tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38871666282938620102024-03-05T00:44:09.764-08:00 madmaxmamacareyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13380717668338581764noreply@blogger.comBlogger361125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3887166628293862010.post-72451392108390210242014-10-16T08:12:00.000-07:002014-10-16T08:12:00.501-07:00freehand embroidery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Recently I was given a huge stack of pre-cut vintage quilt squares. I know, right! So awesome. I immediately thought of how fun it would be to embroider some of them to make some personalized soft baby blocks. So I just went for it (the embroidery, that is... I have yet to sew anything. Ahem). I knew I didn't want to find letter patterns, because I just wanted to be able to sit and not really think about what I was going to do and just feel free to go with the flow... whatever that means. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghGSa2wmW_UBdWCszkBTIgzdiKVvkvLmg5vV4h74wAVntIUB9_-eik6evnfEAYKA7xbtYm6uTNdBDiabw1XnE8_c-8xG_Kbd-6zGbs_9nCF5pr-IXfZshFTUlEu3ZgWUMZyh7wj-iFnTw/s1600/20141015_162928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghGSa2wmW_UBdWCszkBTIgzdiKVvkvLmg5vV4h74wAVntIUB9_-eik6evnfEAYKA7xbtYm6uTNdBDiabw1XnE8_c-8xG_Kbd-6zGbs_9nCF5pr-IXfZshFTUlEu3ZgWUMZyh7wj-iFnTw/s1600/20141015_162928.jpg" height="514" width="640" /></a></div>
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Turns out, I love it. What a fun way to just relax and enjoy the process without the pressure of getting a "perfect" result. If you're thinking about embroidery, or even if you've previously enjoyed embroidering patterns, I would encourage you to give freehand embroidery a try. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqUgW2o-CHxwynxElybnMUFUL0ErPxmMITqDdPX9CgUoaxas4KzbGIGqUsclybayGtgBNqqt2YRb7-LGp8QS4HZ1mlbl0ErSIwvaTWVu9Bd9xwQjVhaRRh7QIsJhnbwJH-NpN-4cnHw-4/s1600/20141015_163151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqUgW2o-CHxwynxElybnMUFUL0ErPxmMITqDdPX9CgUoaxas4KzbGIGqUsclybayGtgBNqqt2YRb7-LGp8QS4HZ1mlbl0ErSIwvaTWVu9Bd9xwQjVhaRRh7QIsJhnbwJH-NpN-4cnHw-4/s1600/20141015_163151.jpg" height="510" width="640" /></a></div>
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Such a great way to experiment with new stitches and play around with different thicknesses of floss without the commitment of a large piece. I'm thinking about how fun it might be to do a patchwork pillow with some of these squares, too. Maybe a wedding or house warming gift for some friends?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsJs88kLESccJUiX6DtTa7QoicHnjBMvgA5WeWHwSrDvRwfBvaRQ5_WhlxBoUrSTLcZz-bFQb9QErRgNslxvp8v3jhtGMaZETFsSqjIL8l5myklyB9WXTJPnpRVh-mJLSbQpMxH13b5Ik/s1600/20141015_163202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsJs88kLESccJUiX6DtTa7QoicHnjBMvgA5WeWHwSrDvRwfBvaRQ5_WhlxBoUrSTLcZz-bFQb9QErRgNslxvp8v3jhtGMaZETFsSqjIL8l5myklyB9WXTJPnpRVh-mJLSbQpMxH13b5Ik/s1600/20141015_163202.jpg" height="510" width="640" /></a></div>
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This one reminds me of sprinkles on a cupcake. And now I'm hungry. </div>
<br />careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13380717668338581764noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3887166628293862010.post-8918901058345386562014-10-13T08:02:00.000-07:002014-10-13T08:02:00.456-07:00our homeschool adventureSo... I've been intending to write about this for a while now, but haven't gotten around to it yet. We are homeschooling this year! Super exciting. We actually started after Christmas break last year, just as an experiment and it quickly became clear that it was something our family needed to do for at least one more year (and we've promised to just take the whole thing one year at a time). I've actually wanted to homeschool ever since Madelynn started kindergarten, but I was still working in between having babies, and it just wasn't the right time for our family. Why are we homeschooling you ask? For no reason other than, why not? Karl and I figure we have this time while our children are small for only a short period and would like to make the most out of family time. We also want to be able to give them an environment free to experiment and find out who they are a little bit in the safety of their own home, and allow them to develop their own love of learning by exploring their interests in a depth they are satisfied with. It also has been an amazing way for our family to find healing in togetherness, after a <a href="http://madmaxmama.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-post-that-almost-didnt-get-published.html">bumpy year</a>, and to solidify our core values with one another. We are thoroughly enjoying this time, knowing it won't last forever!<br />
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Here's some handy info I've found:<br />
There is a plethora of information for homeschooling on Pinterest. Super fun to search for.<br />
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<a href="http://www.confessionsofahomeschooler.com/k4-curriculum">Here is a site</a> I found that includes a curriculum you can buy (I didn't), but she also has a ton of free printables that we used last year for Max, who wasn't yet in Kindergarten, but insisted on doing school time with Madelynn.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Teacher+Created+Resources+guide&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3ATeacher+Created+Resources+guide">These guides</a> are awesome to use. We ended up using the ones that go with the books The Courage of Sarah Noble and The Great Kapok Tree, both of which were great for Madelynn in second grade, and Maximus got to do many of the projects right along with us. But they are also available for many of the Magic School Bus books, which look super fun. What I liked about them is that they include language arts, some math lessons, as well as social studies and art.<br />
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This year we are using the <a href="http://www.movingbeyondthepage.com/">Moving Beyond The Page</a> curriculum and are loving it. After doing the units I mentioned above, I decided a literature based approach would be right up our alley. I also realized that piecing together my own curriculum, while doable, isn't how I want to be spending my time these days.<br />
