</a> came from within and then I took some time off to enjoy the holiday season with my family. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Looking back, I can say 2013 has been a transitional year for sure. We did a lot of learning and adjusting and I think we have finally found our groove. <b>Thank you all so much for the love and support you all show me and my family. I truly enjoy connecting with you all! </b>I strive for this blog to be a place where you can feel normal and a little inspired and I hope I have provided that for you. I'm looking forward to 2014 and everything that it will bring. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Just 10 shy from 200 on FB! You guys rock!</span></div>
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Laura @ My Thoughts-Uninterruptedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836990493552363157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7217731282921045344.post-91179799635943634752013-12-19T07:00:00.000-05:002013-12-19T07:00:00.616-05:00Jackson's 1 and Thoughts on More...<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>**This will probably be my last post until after Christmas so I can take a break and enjoy time with my family. I hope you and yours have a very wonderful holiday! In the meantime you can keep up with our fun <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mythoughtsuninterrupted?ref=hl" target="_blank">here</a> and/or <a href="http://instagram.com/mythoughtsuninterrupted" target="_blank">here</a>.**</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So, I know I haven't mentioned this yet on the blog, but I HAVE A ONE YEAR OLD?!? How did this happen? <i>Truly.</i> I'm stunned at how fast babyhood passed by this time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I shouldn't really say "passed by". It was savored. It just went quicker than I would have liked. While I know he still is baby-ish at this point, the <span style="font-size: x-small;">(and I use this term very loosely)</span> experienced mama in me knows that in fewer than 6 months he will most certainly be exhibiting <i>all</i> the toddler traits. It will be an exciting time for sure, but I will miss babyhood. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Since I just posted his 11 month update 10-ish days ago, there really isn't much to report…except that this happened just last night.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">While I didn't exactly encourage it, I am so excited for Jack to be walking now. I have been waiting for the day that my two boys can run around the house together and <i>really</i> play on more of an even field. I know that the even-ness is still really some time off now, but we are getting closer right? These two kids are quite a pair and love each other so much. Just the other night, Jack crawled over to Ethan and gave him the biggest hug. Sweetest.thing.ever!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jackson has been such an easy baby and seeing the two boys together only makes this mama want more. Seriously…I need another baby. Chest snuggles and chubs…well my babies are never chubby…and sweet giggles and newborn smells. Please don't tell me it's over forever! Michael on the other hand is having a mild heart attack, but no worries, God-willing we will be having at least one more. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">While the thought of additional mess makers does scare me somewhat, I have started to see how the transition from two to three might not be as, should I say, <i>shocking? scary?</i> as it was going from one to two. Mama's of three or more…am I right or just living in a crazy delusional, hormonal, sad that my baby just turned one world? On second thought…just let me stay there. It's probably better that way.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><u>Tidbits about Jack:</u> He is a true Christmas baby and is loving all things Christmas-y. Besides mama, dada and lola; he can now say tree, star and this. He loves, loves, loves Christmas lights and in fact we went on a little Christmas light walk as a way to celebrate his actual b-day. His party…well…that will be in January since this mama can't handle Christmas and birthday planning all at the same time.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This first year has been wonderful. I am sad to see it go, but I am looking forward to what's to come. I can't wait to see more of Jackson's personality revealed and more adventures with two!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Please take a second and hit the "Like" button...</span></div>
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Laura @ My Thoughts-Uninterruptedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836990493552363157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7217731282921045344.post-82868426110035540002013-12-18T16:06:00.003-05:002013-12-18T16:06:54.426-05:00Quick Poll on Blog Post Notifications...<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In hopes of being more efficient next year, I have a quick poll for you!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A. I know the URL by heart.</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">B. Bloglovin/Feedly</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">C. Facebook</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">D. Twitter</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">E. Instagram</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Pick all that apply :) Thanks!!! </span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">**Apologies to those who have already seen this elsewhere, just thought I should post here too for an accurate polling!**</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Please take a second and hit the "Like" button...</span></div>
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Laura @ My Thoughts-Uninterruptedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836990493552363157noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7217731282921045344.post-73832748590149239902013-12-16T01:00:00.002-05:002013-12-16T08:41:45.412-05:00Holiday Home Tour<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have to say this is the first year in a long, long time that I have truly enjoyed the Christmas season. Truth be told, in the past I've been a Grinch. I can't point directly to one reason, but I'd say a big contributing factor is that Christmas is super speedy. I like to take my time in everything I do. I like to give creativity my all and Christmas certainly calls for creativity. I also like to check all the boxes. Do every fun Christmas activity, bake, cook, incorporate every tradition, but sometimes, <i>all </i>of that just turns into pressure and exhaustion. So this year, I gave myself a pep talk before Halloween even rolled around. I would not be a Grinch. I would enjoy the season. Truly enjoy it and try so very hard to not put pressure on myself. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">What's funny is that I've done more than ever before. More crafting, more baking, more fun activities all the while succeeding at not being a Grinch. What was the turning point you ask? </span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Oh wait, you didn't…I'll tell you anyway.</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I changed my focus on the season. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Instead of hating the holiday because of how expensive it is and how ridiculously commercialized it is I shifted my focus to the good. The true reason for the season is Jesus. In fact, I'm not even looking at it as a holiday, it's a birthday and you know I love to throw a birthday party.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I decorated when I felt like it, even if it was the week before Thanksgiving. I baked when I got the notion. Axed traditions that I knew would be too much for me this year like Elf on the Shelf and the "fun" advent calendar…too many daily commitments, too many rules to follow, to many things to "not touch". If I felt stressed…I dropped it. Called it quits. This year is for fun. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We are fighting Santa's glorified position and trying to teach our awestruck, Christmas bug bitten 3 year old about the true glory. While he is still all presents, Santa and more presents we have made some progress. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Instead of perfection this year, I'm striving for happy. Merry Christmas to you from us and I hope you too remember the reason for the season! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"Like" to keep up with us on FB and "Share", if you care...</span></div>