<br />careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13380717668338581764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3887166628293862010.post-73552374545036281382014-10-10T08:16:00.000-07:002014-10-10T13:25:48.810-07:00quick and easy paper bunting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So I've been wanting to sew a fabric bunting forever, for everything, but mostly for my sweet Madee girl's room. But I haven't. Yet. I still might do it someday... maybe as a housewarming gift after she grows up and moves away (waaaaaaah!). But what I <i>did </i>do was so easy and is perfectly what I was going for. </div>
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On the eve of my darlin's birthday I was beating myself up about not sewing up fancy decorations--she LOVES decorations--for the 8th anniversary of her birth, in between nursing a newborn, and keeping three others alive. And then I was wishing I had a whole stash of vintage floral fabrics, instead of just a couple pillowcases. And then I remembered that I've had a 4x6in stack of scrap booking paper that hasn't seen the light of day since I bought it, put in my "craft drawer" and promptly forgot about for 5 years. Ahem. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCrYIlSBo1R1zO9qb5xiLKJfK2qaUlsKt3KxxCHacQHevR-Y8VxPVuKghKJp_0e7q6ZvrkAHsKmfleuVJt2eyes1ahyphenhyphenB78aSyid9URQf-h9TOrQ7TXasDMnG6UlfvtL7VcLU__n8M4Hqs/s1600/IMG_8689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCrYIlSBo1R1zO9qb5xiLKJfK2qaUlsKt3KxxCHacQHevR-Y8VxPVuKghKJp_0e7q6ZvrkAHsKmfleuVJt2eyes1ahyphenhyphenB78aSyid9URQf-h9TOrQ7TXasDMnG6UlfvtL7VcLU__n8M4Hqs/s1600/IMG_8689.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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All I did was cut out triangles, 4 inches wide by 6 inches long, hole punched them and strung them onto some raffia ribbon I've also been holding onto for far too long. SO easy, and she loved it. And I plan to hang it up in her room when (if??) we finish painting it, so she can feel fancy every day. </div>
careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13380717668338581764noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3887166628293862010.post-48130587425854432602014-10-08T08:02:00.000-07:002014-10-08T08:02:00.351-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am super thrilled with this latest sew, mostly because I finished it. This is a dress I started way back when I was barely pregnant, but didn't account for things like a growing bosom and a gianormous baby condo, so I just kinda scrapped it. Lately I've been too flakey to follow a sewing pattern, but am not patient enough to try and learn how to actually make a pattern, so my sewing strategy has been to cut fabric sew some seams and pray it works... it's definitely not a frustration-free approach. But I finally had the gumption the other night after the kiddos were in bed to revisit this dress and see if it was something I could make work so my post baby body would have something to fit into for church.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoT64lznsbiiIZnH0EfW0RZCTGuG_WkKmh1ZmFdGgoFa0uMRFFGcJawuO_dFxn-b6jtN9QeipkdD-w4Lho5ifYWnqYgvv34lYZi9EnCwVi_S3jBhfeON8PGHMvKZf7mBGawGdacV0hTO0/s1600/2014-10-05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoT64lznsbiiIZnH0EfW0RZCTGuG_WkKmh1ZmFdGgoFa0uMRFFGcJawuO_dFxn-b6jtN9QeipkdD-w4Lho5ifYWnqYgvv34lYZi9EnCwVi_S3jBhfeON8PGHMvKZf7mBGawGdacV0hTO0/s1600/2014-10-05.jpg" height="512" width="640" /></a></div>
I still have a lot to learn about fabric drape and such, and this probably wasn't the best fabric to use for this dress, as it wants to kind of poof out more than I had envisioned for the skirt. It's a light weight cotton that I picked up a few years ago on the cheap at JoAnn, and I love the subtle navy/purplish print. AND since I had to redo the side seams about 17 times, by the last time I did them I got a wild hair and decided to try adding pockets. They are SO easy, you guys!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiirNvYSUXK-i6NR3Yb-G9Mf2kE7Yqt8-yXHYeF0GSe6BY_C72sKJnYqvMGitOvSqfIErka41YhCGyP9bHg2hg1ep3cL6mRbrWB2Cl4QFuDtB5DHeRIpjzOrNjnIvJXcyG6QtQSB8HL3Zo/s1600/bluedress5-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiirNvYSUXK-i6NR3Yb-G9Mf2kE7Yqt8-yXHYeF0GSe6BY_C72sKJnYqvMGitOvSqfIErka41YhCGyP9bHg2hg1ep3cL6mRbrWB2Cl4QFuDtB5DHeRIpjzOrNjnIvJXcyG6QtQSB8HL3Zo/s1600/bluedress5-001.JPG" height="640" width="512" /></a></div>
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I thought it was fun to pair with my favorite scarf and belt, and think it will go pretty well into fall if I layer on a cardi and some tights. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgWbgnQVFSvY-eD0iAJK-y9GFCVfuJ6yw0u5ewHJwrNckG58qCA2HT60frD6cCPdi4081HJqrgOqsaKEhcQOyCZ1sbtu_z8uAowLwUkJv1to4HY76DlnURqa-RmHhHGvxmosMsEaleRHE/s1600/IMG_8715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgWbgnQVFSvY-eD0iAJK-y9GFCVfuJ6yw0u5ewHJwrNckG58qCA2HT60frD6cCPdi4081HJqrgOqsaKEhcQOyCZ1sbtu_z8uAowLwUkJv1to4HY76DlnURqa-RmHhHGvxmosMsEaleRHE/s1600/IMG_8715.JPG" height="640" width="512" /></a></div>
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Here's the pocket detail. I'm sure I didn't do it right, but I did my best to figure it out based on a plethora of tutorials I've read along the way. I was happy to find a fat quarter of a gold geometric print I had forgotten about in my stash, and love the fun of having contrasting pockets!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyrXsNh2dfWAwkTw7nlXXypDI37Rse2XCI4S6NTJM-Fz3946_10mt_Z0KyK-ThFYZVmj6GmdCl4Ln2O7LgtMKiws_oPGhwtAgnSArkRRaLcfYlF_90VKY8DTVoBHbyWwVbd_OWtbwM8ks/s1600/IMG_8717-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyrXsNh2dfWAwkTw7nlXXypDI37Rse2XCI4S6NTJM-Fz3946_10mt_Z0KyK-ThFYZVmj6GmdCl4Ln2O7LgtMKiws_oPGhwtAgnSArkRRaLcfYlF_90VKY8DTVoBHbyWwVbd_OWtbwM8ks/s1600/IMG_8717-001.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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And finally here's the sweet baby who inspired the dress in the first place. He was just chillin' while daddy snapped the photos of my dress and I LOVE that Karl snuck in a couple shots of Nash. Cheeks! </div>
<br />careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13380717668338581764noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3887166628293862010.post-52767696046243528962014-10-06T08:23:00.000-07:002014-10-06T08:23:00.045-07:00hello again<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijkb5gDE3TldcKxuE6nnRtmTQnkd6KIPyAlVBbspQZ8YxCJcUXfC7wjUROZ5sLrfk0ATLlw-ZQfjeeuMettjRqXX3CMjRc44qS7X1D9mm0kPIQRoaV59jsExYu4hEoMYFyhjMdMHqKtJc/s1600/IMG_8344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijkb5gDE3TldcKxuE6nnRtmTQnkd6KIPyAlVBbspQZ8YxCJcUXfC7wjUROZ5sLrfk0ATLlw-ZQfjeeuMettjRqXX3CMjRc44qS7X1D9mm0kPIQRoaV59jsExYu4hEoMYFyhjMdMHqKtJc/s1600/IMG_8344.JPG" height="318" width="400" /></a></div>
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Once again a whole month (ok, two!) has passed by and I couldn't be bothered to write a post. The truth is, I've been quiet, but God has been stirring my heart. I feel like I've had words in my head and on my heart for quite some time now, but just haven't been able to get them out in the right order. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTzVqpiLxnFizC_cVBOxCbimewiDyFc0zz_PNpff8zsSM8Mh8pFqEfwYUrz1qr_X09fw_CBvOF_u0cMCOWSRhcrxko8uiIwkLzoBUwOtfhA-bEKxB5V0Zjei8WAp_EvkUE_p7SGqeLXJM/s1600/IMG_8376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTzVqpiLxnFizC_cVBOxCbimewiDyFc0zz_PNpff8zsSM8Mh8pFqEfwYUrz1qr_X09fw_CBvOF_u0cMCOWSRhcrxko8uiIwkLzoBUwOtfhA-bEKxB5V0Zjei8WAp_EvkUE_p7SGqeLXJM/s1600/IMG_8376.JPG" height="320" width="400" /></a></div>
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I feel like I need to revisit that terribly uncomfortable topic again, this time, talking about the work that God has done in me through it. I have said before that through <a href="http://madmaxmama.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-post-that-almost-didnt-get-published.html">my husband's affair,</a> I have been spiritually and <a href="http://madmaxmama.blogspot.com/2013/06/its-beautiful-life.html">emotionally stretched</a> in ways I couldn't have imagined before, and its true! And here are the words that until now I haven't been able to figure out how to say: </div>
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God called me to forgive my husband, not for his wellbeing, <i>but for mine.</i> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfN0TbdbzdxkqcECWZNl_MD7cgqRo3ZzoDkKNdrdj_hyphenhyphenyU_0Ivh-qGmwX6MwYT9KaQatRr2T5Kg5BNcnYD6U4zBPgRlywtz5xXgXu785HPv_Od9WhXYA5kA5SphAIzHaLWPDOqghci2M/s1600/IMG_8478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfN0TbdbzdxkqcECWZNl_MD7cgqRo3ZzoDkKNdrdj_hyphenhyphenyU_0Ivh-qGmwX6MwYT9KaQatRr2T5Kg5BNcnYD6U4zBPgRlywtz5xXgXu785HPv_Od9WhXYA5kA5SphAIzHaLWPDOqghci2M/s1600/IMG_8478.JPG" height="400" width="318" /></a></div>
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I didn't realize that completely at the time, but looking back, I was called to do what I had always thought of as impossible: to forgive the unforgivable. I couldn't wrap my head around doing this alone, I had to trust God. I had to trust that He would change my heart, and<b> increase my capacity for forgiveness</b>. I knew that I was called to forgive, whether our marriage was healed or not, so that God could heal me. I held so much anger through the whole experience, and felt God leading me to let go of it through forgiveness. I realized that anger can be useful to point us to areas of our lives that need work, but if held onto, anger turns into bitterness. It was humbling to realize He didn't intend for me to live my life in bitterness. Instead, God is love. If there is bitterness and anger filling my heart, there is no room for love. Wow. And I am truly lucky that Karl also allowed God to do a work in his heart, so that our family could be healed and grow spiritually healthy. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOnDl0s4-f1HEVx_BRdydlw1fz3bH3nDM3nzgrE-q8HPO4doE221QQQiuBlGyKslqkSP-36no32VUZUaUYu7GjQFECSo6HM0w7k7w9H-bKEYK7QZXZxwWlzBgIMFYtVZcsdswQKIfIrTU/s1600/10550899_10152650869639444_5271368079380100480_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOnDl0s4-f1HEVx_BRdydlw1fz3bH3nDM3nzgrE-q8HPO4doE221QQQiuBlGyKslqkSP-36no32VUZUaUYu7GjQFECSo6HM0w7k7w9H-bKEYK7QZXZxwWlzBgIMFYtVZcsdswQKIfIrTU/s1600/10550899_10152650869639444_5271368079380100480_n.jpg" height="318" width="400" /></a></div>
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Honestly, God is good. I can't even imagine (nor would I want to) what my life would look like without forgiveness, without God's grace. It blows my mind when I think about what we went through and how it brought us to where we are--in our new(ish) home, in an amazing community, and involved in a great church where we have made some real life friends, and above all together. We have learned so much (some of which we naively thought we already knew) about what it means to put God first in our lives and in our marriage, and what it means to trust in His plan.</div>
<br />careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13380717668338581764noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3887166628293862010.post-56148578151679325232014-07-16T18:47:00.000-07:002014-07-16T18:58:09.558-07:00recycled t-shirt baby quiltyou have no idea how happy this makes me, guys (because, sewing!). i started this quilt about three years ago and had completely given up on it until last week. i decided i'd better buy myself a walking foot and finally finish this quilt even though i was convinced it wasn't worth it. i had sewn the sweet zig-zag front, and even quilted it, but just couldn't bring myself to bind it. but now i wish i'd have been more careful with it, because i LOVE the way it turned out.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq1XP1KESsuZ5WlNNsrpE5qsBXhAqC0hJOLPuJJo2165bsjLUQ07-ugOS5OJzADqD5zw6i-F1LEx9rZ0fBOAm9fqFg3qHUVpbygaDZ5maqjBoIL0ClJ3Hn6lK60KNu1p6dE0w1YJnr0IQ/s1600/IMG_8227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq1XP1KESsuZ5WlNNsrpE5qsBXhAqC0hJOLPuJJo2165bsjLUQ07-ugOS5OJzADqD5zw6i-F1LEx9rZ0fBOAm9fqFg3qHUVpbygaDZ5maqjBoIL0ClJ3Hn6lK60KNu1p6dE0w1YJnr0IQ/s1600/IMG_8227.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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the quilt top is made of thrifted t-shirts i cut up and patched together (unfortunately i didn't know about quilting with a walking foot three years ago). you can also see here if you look closely that i did a little bit of hand quilting which looks kind of cool in real life, especially on the back. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0PTWUEOGvHyr4mgfanh8bK7i0vY-lu9Z-5ZhcmewLJ3vUKhiUkIXWsmpJV71JYQd3l7u3W-NxSTm7N3wp32chzmo1icPp3jqc5KJfyqaEpKujbVidfoMLJG6oyAApP54yFINIF2N3dw/s1600/IMG_8229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0PTWUEOGvHyr4mgfanh8bK7i0vY-lu9Z-5ZhcmewLJ3vUKhiUkIXWsmpJV71JYQd3l7u3W-NxSTm7N3wp32chzmo1icPp3jqc5KJfyqaEpKujbVidfoMLJG6oyAApP54yFINIF2N3dw/s1600/IMG_8229.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