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Laura @ My Thoughts-Uninterruptedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836990493552363157noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7217731282921045344.post-21993301042548852832013-12-11T07:00:00.000-05:002013-12-11T07:00:14.458-05:00I'm Pretty and You are Pretty Too.<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The first time your son tells you that you are pretty it hits you hard.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Or at least it did me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Pretty is not something he hears all the time. It's not something I tell him or something that I refer to myself as. We might say the sky is pretty or that the Christmas tree is pretty, but we don't really talk about others being pretty. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I tell him that he's handsome. That he's cute. But you don't really go around telling little boys that they are pretty. And I don't overly put an emphasis on looks with him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You often hear people tell you that in motherhood, the days are long, but the years are short. I believe that…I tell myself that all the time, you know to remind myself when the days feel like years and the years begin to look like eternity. The day my son told me I was pretty was one of those looong days those people were referring to because, well, this happened…</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Long story short, he used a pair of small scissors to cut his baby brother out of the pack-n-play while I was vacuuming. Sometimes in parenthood, you don't know whether to laugh or cry. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">His reasoning was that he was upset that "his best friend" was in baby jail. His nearly one year old little brother, <i>his best friend</i>. My heart exploded.</span><br />
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<a href="http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m597/lauralou92/201311_BigRidgeChristmasTreeFarm_074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="406" src="http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m597/lauralou92/201311_BigRidgeChristmasTreeFarm_074.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">While your hearts full of love and you are choking back laughter there is still a tiny part of you that is upset with this bad deed that has been done. There are still punishments to be dealt, life lessons to be taught and toddler mayhem (aka outburst of feelings) have to be exhaustively combated. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A good day turns long in an instant. Tears are shed long after they should have been dried. Patience erodes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I had long handed them off to my husband that night when I was about to take Ethan to bed. I had taken a much needed mommy moment. The rare, peaceful shower. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">While my hair was half wet, half frizzed, Ethan grabbed my face and said "I like your hair. I love you. You are pretty mama.".</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It was so unexpected. The words froze time just for a moment. I gave him the biggest hug while a tear ran down my cheek.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I don't feel pretty most days. I feel run down, used up and half put together if at all put together. Although I may not feel any older, I do look it. I try to keep my grays covered up as much as possible, I avoid mirrors more than I use to, my skin isn't as taught as it once was and I haven't seen a fashion magazine in years.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But my son doesn't define pretty in the way I typically do. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">He sees me as his caretaker, as someone who tries to make him happy. He sees me as his mama. And part of me, deep down, does think that he outwardly sees beauty in me. And while I might not win any beauty contests, I can walk a little taller and smile a little bigger. The inner beauty is shining through.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Mamas, we need to view ourselves less through the eyes of the world and more through the eyes of the child. Their views have yet to be clouded by others and truth spills out of their mouths without fear. Your children see you as beautiful because they see your inner beauty and that is all that should matter.</span></div>
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Laura @ My Thoughts-Uninterruptedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836990493552363157noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7217731282921045344.post-56708966741317384052013-12-09T11:33:00.003-05:002013-12-09T14:34:51.844-05:00DIY Typography Canvas<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I created this typography canvas to go behind my Willow Tree nativity scene after seeing another type of canvas done similarly on Pinterest. I never dreamed it would be so simple and easy. This idea can be used for so many other purposes like kids rooms or everyday decor. </span></div>
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<a href="http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m597/lauralou92/TypographyCanvas-184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m597/lauralou92/TypographyCanvas-184.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div>
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Step 1: Get Your Font Ready</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You can use any font you want, but I do suggest using something that has some width to it. You will need to cut out each and every letter which could get complicated with some script fonts. Also, some of the spray paint will creep underneath the letters so delicate font won't really work with this particular method. You will need to play around with the sizes…I believe I ended up using around 175. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Once you have made your choice, cut out each word group and figure out how it will lay on the canvas. It is much simpler to do now rather than wait until you've cut out each letter. You may have to resize and reprint.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Once you have a layout in mind. Cut out each individual letter. I put each word in a separate zip lot baggie so I could keep up with them easily.</span></div>
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<a href="http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m597/lauralou92/TypographyCanvas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="460" src="http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m597/lauralou92/TypographyCanvas.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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Step 2: Spray Paint Your Canvas</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Spray paint your canvas whatever color you are wanting your font color to be. I used a Krylon Metallic Gold. It took a few coats and it never went on completely evenly, but it didn't end up mattering for this particular project.</span></div>
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<a href="http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m597/lauralou92/TypographyCanvas-160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m597/lauralou92/TypographyCanvas-160.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div>
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Step 3: Apply Wording</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Once the paint is dry use an adhesive spray to apply the letters. This was a learning process for me. In fact at one point I had to use goo gone to remove it and start over because I hadn't sprayed enough down the first time and the spray paint got under my letters a little <i>too</i> much. So be sure to give it a generous, but even coating.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Once you have the adhesive down, apply your letters. You don't have to rush…the spray adhesive lets you readjust for quite awhile without any problems. I didn't aim for perfection on my letter laying for this particular project.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; text-align: left;">Once they are down give it a couple of spray with your second color choice for the top coat of paint (off white in my case) and then carefully peel up each letter to reveal the undercoat. Let it dry and you are done! I put a little burlap ribbon around the edges of my canvas. I re-used a canvas from another "failed" project that did not have pretty edges. So you could leave that off if you want.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You can see that the top coat does get under the letters a bit. I was okay with this look, but if you'd rather it not, I would try more spray adhesive or a thicker font.</span><br />
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Laura @ My Thoughts-Uninterruptedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836990493552363157noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7217731282921045344.post-44919159897761016812013-12-06T11:16:00.001-05:002013-12-06T11:16:59.789-05:00Chronicles of the Onesie Stickers - (J: Months 10-11)<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Thanksgiving really threw me off schedule apparently. I swear I was feeling all ahead of the game until December 1st hit and then just like that I felt like I was so very far behind. Seriously the Christmas cards are in the mail TO ME. Looks like they may be New Years cards at this point. Oh well. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>I've got a couple more Christmas related posts to come, but today I needed to do a little Jack update. Ya'll….he's going to be ONE in 8 days! What?!? I don't think it's hit me yet. Honestly, I'm pretending it's not happening until January which is when we will be having his party. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Oh Jack, I am a terrible slacker when it comes to these monthly posts. We are just a few short days away from your first birthday. I feel like it was just yesterday that we brought you home. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You have been nothing but an angel since birth. Other than the constant colds that have plagued you this year, you have been nothing but a dream baby. You are constantly happy, sleep through the night, take one nap a day and are always so content. You love cuddling and I still get those glorious moments where you fall peacefully asleep on my chest. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You are so ready to walk. You glide easily along furniture, frequently stand up on your own and do awesome with us holding one hand. We are just waiting on you to get up the nerve then I know you will be off on new adventures. While Ethan was into everything, you are more of a sit and figure things out kind of kid. You love putting objects in containers, you are starting to stack things and are curious as to how all things work. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You are wearing 12 month clothing, some 12-18 months as well. You weigh about 21.5 pounds and are measuring around 28 inches. Your head is in the 98th percentile, weight in 48th and height is around 6th. We've upped your formula amount in hopes of you lengthening out. I'm not worried though. You eat more than I do at times and besides your length you seem to have taken off everywhere. In fact your feet have grown 2 sizes in the last 2 months! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You and Ethan are super sweet together. You love, love, love playing in his room and he enjoys waking you up every morning. This morning he ran up to give you a big hug and declared you his best friend. I have high hopes for you two!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Your favorite things include: bananas (which you ask for every morning), chasing and throwing balls, bath time, Christmas lights and the Row Your Boat song.</span><br />
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Laura @ My Thoughts-Uninterruptedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836990493552363157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7217731282921045344.post-78586443403287412322013-11-26T00:05:00.000-05:002013-12-05T10:25:28.588-05:00How to Make an Advent Wreath<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Today we are preparing for upcoming Thanksgiving festivities and I am so looking forward to slowing down and just enjoying time with family. I wanted to make sure to share this tutorial with you before things got too hectic in case you were planning on celebrating advent this year. I hope you and yours have a wonderful Thanksgiving!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As I packed away Christmas last year, I was thinking about what I wanted to do differently the next year. I knew that Christmas would be even more exciting for Ethan as a three year old and that Santa and all the other glittery things would really be grabbing his attention. Our main goal as a family is to keep Christmas Christ focused and one of the ways I hope to instill that is through a family advent wreath. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I grew up in the Methodist church where we celebrated advent on the Sundays leading up to Christmas. We never had an advent wreath within my home growing up, but I love the idea of doing this with our family now.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This is our first year celebrating advent within our home and I'm looking forward to what takes place and how it will evolve over the years to come. This year we plan on doing a short biblical reading every night at dinner and talking to Ethan about what Christmas is <i>really</i> all about. There are many beautiful ways to celebrate advent with your family depending on the age. I searched the internet for a reading guide hopefully aimed towards young children and came across <a href="http://partofthemain.wordpress.com/series/advent-readings-2011/" target="_blank">this lovely plan</a> from <a href="http://partofthemain.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Part of the Main</a>. She uses the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00005BRFR/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00005BRFR&linkCode=as2&tag=mythouunin-20">Playmobil Nativity Set</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythouunin-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00005BRFR" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