the backing is a soft, lovely flannel, and in the middle is natural cotton batting, making this a lovely little quilt that a baby can play on outside or on hardwood floors. i used just a regular quilting cotton for the binding, and i adore the way it pulls it all together.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkNKTJzzhCTEZJZz12FhEds5aQnRYiEeQVbO37O2Qntj0Dwma925eEmpN3bfFYAQSkVas0kw5rfhCMLV6unDZIxYt7qH78NACjpUO2HmD2iNj45u5Uls7yAxAXwm6D4Qip8_2T0hKLSkE/s1600/IMG_8230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkNKTJzzhCTEZJZz12FhEds5aQnRYiEeQVbO37O2Qntj0Dwma925eEmpN3bfFYAQSkVas0kw5rfhCMLV6unDZIxYt7qH78NACjpUO2HmD2iNj45u5Uls7yAxAXwm6D4Qip8_2T0hKLSkE/s1600/IMG_8230.jpg" height="512" width="640" /></a></div>
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man my front porch needs to meet a pressure washer. can we just call it "rustic"? ;)</div>
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i'm feeling like i need to hit the thrift store and revive my etsy shop!</div>
careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13380717668338581764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3887166628293862010.post-43019074222000262342014-06-03T09:57:00.000-07:002014-06-03T09:57:00.573-07:00three-year blankie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I call this the "three-year blankie." Not that it actually takes that long to crochet, but when you move twice in two years, the final move into a gianormous fixer-upper with a never ending to do list, and then have a new baby while wrangling three big ones, the crochet blanket tends to get put on the back burner. And then left there. For three years. But its done! (Nevermind that its only "done" because I turned it sideways and decided it should be smaller than I originally planned because I really want to get started on that granny square afghan instead!) I do love this little blankie though. I used the <a href="http://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/2010/05/granny-striping.html">Granny Stripes</a> pattern and some lovely discontinued cotton yarn from Knitpicks. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOccTfYkBdgXgcwfIhA_9PBWhBOZTz1tSq_l3COm0KIvl96rSRhH1n_PISzSdiTqrGdH9C3N3bgjB-MYsYOjflmkO6aMOMG34z_QTomXtFqwRwn8mPyBCWS_Rr5vmT6oVJKId3B83d27s/s1600/photo-20.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOccTfYkBdgXgcwfIhA_9PBWhBOZTz1tSq_l3COm0KIvl96rSRhH1n_PISzSdiTqrGdH9C3N3bgjB-MYsYOjflmkO6aMOMG34z_QTomXtFqwRwn8mPyBCWS_Rr5vmT6oVJKId3B83d27s/s1600/photo-20.JPG" height="456" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My project page is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/madmaxmama/granny-stripes">here</a>.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-1pp9y5WlqdW6YFTozbYYE0IWfbpdi3rQ-SrHsNSKY2KSE_RzAy9OFZdJ8librfJc8xvLgHDNJLOpUOpgRtlLe6sK7dTTkXqPiqNNmCI1OKAvENQS05rOgpbGFtBpVXJRw7I5M1UE6Js/s1600/photo-21.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-1pp9y5WlqdW6YFTozbYYE0IWfbpdi3rQ-SrHsNSKY2KSE_RzAy9OFZdJ8librfJc8xvLgHDNJLOpUOpgRtlLe6sK7dTTkXqPiqNNmCI1OKAvENQS05rOgpbGFtBpVXJRw7I5M1UE6Js/s1600/photo-21.JPG" height="456" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I only got one picture of the blanket before I got entirely distracted with this cutie. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRdHvPVZAXbgokPw2SJuodKqFysSji6jsNhrVJWgvUH_QyUWCZYhdlzfqGlQ4zeaaVQ8UgWMZCJANkI8oNwrCH2p_ZYf_FC2MOobajK1ZVO7fYDSsX1zXhPCfyhQrrkl3zSepRjFDODDs/s1600/photo-22.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRdHvPVZAXbgokPw2SJuodKqFysSji6jsNhrVJWgvUH_QyUWCZYhdlzfqGlQ4zeaaVQ8UgWMZCJANkI8oNwrCH2p_ZYf_FC2MOobajK1ZVO7fYDSsX1zXhPCfyhQrrkl3zSepRjFDODDs/s1600/photo-22.JPG" height="456" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LOVE these sleepy smiles!</td></tr>
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<br />careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13380717668338581764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3887166628293862010.post-77286914665692533952014-05-18T13:06:00.001-07:002014-05-18T13:06:28.544-07:00breaking my unplanned silence<div style="text-align: center;">
To say: Welcome Baby Nash!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJfSiGVVppySIG4SFnRIaG-5HNJdCvw_FNTck0PMSYXbPRmXMiFFxzb3h8CnKkLgcXFl0CaWKqUgOkOmUT05XldoPNZjMCpBz5j-RNMQPzYhDaw8MIgjksVYRECbH5ucYytZdDXoaeozM/s1600/901484_10151988649656755_9155599571366323264_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJfSiGVVppySIG4SFnRIaG-5HNJdCvw_FNTck0PMSYXbPRmXMiFFxzb3h8CnKkLgcXFl0CaWKqUgOkOmUT05XldoPNZjMCpBz5j-RNMQPzYhDaw8MIgjksVYRECbH5ucYytZdDXoaeozM/s1600/901484_10151988649656755_9155599571366323264_o.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo by: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kirsten-Grace-Photography/102422469848022">Kirsten Grace Photography</a></td></tr>
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Nash Thomas arrived safely into the world on May 6th after an awesome labor and delivery, at a whopping 9lbs, 10oz and exactly 21 inches long! He is currently enjoying long naps in the sunshine (jaundice be gone!) and snuggles from his big sister and two big brothers. Mommy and Daddy have never felt more blessed!</div>
careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13380717668338581764noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3887166628293862010.post-46356650551825579052014-03-05T19:44:00.002-08:002014-03-05T19:44:25.083-08:00mini muffins!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcfscNTGSFGetu7j_BESz5PvMw2FPoJxe4laOfN7vQyiV2ACofCp564fnJyk2xhSrziWPG7lAz3PZP_iyGUvZgg_7T5iJugs1k3nYqBHuDw5NgLKB76_aWLGk4AIvMAElnVj-lWf8erpE/s1600/photo-14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcfscNTGSFGetu7j_BESz5PvMw2FPoJxe4laOfN7vQyiV2ACofCp564fnJyk2xhSrziWPG7lAz3PZP_iyGUvZgg_7T5iJugs1k3nYqBHuDw5NgLKB76_aWLGk4AIvMAElnVj-lWf8erpE/s1600/photo-14.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
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whew! i'm still here folks. fatigue hit me like a truck a couple weeks ago, and i kept on truckin' through it thinking it was just the result of growing this sweet little number four, building a backyard fence, and helping my husband get ready for his first trip out of the country since his youth. then the sweet nurse at my doctor's office called to tell me that my glucose test came back all awesome (so i can actually eat these muffins!!), but my iron is low. oh! that explains a lot! so besides upping the iron and munching on spinach, i've been napping and knitting and forgetting about this here space. but then tonight after having a too-early dinner, the kids and i decided we needed to put our mini muffin pan to use and make something that tastes as good as that dang maple sticky buns candle that's been burning all afternoon smells. enter the mini pumpkin cream cheese muffins! i had found a couple different recipes on pinterest, but nothing that appealed to my laziness, so i sorta combined a couple different things and i'm diggin' the result. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_1w7cDg2Tkw93GLop1UNGLDuU0oWi3doaY4ZaUlqzd2EYkibKgMBAptN5VihR2yTQVRgP0Vo61QlntCYMdHuw6ZMpBYq0aF4VE7uQGA8i192nTUi3GiJxePHS05rCGDZbdUa8WLPdALE/s1600/photo-19.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_1w7cDg2Tkw93GLop1UNGLDuU0oWi3doaY4ZaUlqzd2EYkibKgMBAptN5VihR2yTQVRgP0Vo61QlntCYMdHuw6ZMpBYq0aF4VE7uQGA8i192nTUi3GiJxePHS05rCGDZbdUa8WLPdALE/s1600/photo-19.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
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i remembered seeing back around thanksgiving the recipe for easy pumpkin cake, where you just add a can of pumpkin to a cake mix, but i decided to just let the pumpkin substitute some of the eggs and the oil. so i still added one egg and a cup of water to the mix. note: this would have rocked if i'd have had a spice cake mix handy, but since i didn't i did throw in a couple teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice and i'm glad i did.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDs2J8csvE_2i8tYowUPJMz-jB1DURPa3bdYnCvCrUbalN8maug7UZvOV8s8VZcDcoXTEnbEYPjWxDFCBxS6CCyJxIOar7ciCWNPPz71XsYMhNG6rxgr1pT8x3KS1MV0OxIU8wnZUxE5w/s1600/photo-18.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDs2J8csvE_2i8tYowUPJMz-jB1DURPa3bdYnCvCrUbalN8maug7UZvOV8s8VZcDcoXTEnbEYPjWxDFCBxS6CCyJxIOar7ciCWNPPz71XsYMhNG6rxgr1pT8x3KS1MV0OxIU8wnZUxE5w/s1600/photo-18.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
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for the filling i used a 8oz block of cream cheese, a tablespoon of all purpose flour, 1/4 c sugar, some vanilla, and an egg... just pretend that one in the background rolled up to be next to these guys.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmwlYO29-IdsmSdeaeUpij41QCSwtAEGIDO2-8MDtJ4qkaYIj_0yloCN5m0r6pMV6o9qIq3kOwMczgYiDzQ1GCEGR0DijZcJlCR2dCeah_jE-ORCxWWiqhe3szJCfqcyr_EFlNEZYTR_o/s1600/photo-17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmwlYO29-IdsmSdeaeUpij41QCSwtAEGIDO2-8MDtJ4qkaYIj_0yloCN5m0r6pMV6o9qIq3kOwMczgYiDzQ1GCEGR0DijZcJlCR2dCeah_jE-ORCxWWiqhe3szJCfqcyr_EFlNEZYTR_o/s1600/photo-17.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
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then i just put a little blob of filling on top of the semi-filled muffin liners.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBX5vP5BSuxI8kt_YsbU6Ykkr2MICDs7FFKaAdt5kOOLNprTLRSg2yzwHLfw0ZBB0QH5UQ3QxEHTtWd4us44hPhGid3pyDBmM12AOhAQskLQqcys4QL2GMAogUUtg-2kmFrDWFANlNPMk/s1600/photo-16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBX5vP5BSuxI8kt_YsbU6Ykkr2MICDs7FFKaAdt5kOOLNprTLRSg2yzwHLfw0ZBB0QH5UQ3QxEHTtWd4us44hPhGid3pyDBmM12AOhAQskLQqcys4QL2GMAogUUtg-2kmFrDWFANlNPMk/s1600/photo-16.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
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and topped that with a final blob of cake batter. toss them in the oven at 350 degrees for about 15-18 minutes and enjoy!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrXbyZ8mpyi_QF1-2ZXSM520lZNNymydEx1-WsC84h7pyBmcNN4rAaVvUNju11hqOPuLtvqiq8Bh16KzYDPKSIRYzG07ywAHhEkPFufJA4tv4lZ7tiMfh8sacCGvmuhPfbHx8ckA2yCh8/s1600/photo-15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrXbyZ8mpyi_QF1-2ZXSM520lZNNymydEx1-WsC84h7pyBmcNN4rAaVvUNju11hqOPuLtvqiq8Bh16KzYDPKSIRYzG07ywAHhEkPFufJA4tv4lZ7tiMfh8sacCGvmuhPfbHx8ckA2yCh8/s1600/photo-15.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
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this made 4 dozen mini muffins. </div>
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:)</div>
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Muffins:</div>
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1 cake mix (spice would be best, or yellow with pumpkin pie spice added)</div>
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1 can pumpkin</div>
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1 egg</div>
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1 c water</div>
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Filling: (just beat these things with a mixer until completely smooth)</div>
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8oz cream cheese, softened</div>
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1 egg</div>
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1 tsp vanilla</div>
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1/4 c sugar</div>
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1 Tbs flour</div>
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<br />careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13380717668338581764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3887166628293862010.post-36855783385133159452014-02-17T08:10:00.000-08:002014-02-17T08:10:19.998-08:00another shirt that fits! {maternity sewing}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKRnbKzgwA6cgujpBDwRTYHu8WjHKsgTdRAj75OyNKRmuTLIo92S4QRKmoWlBh8O5ztmhbL3VsSHbhGVxunZW4Hzg7QXtFqXqO-z9SpJ3yKnyLNqtcukDO101vym8m2mTQ93wHgDEV4qY/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKRnbKzgwA6cgujpBDwRTYHu8WjHKsgTdRAj75OyNKRmuTLIo92S4QRKmoWlBh8O5ztmhbL3VsSHbhGVxunZW4Hzg7QXtFqXqO-z9SpJ3yKnyLNqtcukDO101vym8m2mTQ93wHgDEV4qY/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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Yay for another shirt that covers the belly! I followed <a href="http://diymaternity.com/tops/mens-shirt-makeover-maternity-top/#more-9202">this tutorial</a> over on DIY Maternity using one of my thrifted button-ups and am SO happy with the result. I also added some cap sleeves, using <a href="http://suburbsmama.blogspot.com/2011/07/adding-sleeves-to-sleeveless-dress.html">this tutorial</a> from Suburbs Mama. I'm not sure yet whether to keep them as they are or take them off and try again. I'm wishing they were slightly more fitted, I think.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia2mOXNvQ9w4ZjeA-7Kv-_jLWpPipwbpTfDJZ5_MLcrhKvPkDcCvVSm0T59jWP_QojfqtQURiF6HEW8QVsiJr2VP5_NQRTbshh-7K-PCrn9SEmUMKci9z09N9q1Y8JIV2zNI0GqKsUovc/s1600/photo+3-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia2mOXNvQ9w4ZjeA-7Kv-_jLWpPipwbpTfDJZ5_MLcrhKvPkDcCvVSm0T59jWP_QojfqtQURiF6HEW8QVsiJr2VP5_NQRTbshh-7K-PCrn9SEmUMKci9z09N9q1Y8JIV2zNI0GqKsUovc/s1600/photo+3-2.JPG" height="640" width="394" /></a></div>