along with her readings which I think is a fantastic idea. We do not have this particular set, but I think next year that will be a must.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Making an advent wreath is such a simple and inexpensive project. There are several ways out there in Pinterest-land to do them, but I thought I'd share my version with you. I do plan on remaking my wreath each year. You can buy metal advent wreath forms to reuse each year, but I wanted a little creative wiggle room to do my own thing. Here is what you will need for my version…</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>I bought my supplies at Hobby Lobby which regularly has items at 1/2 price. The greenery came from my backyard and I also used some floral picks I had leftover that are not pictured here. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The traditional advent candle colors are purple and pink. I chose all off white solely so it would match the rest of my decor. If you want the traditional colors they do sell them at Hobby Lobby as well as a group. The 5th candle is optional. It is the Christ candle that is lit Christmas day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Step One: Create your layout.</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Arrange your candles on the florist foam. Once you have them spaced the way you like, put a little pressure on them and wiggle them down into the foam to create a hole. Remove the candles, fill the holes with hot glue and then place your candles back in. I did not do this procedure with the center candle since it is stable on its own. Carefully place the foam and candle piece into the bowl.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Step Two: Cover Florist Foam</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I used moss since I already had it laying around. You could use a variety of different materials or possibly get away with nothing if you have enough filler. I just don't like to see any foam peeking through.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Step 3: Create your greenery bundles.</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I like using a variety of textures and thankfully we have several in my backyard. I used a little of the Christmas tree, a few branches of a shrub and some of a variegated holly tree. I made three bundles using florist wire to keep everything together. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Step 4: Place the bundles in the bowl.</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This step is pretty self explanatory ;). I regretted using the holly around this point as it is extremely pokey. This is one Christmas decoration that has it's own self defense mechanisms, which will probably come in handy with the toddler about. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Step 5: Jazz it up with some floral picks.</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You could have stopped at Step 4, but then you would miss out on the glitter. Something about Christmas just screams glitter so I couldn't resist. I just placed a few floral picks around to cover up any remaining holes. And that is it! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>**Obviously all of these materials are flammable. I plan on only having the candles lit at dinner so it will always be attended. Please keep this in mind if you make your own.** </i></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">How does your family celebrate advent? Do you have any favorite reading guides you use?</span></b></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Linked here: <a href="http://www.lambertslately.com/2013/12/create-it-thursday-31-plus-features.html" target="_blank">Lamberts Lately</a>, <a href="http://www.livingwellspendingless.com/2013/12/05/thrifty-thursday-week-38/" target="_blank">Living Well, Spending Less</a></span></div>
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Laura @ My Thoughts-Uninterruptedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836990493552363157noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7217731282921045344.post-49092341601498066042013-11-22T08:43:00.001-05:002013-11-22T08:48:11.409-05:00Operation Get Fit Update<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm definitely a turtle when it comes to...well anything really. I eat slow, I achieve slow and apparently I "get fit" slow. In case you are wondering, it's been since September that I did an Operation Get Fit update. If you are new-ish here, it's gone something like this…I had a baby <span style="font-size: x-small;">(last December)</span>, did a <a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013/07/operation-get-fit.html" target="_blank">Dr. Oz Cleanse</a> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(in July)</span> and <a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013/09/operation-get-fit-update.html" target="_blank">a little hot yoga and calorie counting</a> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(in September)</span>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Today...</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>For Comparison…</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Stats…</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><b>Waist: </b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Above belly button)</span> 26in (-5in)<span style="font-size: xx-small;">*Total inches lost</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(At belly button because I feel this is my trouble spot)</span> 33.5 in (-3.5in)</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><b>Hips: </b>36in (-3in)</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><b>Thighs: </b>21in (-1in)</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><b>Calves: </b>14.5in (-.5in)</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><b>Arms:</b> 10.5in (-.5in)</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><b>Weight:</b> -11lbs (3-ish pounds to go!)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm at a happy weight number-wise. I'm 2 pounds below where I was pre-Ethan and 9 pounds more than where I was pre-Jackson. I've got 3 pounds to be at goal weight but I'm pretty much there. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Diet-wise, I've stopped counting calories. We have made the switch to *mostly* clean eating. In full disclosure we do still eat out (including fast food) from time to time. I've never been one to swear off anything fully, but we have cut down on eating out quite a bit. It's amazing how unfulfilling fast food is once you start eating clean. As far as what we are eating at home, we have been using eMeals to plan our lunches and dinner and I've been loving it. It is so nice to have a shopping list and menu all planned out for you with healthy options that fit your dietary needs. Seriously, the amount of time I've saved is worth every penny and it didn't even cost me that many pennies. I found a great deal on Groupon that will be covering all of 2014's lunch and dinner plans. </span><br />
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<a href="http://emeals.com/account/go.php?r=513392&i=b12"><img alt="eMeals - Easy Meals for Busy People!" border="0" height="91" src="http://emeals.com/banners/banner-750x91.jpg" width="750" /></a>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My stomach is still my trouble spot. I've discovered that my abs are still pretty severely separated. I'm planning on seeing our family doctor to discuss what the best course of action is around the first of the year. For now, I'm not doing any particular ab exercises in fear that I will worsen the situation. So, I'm at a standstill really. It's disheartening, but at the moment, it's just something beyond my control. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I may not be where I want to be, but I do feel 75% back to normal I'd say. Last time I checked that was passing. I'll continue on cleaning up my eating and hopefully get some sort of plan for this ab situation around the first of the year. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">For now, I'll just keep reminding myself of this..."Slow and steady wins the race.".</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Please take a second and hit the "Like" button...</span></div>