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Unfortunately I don't think this shirt is going to see it to the end of my pregnancy, since I probably won't stop growing for the next 3 months...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-X25r1AEy1CF-W37dTaJl3jubHwY-xc9ngeKFsVu9C0INXAwByrY-SuWAhw38Me-eUmCQC4N4e1FcSkBf0ASbnqEKXfwXwpoIEpErXab9_lJGOoZDIRk4-mzqEtaiASbqhuZgc0ZlqE/s1600/photo+1-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-X25r1AEy1CF-W37dTaJl3jubHwY-xc9ngeKFsVu9C0INXAwByrY-SuWAhw38Me-eUmCQC4N4e1FcSkBf0ASbnqEKXfwXwpoIEpErXab9_lJGOoZDIRk4-mzqEtaiASbqhuZgc0ZlqE/s1600/photo+1-2.JPG" height="640" width="394" /></a></div>
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But the button front and the general shape of the shirt is making me think I could definitely use it after baby arrives as a shirt that's handy to nurse in. *fingers crossed* I always seem to have a hard time finding tops that don't cost a zillion dollars that are convenient for nursing. I usually end up just layering up tees with stretchy camisoles, but that doesn't lend itself well to all occasions.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBCdBEo3I-3beA-PhrJR2gVdbvzj3s2vH4kbhvMXg002SZpAk9tmLZPaW3XNRum65dvkO2rzK2IsIYL1SFGEBA34HvbBt-FB2tRnL8wkcSBhaQa_sCqa631pxQFzNccVmw4QbrHDmGvIg/s1600/photo+2-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBCdBEo3I-3beA-PhrJR2gVdbvzj3s2vH4kbhvMXg002SZpAk9tmLZPaW3XNRum65dvkO2rzK2IsIYL1SFGEBA34HvbBt-FB2tRnL8wkcSBhaQa_sCqa631pxQFzNccVmw4QbrHDmGvIg/s1600/photo+2-2.JPG" height="640" width="394" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">29 weeks!</td></tr>
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Not too bad for about $4 and a couple hours of sewing therapy. :)</div>
careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13380717668338581764noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3887166628293862010.post-15931343074933788172014-02-13T07:51:00.000-08:002014-02-13T07:51:59.992-08:00thursday already?!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7CcCVSewPUjyB2FICxqkifAYQNXhqTaAxyk_xxB2bFtUx8FvozFw8ilDfFeumSYsBQpGR1nkgnMGhK2xhLJLPLebxYj1Bkug-1gevXpXjcRT0oW-Fh_JnDBJ-fGNETnKx5f4jroPp3qI/s1600/1911828_10203303473535736_534187670_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7CcCVSewPUjyB2FICxqkifAYQNXhqTaAxyk_xxB2bFtUx8FvozFw8ilDfFeumSYsBQpGR1nkgnMGhK2xhLJLPLebxYj1Bkug-1gevXpXjcRT0oW-Fh_JnDBJ-fGNETnKx5f4jroPp3qI/s1600/1911828_10203303473535736_534187670_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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How on earth did that happen? Karl didn't work at all last week due to the weather, and we spent all day Monday buying a new (to us) car. (Yay for being a two car family again!) Needless to say our schedule has been all thrown off with daddy home and we are just now getting back into real life again. Boy did we enjoy our time though. It is lovely to take a few days once in a while to just be. We had nothing scheduled and didn't yet have the means to get our to-do list rolling. Instead we enjoyed a lot of reading, a couple family movie nights, playing together, and family naps. Luckily, after a lovely weekend full of snow and nighttime snowball fights, the weather warmed up and Karl made it back to work before we all got too used to being home together--turns out that just doesn't get the bills paid!<br />
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Hopefully I'll get another boost of energy soon now that I've hit the third trimester (!!) and get those maternity shirts finished so I have more than one shirt that fits again.careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13380717668338581764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3887166628293862010.post-42119465862210870312014-02-08T14:31:00.000-08:002014-02-08T14:31:29.052-08:00new post, old dress {maternity sewing}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4rXRwjKn1y-It3JIrPJ_oPaARJYacJwyOa_9ft9Tk6GrqbqjD-RUywOVyvqujgtf8y-Qlbk6fy4x339P8fR_L9-1lcQ8H1ykbeB57pEsJCGY6AU-FOnIJCaV7e5fgu4BsBDRmYpMPDS8/s1600/photo+3-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4rXRwjKn1y-It3JIrPJ_oPaARJYacJwyOa_9ft9Tk6GrqbqjD-RUywOVyvqujgtf8y-Qlbk6fy4x339P8fR_L9-1lcQ8H1ykbeB57pEsJCGY6AU-FOnIJCaV7e5fgu4BsBDRmYpMPDS8/s1600/photo+3-1.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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I decided <a href="http://madmaxmama.blogspot.com/2011/09/thanks-anna.html">this dress</a> needs an updated post. It has been on favorite status through two pregnancies, and was amazing after Milo was born, since the deep V neckline lends itself well to nursing attire. I used <a href="http://annamariahorner.blogspot.com/2010/06/museum-tunic.html">this tutorial</a> with a super light weight slub knit that I doubled over. The arm holes and hem are left raw, since the jersey doesn't fray and I dig the look. The style of the dress works well as a layered piece with a long sleeve shirt and leggings, works as a cute spring church outfit with flats and a cardigan, and can even be paired well with heels for a date night. LOVE it. Pretty sure I'll be making another one as soon as the right fabric finds me.</div>
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Here's what it looks like with no belt, which is getting to be more comfortable these days.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRtWDFs9MLeL087idrXeispYPo2bLUJa8ir_zD_gAW5nTj30nXwmxvaKVtJzuPGUiIcI2z0eO2qG4kOcEJ8RKWo1AO5egGSe20Jt0h_zWbWaPaAb_oUPc1GcpqovuRzF-dGGTAOAS0pVU/s1600/photo+2-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRtWDFs9MLeL087idrXeispYPo2bLUJa8ir_zD_gAW5nTj30nXwmxvaKVtJzuPGUiIcI2z0eO2qG4kOcEJ8RKWo1AO5egGSe20Jt0h_zWbWaPaAb_oUPc1GcpqovuRzF-dGGTAOAS0pVU/s1600/photo+2-1.JPG" height="640" width="394" /></a></div>
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And here's the belly!</div>
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careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13380717668338581764noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3887166628293862010.post-38030491584310240172014-02-04T07:26:00.002-08:002014-02-04T07:26:09.588-08:00in progress.<div style="text-align: center;">
Thanks to my ever-expanding belly and the attempt of all three children at various times through the night/early morning to crawl over me into our bed, I am up before the sun this morning, enjoying the chilly quiet. And chilly it is! This is our first winter in our OLD and drafty house, and we are still getting used to figuring out the best ways to stay warm. Wool socks, hot water bottles, and throw blankets thrown everywhere are feeling especially cozy right now. And I can't forget knitting. Knitting feels especially cozy this time of year, especially with a new babe to knit for kicking around in my belly. Right now I'm working on a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/baby-surprise-jacket">BSJ</a> for Little No. 4 (see the <a href="http://madmaxmama.blogspot.com/2011/07/ez-is-genius.html">one I knit</a> for Milo here). I decided not to hold the yarn double this time, and using some <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/yarns/Stroll_Tonal_Sock_Yarn__D5420134.html">Knit Picks Stroll Tonal</a> in Pacific on size 4 needles, I'm crossing my fingers he'll at least get to wear it a handful of times before its too small!</div>
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Also! I took a trip through the thrift store a little while back and found a couple goodies to make into maternity shirts, using a little inspiration from<a href="http://diymaternity.com/index/"> DIY Maternity</a>--such a great site for tutorials and inspiration! If these work out, I'll have two new shirts for under $6. Score! I'm thinking one of them will turn into another <a href="http://madmaxmama.blogspot.com/2011/06/peasant-top-from-diy-maternity.html">peasant top</a>, and I might piece together a couple different tutorials for the other. </div>
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I love the fabric on that front shirt. You can't tell from far away, but the print is little birds. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4vHmddA-3eTF0Yrs0DXObAxd1oah1jh1WelRWwuZ8-AddH-5Y-YElgxwXEhyphenhyphenlSf8JSzMPf3VT6WQ2QtJeCKHItOx51JrZjn29_aCwzOqf3r-6rrAX_AzNtgTt_H6DgesQj8282vdy-3c/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4vHmddA-3eTF0Yrs0DXObAxd1oah1jh1WelRWwuZ8-AddH-5Y-YElgxwXEhyphenhyphenlSf8JSzMPf3VT6WQ2QtJeCKHItOx51JrZjn29_aCwzOqf3r-6rrAX_AzNtgTt_H6DgesQj8282vdy-3c/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="246" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm linking up to <a href="http://frontierdreams.blogspot.com/2014/02/keep-calm-craft-on-crafting-on.html">Frontier Dreams</a> today, for some more inspiring progress posts.</div>
careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13380717668338581764noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3887166628293862010.post-79341857376039055102014-01-31T07:57:00.002-08:002014-09-29T17:28:18.594-07:00about that other post<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Maybe you know <a href="http://madmaxmama.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-post-that-almost-didnt-get-published.html">the one</a> I mean, or maybe you'll take a moment to read it now. I don't mean to beat a dead horse, and I hope it doesn't start to feel like that around here, but honestly, I feel like this is such an important story to share. Back when I first found out about my husband's affair, after I was rocked by the shock (that sometimes I feel hasn't entirely dissolved), after God put the idea of forgiveness and reconciliation on my heart, and while Karl and I were still in separate houses, I felt so alone. I was afraid that anyone I told would immediately take sides, which I knew wouldn't be healthy if we were going to end up staying married. I found out Karl had support. He had some great people to pray with him, identify with him--some people we have known for a long time told him about their experiences with infidelity, but never did I get to hear from the spouse hurt by it (I know now that in every case, BOTH spouses are hurt by it, but I wasn't willing to admit it then). </div>
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I turned to google, desperate in my search to read a story written by the betrayed spouse, a story of forgiveness. Again and again all I could seem to find were resources for the person caught in the affair, and a whole lot of unhelpful advice. Save for <a href="http://www.thenatos.com/2010/03/worst-day-of-my-life_24.html#.Uuqwuijpb_c">one story</a>, which by the way, I found weeks before I knew about my husband's affair, but during the weeks that followed I read it again and again. I was so thirsty to hear a story written by someone who was hurt, but was able to find forgiveness. I needed to know it was possible. Probably not a surprise, but a marriage on the rocks is incredibly messy business, and trying to make sense of anything during that time was extremely difficult. Between wondering who would get the kids, how would I support myself, what if I stay angry forever, what if they're in love, what if? What if? What if? There's so much room for anger in those questions and not much room for hope. Add to that the exhaustion of keeping a "game face" on--for the kids, for the parents, friends, family... It's tough.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDr2LDJUefbcVrSN8uGQV5AeohCPZkoZgOn6OqH06lIDKoZp6elOpmT6ooOTV5DDU0AuiWVw0Rv_uq9NkRQTzVUzCDk4Bd3PWJ-hJ3mtfwEB4Srl_gwG4hS1ka0a-ShAdWLlYde8MGlA4/s1600/941888_10151575089774444_1953612799_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDr2LDJUefbcVrSN8uGQV5AeohCPZkoZgOn6OqH06lIDKoZp6elOpmT6ooOTV5DDU0AuiWVw0Rv_uq9NkRQTzVUzCDk4Bd3PWJ-hJ3mtfwEB4Srl_gwG4hS1ka0a-ShAdWLlYde8MGlA4/s1600/941888_10151575089774444_1953612799_n.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
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It was rock bottom for me. I said in that last post that I fell on my face in prayer, and it's true. I had no energy to do anything else, and in that time alone with God, I found hope. In that story I read on the internet, I found hope. When I finally had the courage to reach out to a friend, I was overwhelmed with hope. Not necessarily the hope I wanted--I didn't find the promise of my saved marriage online, or in a single prayer, or through email conversations with a friend, but I did find hope in knowing I wasn't alone. And that's a damn fine first step. And that is one reason why I need to share this story. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF5wLC2_5b8ix3UhyphenhyphenutWo6pW8KsYNKYBILTuHhOVgO24QOVwdsUIBJbwO85smGm0qFzfFt_3gbXg6dUjzoXL2-oyNShIXzU2bTRpXU7uJ7QYMcngAHHXpstdTguRD7b_Vyw31OwZzr88A/s1600/531711_10151478688194444_448519752_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF5wLC2_5b8ix3UhyphenhyphenutWo6pW8KsYNKYBILTuHhOVgO24QOVwdsUIBJbwO85smGm0qFzfFt_3gbXg6dUjzoXL2-oyNShIXzU2bTRpXU7uJ7QYMcngAHHXpstdTguRD7b_Vyw31OwZzr88A/s1600/531711_10151478688194444_448519752_n.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