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Laura @ My Thoughts-Uninterruptedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836990493552363157noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7217731282921045344.post-22754295648763111042013-11-21T07:00:00.000-05:002013-11-21T22:18:49.433-05:00Painted Mason Jars<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you are like me and have joined in on the Mason jar obsession that has taken place over the last several years, you probably have a good quantity of mason jars stashed away in the closet after using them at <a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2011/10/ethans-yellow-and-orange-1st-birthday.html" target="_blank">one party</a> or another just waiting to be used again. I've been dying to change up the decor in my house, but since I don't have a ton of extra spare cash laying around at the moment, I'm having to make do with what I've already got. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I actually painted these mason jars with intention of using them at <a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013/11/red-tractor-party-birthday-party-that.html" target="_blank">Ethan's 3rd birthday</a>, but they became the perfect fall (and now Christmas) decor for my kitchen table. I'm thinking about adding a burlap and lace for spring and maybe doing a group of them on my mantle.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Can I confess something? I really thought this project was going to be a big fat Pinterest fail. <i>Please tell me I'm not the only one that has those?</i> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The instructions said: Pour in paint, roll to cover jar and turn upside down to dry and drain excess paint.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Um, maybe it was because I did this project outside, you know, in the elements and not inside but the majority of my paint drained off…not just the excess.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>(Sorry, I stopped taking pictures at this point.)</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So. In case I'm not the only one who screws up the simplest of things. Here is what worked for me…</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Use a paint brush to paint on a thin layer of acrylic paint (I wanted an antique white so I used white with a tiny bit of yellow mixed in). Let that dry…</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I did turn mine over just so there wasn't any build up in the bottom. Then go back and add another thin layer. Don't get impatient…if you do too much it will pull off the "dried" paint. So, just add thin layers each time. Just keep adding layers until everything is covered properly. That is it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This method is a tiny bit more time consuming than the roll and drain method, but <i>hey</i>…the paint stays on and I consider that a win!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">This project has been linked to: <a href="http://houseofroseblog.com/inspire-me-please-weekend-blog-hop-38/#more-14671" target="_blank">House of Rose</a>, <a href="http://www.lambertslately.com/2013/11/create-it-thursday-29-plus-features.html" target="_blank">Lamberts Lately</a>, <a href="http://www.livingwellspendingless.com/2013/11/21/thrifty-thursday-week-37/" target="_blank">Living Well Spending Less</a>, <a href="http://www.thegirlcreative.com/2013/11/21/weekly-creative-34-plus-features.html" target="_blank">The Girl Creative</a></span></span>
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Laura @ My Thoughts-Uninterruptedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836990493552363157noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7217731282921045344.post-42610388489208175272013-11-20T07:00:00.000-05:002013-11-20T07:00:09.116-05:005 Reasons I'm Breaking My "No Christmas Before Thanksgiving" Rule<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday hands down. No gifts just family and food. Always a winner in my book. I've rolled my eyes countless times over seeing Christmas out way before its time. "Commercialism" as Charlie Brown would say is determined to ruin Thanksgiving…and Christmas, but that's another post for another day. And here I am, mid November with my house fully decorated (minus the tree). <i>Who am I?</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>P.S. These lights lasted a day before I blew out our electrical outlet. Apparently it's not so awesome to plug in 16 power cords to one timer and then plug the one timer into an outlet. Hopefully my Handy Dandy Husband will have them back and running up our electric bill soon.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Honestly? I blame it all on Jack. This sweet tiny bundle of joy made his appearance December 14th last year and required me to do all things Christmas EARLY. Now…I'm addicted.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>5 Reasons I'm Breaking My "No Christmas Before Thanksgiving" Rule</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">{One} Less Stress</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In years past I've truly been a "bah-humbug-er". I know it's terrible to say, but Christmas stresses me out. There is so much to do in so little time and my perfectionism (and sometimes my cynicism) gets in the way of me having a good time with it. I never properly plan for a smooth Christmas and starting early cures some of that. Knowing I have the decorating out of the way is a biggie for me. Seriously this holiday basically requires you to pack up half your house and put decor out. It's a job. The more time I have to do it, the better.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">{Two} The Toddler Needs to Get His Mind Right</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"What's Santa going to bring you?". That question needs to go to die right now. I'm not completely anti Santa, but it's so freaking hard to get a toddler to grasp the concept that Christmas is not all about presents when that is what's constantly thrown in his face. Having the Christmas decor out brought on the "I want presents!" antics and I'm tying that in quite nicely with Thanksgiving at the moment. We are blessed. Be thankful child. Think of others. It's a work in progress.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">{Three} It's A Short Season</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Has anyone looked at the calendar this year? Christmas comes fast this time around. Like I mentioned before…decorating is a lot of work. I want it to be worth it! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">{Four} Frees Up Time for More Fun</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now that I have the busy work out of the way, we have time to enjoy it. I can now shift my focus to fun Christmas activities after Thanksgiving. I have so many things I want to do with the littles and I want our weekends to be filled with fun not preparation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">{Five} Everything Takes Longer with Little Kids</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I don't think I'll be decorating before Thanksgiving forever. This season of life is just…busy. Everything we do takes 10x longer than normal at the moment. We need one weekend to get the tree and another to decorate it. Un-decorating my house and redecorating requires several days because of little hands that like to "help" or destroy. We can only pack so many fun activities into one day or even one weekend without melt downs from either the kids or the adults. Right now, extra time…is such a blessing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As they say…"never say never". Sorry Thanksgiving. I love you. I really truly do, please just look the other way as I try to save my sanity. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Please take a second and hit the "Like" button...</span></div>
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Laura @ My Thoughts-Uninterruptedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836990493552363157noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7217731282921045344.post-86806638777074153872013-11-15T09:57:00.001-05:002013-11-15T09:57:03.240-05:00Five on Friday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">{ONE}</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have a secret. I've been desperately behind the times. Until yesterday…I had...a dumb phone. That's right folks. If you hadn't already suspected from my subpar photos, I've been instagramming <span style="font-size: x-small;">(find me under <a href="http://instagram.com/mythoughtsuninterrupted" target="_blank">mythoughtsuninterrupted</a>)</span> from the iPad while I patiently waited for my dumb phone to kick the bucket. It hung in there longer than any other phone I have ever had, but finally my husband considered it dysfunctional when I had to resort to talking on it only through speakerphone. Hence it's retirement. I was pretty much dancing around singing "It's a whole new world!" yesterday. <i>I know, I know</i>…but seriously. I had to wait forever.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I know I'm still <i>technically</i> behind the times, but for me…major upgrade!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So now, I need to know from all you experts…</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Favorite apps? Best cases? I'm an iPhone dummy…enlighten me!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">{TWO}</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Although I've always been against Christmas before Thanksgiving, I've discovered that with young kids it is best to start early. It just takes so much time to do everything anymore and it's nice to have some things out of the way like buying presents and decorating. This week I've managed to get up most everything minus the tree and I plan on doing the lights outside this weekend. I've got some fun Christmas crafts to share soon! Here is a canvas I completed yesterday to go behind my nativity scene. Be on the look out for a tutorial!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">{THREE}</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I haven't ordered my Christmas cards yet. For some reason I'm just not <i>feeling</i> it this year which is so odd because sending mass amounts of cards/invitations in the mail makes me unreasonably happy. Mail is my favorite. <i>Real mail. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm thinking of possibly trying to do a card that gives profits to charity, but I haven't found the right one yet. I typically always do a photo card, but our last family session was in August and I feel like all the pictures have been seen. I like the element of surprise. When it costs so much to order and send cards…it should be something people haven't seen before. Who knows…maybe I'll try to do a mini photo shoot with the kids myself. <i>That should go well. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">{FOUR}</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Have you tried Dunkin Donuts Turbo Coffee? Um, we bought it because there was no regular left and seriously…it has cut me back to one cup a day. The first day I had it I'm pretty sure my husband thought I was on something more than just coffee. Let's just say I got lots done. It's my new favorite.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">{FIVE}</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">J's turning one is 30 days!! How did that happen??? From the moment I found out about him I've worried about how to handle his birthday being right smack dab before Christmas. So, I'm pretending he was born in January. No really, pretty sure I will always throw his party a month late. Maybe it's wrong, but I feel like this will be less stressful and that more focus will be put on him. And also? I couldn't stand for there to be Christmas decor up at every single birthday because winter babies have house parties right? I'm a theme girl and I don't want to always be working around the Christmas theme. And yes, this years theme has been picked. I decided on it way before his birth actually. </span></div>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;">Happy Friday Ya'll! </i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Please take a second and hit the "Like" button...</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10062514306900028672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7217731282921045344.post-39602247295268719512013-11-13T07:00:00.000-05:002013-11-13T07:00:03.776-05:00Red Tractor Party - (A Birthday Party that Almost Never Happened)<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I've been hearing about a "red tractor cake" for over a year now. <i>Yes, seriously.</i> What seemed like moments after I had disassembled everything from his <a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/p/our-parties.html" target="_blank">2nd birthday party</a>, Ethan told me that he wanted a "red tractor cake" for his 3rd birthday. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was happy.<i> </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">All the effort of party planning had paid off. It had clicked that I had done it all for him. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">He felt special.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'd check in from time to time to see if he still wanted the "red tractor". I just knew that at some point he would change his mind. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>I should have known better.</i> He is me made over and when we make our mind up about something…it sticks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">He would tell random strangers that he was going to have a red tractor cake for his birthday. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It came up in conversation time and time again over the year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The pressure was on. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I desperately wanted to scale back this year. After throwing 2 pretty elaborate <span style="font-size: x-small;">(to me)</span> parties in a row, I was ready to do something simple and it just so happened we had a family wedding to attend in New Orleans on Ethan's birthday.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Not many kids get a New Orleans birthday at the tender age of 3.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I reached out to a blogger friend there to help me pick the perfect place. I invited extended family to join us and placed an order for very special red tractor cake.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The day before we were scheduled to leave, sickness hit <span style="font-size: x-small;">(and dare I say it hasn't left us even 7 weeks later)</span>. We had to cancel. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I hoped he wouldn't notice. I made plans for us to visit all the grandparents for another party two weeks later. Another out of town location picked, another tractor cake planned.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Two weeks later we were hit with bronchitis. Again…we canceled.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We attended two little friends birthdays and each time he would talk about how excited he was to have a "red tractor cake" at <i>his</i> party. Each time he mentioned it, my heart broke.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I felt like I was letting him down. I felt like I had built him up only to disappoint. People kept telling me that he would just forget. But I <i>know</i> my son. That was not going to happen. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Finally, over the weekend, we threw a joint birthday party at our home for Ethan and his Papa. It was simple. There were only 5 in attendance counting us. He was sad that not everyone was there and for that, I am sorry, but sometimes things just can't be helped. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">He watched me bring out all the party supplies. His eyes lit up at the sight of balloons and other party decor being laid out. He brightly exclaimed "It's my party now!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The poor thing. It had been such a wait.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A weak rendition of "Happy Birthday" was sung, candles were lit and a tractor cake was presented.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">He smiled from ear to ear and music hit my ears when I heard Ethan say "I like my red tractor cake mama. My party over now.".</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Yes son…until next year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>**To see our other parties <a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/p/our-parties.html" target="_blank">click here</a>.**</b></i></span></div>
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Laura @ My Thoughts-Uninterruptedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836990493552363157noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7217731282921045344.post-55960655145626837742013-11-07T13:10:00.000-05:002013-11-07T13:12:04.619-05:00Just Be Still<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm a fidgety person I guess you could say. My mind is usually racing from one thing to another. It doesn't necessarily mean that I'm being productive, I guess sometimes I just prefer to be busy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I've noticed though that "busy" usually means I'm missing things. Missing moments. Even the moments I think I'm present in, I'm typically not. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have a hard time just sitting with my kids. I find myself looking around at all the things that need to be done or use their contentment as an opportunity to sneak away and get something done. I guess that is what happens when you are with them all day…you start to take them for granted. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It sounds horrible when I write it out like that, but I find confessions freeing, so there it is. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Even when I do decide to just be with them. To enjoy the moment. I typically pick up the camera to "remember the moment". The problem is…I'm not </span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">really</i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> present. I'm not </span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">really</i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> taking it in. I'm just </span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">there</i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I've been trying to get myself refocused. I'm trying to still myself. I'm trying to still my mind, open my eyes to really <i>see</i> and <i>feel</i> things. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's not easy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I skipped cleaning the kitchen last night to just sit and play with my kids. Actually, I didn't even play with them. I just sat in the middle of the floor and watched them play together. I soaked it up. I talked myself out of grabbing my camera yesterday during Jack's bath because I knew it would shift my focus. He was so freaking cute I just wanted to record it so I could have it forever. But, I realized I needed to <i>experience</i> the now. I didn't want to just see it through a lens.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I've been participating in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mythoughtsuninterrupted">30 Days of Thanks</a> on Facebook. I know some people are all "meh" about it, but it's been a wonderful opportunity to refocus things for myself. I so often forget to be thankful for the small things and a lot of times, those small things are truly the big things in life. Before the busy-ness of the holiday season kicks in I'm trying to retrain myself to be still. To really open my eyes. And in return, I'm pretty sure it's going to open my heart.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Please take a second and hit the "Like" button. You can follow my 30 Days of Thanks posts there if you can stomach all the joy.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10062514306900028672noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7217731282921045344.post-15498954041917160432013-11-04T08:14:00.000-05:002013-11-04T08:21:31.849-05:00Are you new here?<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Welcome!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I've had quite a few new faces around here lately and with the launch of <a href="http://citymomsblog.com/knoxville/" target="_blank">Knoxville Moms Blog</a> this morning, I'm expecting (and humbly hoping) I might have a few more. I am so excited to be connecting with so many other moms both near and far. It truly brings joy to my life and comfort to my day. My hope, is that my blog can bring comfort to yours. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Credit: <a href="http://www.overbayphotography.net/" target="_blank">Overbay Photography</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I'd like to think I'm a pretty honest mama </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(you can find out more about me and my family in the <a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/p/our-story.html" target="_blank">Our Story</a> tab up top)</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">. I blog through all the joys of parenthood along with the not so fabulous times. Through </span><a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013/08/parenting-fail-little-white-lies.html" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;" target="_blank">parenting fails</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> and</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013/07/warnings-for-potty-training-boy-moms.html" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;" target="_blank">potty training</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> to </span><a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013/09/if-mama-aint-happy.html" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;" target="_blank">mama struggles</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> and parenting </span><a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013/09/the-sweet-spot.html" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;" target="_blank">sweet spots</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">,</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> I try to keep it real around these parts in hope that other mamas can have a place to relate. Click on the </span><a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/p/parenthood-101.html" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;" target="_blank">Parenting 101</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> tab located on the right side bar to read some of my more popular parenting posts which are really more like war stories with a few tips thrown in every now and then. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I've always dreamed of being a SAHM and while that comes with it's own <a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2013/10/the-grass-is-always-greener.html" target="_blank">challenges</a> I love being here for my kiddos everyday and being able to express my inner homemaker. That's not to suggest in any way that I'm fabulous at it…more than likely when I've whipped up a delicious recipe or made some sort of craft…I can guarantee my home isn't quite visitor ready…seriously, I don't do drop overs. Love ya, but call before you come! Click on the <a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/p/all-things-home.html" target="_blank">All Things Home</a> tab to find my <a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/2011/08/my-home-organization-notebook.html" target="_blank">Home Organization Notebook</a>, favorite recipes and home decor. I also have a passion for party planning so be sure to check out the <a href="http://www.mythoughts-uninterrupted.com/p/our-parties.html" target="_blank">Our Parties</a> tab as well!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I hope that you are now a somewhat more acquainted with my little home here on the world wide web! Please be sure to say hello and if you blog or have your own little space on the web <span style="font-size: x-small;">(shop, business or whatever really)</span>, be sure to leave a link. I'd love to <i>virtually</i> meet you! Be sure to check me out on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mythoughtsuninterrupted" target="_blank">Facebook </a>as well where I'm currently participating in the 30 days of Thanks challenge and always sharing bits of our everyday. You can follow my posts there or through <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/3429626/my-thoughts-uninterrupted" target="_blank">bloglovin</a>. You can also subscribe via email <span style="font-size: x-small;">(just put in your email address under the Follow Us header towards the top of the right hand sidebar)</span>. </span><br />
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Laura @ My Thoughts-Uninterruptedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836990493552363157noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7217731282921045344.post-14735663263301923032013-11-01T06:00:00.000-04:002013-11-01T06:00:08.753-04:005 on Friday<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">After all my complaining about October, we actually had a fabulous Halloween. I can't tell you how excited I was that Ethan actually got to experience some real trick or treating. I think he will be super pumped next year! After all, the boy is just like his mama and anything involving sugar will get him excited. And can I just say that candy-tax is ah-mazing…sorry kid, everyone has gotta pay up :) He won't even know it's missing. Seriously, though…rationing this stuff is going to be hard on the little guy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">{TWO}</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We started doing emeals about 3 weeks ago and I have to say I am loving it! I thought the control freak and self professed food snob in me would hate being assigned meals every week, but I have been so impressed with the recipes and the way the food has turned out that I honestly don't mind. We are currently on the Clean Eating plan and the Healthy Lunch plan and I couldn't be happier. It's made meal planning and dinner time so much easier and of course, healthier! It has been so nice to cut fast food out of our diet (except when we are in a pinch) and I'm already feeling healthier. Is it saving us money? I think time will tell. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I found this body wash about a month ago at Target and I'm so glad I did. It is the Organix Teatree and Peppermint Body wash and it is amazing! I love how clean it makes you feel. It even gives you that tingle effect which, of course means it's working right? </span><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0072F80QM/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0072F80QM&linkCode=as2&tag=mythouunin-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B0072F80QM&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=mythouunin-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythouunin-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0072F80QM" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0072F80QM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0072F80QM&linkCode=as2&tag=mythouunin-20">Organix Teatree Body Wash, Peppermint</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mythouunin-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0072F80QM" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">{FOUR}</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The cable cords are officially cut! Hello $90/mo. savings!</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=602180556513332&set=a.602181723179882.1073741825.144606542270738&type=1">Post</a> by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mythoughtsuninterrupted">My Thoughts - Uninterrupted</a>.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I've had a few people ask questions about this process/decision and I'm thinking about writing a full review once we have experienced this a little more. If you have any questions please ask and I will try to answer them in the review or via email!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">{FIVE}</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm not sure how many Knoxville neighbors I have reading, but if you are local, you need to check out the new Knoxville City Mom's blog that is launching on Monday! I'm excited to be joining 8 other amazing women as a contributor for the blog and will be attending many of the local events. Come check us out on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KnoxvilleMomsBlog">Facebook</a> for more info. We've got our first play-date scheduled for next week and lots of other upcoming events and giveaways planned. I'd love to meet you in person! Here is the KMB team...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">You guys rock! Last week you helped me reach over 150 likes!!! THANK YOU. Hit the "Like" button to help keep this blog growing...</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">**Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you click them, I might be paid a few cents for recommending them. All opinions are honest.**</span></i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10062514306900028672noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7217731282921045344.post-28334197348814625982013-10-31T10:35:00.002-04:002013-10-31T10:35:44.588-04:00Obligatory Halloween Post<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So, these past two Halloween's have been total busts. Weather and sickness have pretty much nixed any sort of October fun. It's at moments like these that I am thankful for not being creative enough to make my kids costumes. I would be crying buckets of tears.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Mama, I want to be a tractor man."</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm pretty sure my kid is the only kid in America that, at the age of 3, thinks dressing up in costume is some ridiculous form of torture. I literally had to MAKE him keep it on to go to his Halloween school party.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I threatened that if he didn't wear it he would be the only one un-costumed. You know, because I like to encourage the "go with the group" mentality. <i>They jump, you jump.</i> I will be a total hypocrite in his teen years. Parenting is tricky.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Oh, and I might have mentioned candy…</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Meanwhile, tonight whether the tornado like winds and rain arrive or not, I will be doing a happy dance because October <span style="font-size: x-small;">(the month of sickness, cancelled parties and cancelled trips)</span> is over!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Watch out October, next year…I'm going to totally dominate you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Click the "Like" button. Tonight I'll be sure to post a pic of Jack in his very first costume...</span></div>
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Laura @ My Thoughts-Uninterruptedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03836990493552363157noreply@blogger.com2