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Just in case someone out there somewhere needs to know they're not alone...</div>
careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13380717668338581764noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3887166628293862010.post-89757560934665724452014-01-28T15:14:00.001-08:002014-01-29T09:32:05.249-08:00my favorite food (for now)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ_6VAuwONsk8HRLNHzPgYY1dzqTJReni5gtNxX90JNy3h46sO_zxSBZTg2w99eFhBPigZ7r4j76NDjCL6OBiFZKKamuP6R9UVNinD3sRj73KEvHdAeRyept2hXL1Bns5s3YaDte5o0bE/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ_6VAuwONsk8HRLNHzPgYY1dzqTJReni5gtNxX90JNy3h46sO_zxSBZTg2w99eFhBPigZ7r4j76NDjCL6OBiFZKKamuP6R9UVNinD3sRj73KEvHdAeRyept2hXL1Bns5s3YaDte5o0bE/s1600/photo.JPG" height="246" width="400"></a></div>
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Ladies and gentlemen, I have to confess. I cannot get enough of these.</div>
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Call them salad rolls, spring rolls, fresh rolls, whatever. But they are gooooood.</div>
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And a much needed change from the fried food and potato chip addiction I have had as of late.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsuysSaZrz5MCAzaTDo0zaDuYVJqLEFF3GznHP7oyOBtHNWb8qDTUko-eCIwjWx2W68fIlZHCkzF2NxWHwcGbQm65LzOy_ZhHRB9i3H9Ya4PEcp5D4ciOHl9X3us9-2EFxYV-k5kWzpZE/s1600/photo-11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsuysSaZrz5MCAzaTDo0zaDuYVJqLEFF3GznHP7oyOBtHNWb8qDTUko-eCIwjWx2W68fIlZHCkzF2NxWHwcGbQm65LzOy_ZhHRB9i3H9Ya4PEcp5D4ciOHl9X3us9-2EFxYV-k5kWzpZE/s1600/photo-11.JPG" height="246" width="400"></a></div>
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Here's what I put in mine this time. You always need the rice papers and some sort of noodles, but the rest can change every time. Sometimes I use rice sticks noodles and sometimes I use bean threads. No one in my house seems to have a preference. This time I put in mung bean sprouts, bell pepper, carrot, cucumber and plenty of fresh cilantro.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT2_WWF3prQ439i-zL4ORfzQIB68zUagrmr3HQariDQW9iqEtzj0eXkXI4BMa_purfgaHiTR0ZvS5GAmgE8JOf4urbBfcZstwYc2kLLmDBLpMS_LstpC073T-c-Hwnac9Z64qXtiQPYxE/s1600/photo-10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT2_WWF3prQ439i-zL4ORfzQIB68zUagrmr3HQariDQW9iqEtzj0eXkXI4BMa_purfgaHiTR0ZvS5GAmgE8JOf4urbBfcZstwYc2kLLmDBLpMS_LstpC073T-c-Hwnac9Z64qXtiQPYxE/s1600/photo-10.JPG" height="246" width="400"></a></div>
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Just slice your veggies into thin matchsticks, prepare the noodles according to package directions, and you're good to go.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1bBo2xVQ_fAJegKoVig7R0Wb6KhypFBA0he830tdczRvxOW99ghZVfXp2lDk-V1j3J4TvCRtW-Rfi1SUyTRL1_RNiRbNzfqpvA22mA2WWvdr8MY0AdJNBs6Hlaf91aMdO9Q2_Jl5zlHQ/s1600/photo-9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1bBo2xVQ_fAJegKoVig7R0Wb6KhypFBA0he830tdczRvxOW99ghZVfXp2lDk-V1j3J4TvCRtW-Rfi1SUyTRL1_RNiRbNzfqpvA22mA2WWvdr8MY0AdJNBs6Hlaf91aMdO9Q2_Jl5zlHQ/s1600/photo-9.JPG" height="246" width="400"></a></div>
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This is what the rice paper looks like right out of the package. My small town has a local grocery store with a great selection of Asian foods--shout out to Shop'N'Kart, if you're local!-- but I have also seen them at Fred Meyer and sometimes Safeway.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuVGMKOLb1eVQSwEQy5Zj-_kdTxBX8Opu8RJ6udDGyY7QWOZK88Gl_I8LJJW6UTU0d7JwYFD__hDZpG-wHBFKB5q67KdV9UpQFvDqNi9C1ELCZT8FL4AVUnGACeAX2Bn6Z1MMFNPvAgzc/s1600/photo-8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuVGMKOLb1eVQSwEQy5Zj-_kdTxBX8Opu8RJ6udDGyY7QWOZK88Gl_I8LJJW6UTU0d7JwYFD__hDZpG-wHBFKB5q67KdV9UpQFvDqNi9C1ELCZT8FL4AVUnGACeAX2Bn6Z1MMFNPvAgzc/s1600/photo-8.JPG" height="246" width="400"></a></div>
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You can see that it is pretty thin and brittle.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtYjtKg604iWn0rLkah-PxQnhiQWGo-wvZtFK-b3xIkVZyORO8paLM_YSG3FAVjEO1Suksya2vxLy8iDewHt02Ex80Rei-fRPoYgGa0syifJ_C-JNbfIOL0mHHWThmR_46x-wL5CtMIGk/s1600/photo-7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtYjtKg604iWn0rLkah-PxQnhiQWGo-wvZtFK-b3xIkVZyORO8paLM_YSG3FAVjEO1Suksya2vxLy8iDewHt02Ex80Rei-fRPoYgGa0syifJ_C-JNbfIOL0mHHWThmR_46x-wL5CtMIGk/s1600/photo-7.JPG" height="246" width="400"></a></div>
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Just soak them in a pie plate with about a half inch of hot water for a few seconds and they soften right up.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS51zfwMT8zuRfcYvNj9G8oVyx6nOF9ePGLtzvE8ZTpLYEBE5ExkPUFpCwFmYzXm9BnKez0SLZsJd4xQJ5j9d4RPoFhK3BcQn9jHbSe6sZnVbY_ZS-wBT0w0ziLTFHSfcA0-sVuFD69Qk/s1600/photo-6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS51zfwMT8zuRfcYvNj9G8oVyx6nOF9ePGLtzvE8ZTpLYEBE5ExkPUFpCwFmYzXm9BnKez0SLZsJd4xQJ5j9d4RPoFhK3BcQn9jHbSe6sZnVbY_ZS-wBT0w0ziLTFHSfcA0-sVuFD69Qk/s1600/photo-6.JPG" height="246" width="400"></a></div>
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I have found that the time it takes me to roll up my first roll is the perfect amount of time to have the next rice paper soaking.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyWxwbEYndnfPrTGoGdDcKKGCpo3yCg1riJwRT71slUq3cvI1t0wBcmdUVUfPeRcv4QkP5DZ4wiE58Q4cr_WpOkdMqyse1R8OaFN-kcZhhZIX8m6z0IBrWGvKu0ZZ5IDFlTTeR7rOaus4/s1600/photo-5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyWxwbEYndnfPrTGoGdDcKKGCpo3yCg1riJwRT71slUq3cvI1t0wBcmdUVUfPeRcv4QkP5DZ4wiE58Q4cr_WpOkdMqyse1R8OaFN-kcZhhZIX8m6z0IBrWGvKu0ZZ5IDFlTTeR7rOaus4/s1600/photo-5.JPG" height="246" width="400"></a></div>
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They're hard to hold flat with one hand while taking a picture with the other hand. It will stick to itself, so try not to let that happen. I think I was able to save this one before it got too crumpled up.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg59CdlTf7XS1teJwaYnoQLmFt5UzDCksEm28dLKlyjXDcCKmt1Q9vrUK42s2IB0lYcQyzCpAYkFlzksbW4v_Y4m7fsBbCwaifPhLdeDrkitnaenv58eqg2TtcA48Bx6sBT5MaVmP3rg7E/s1600/photo-4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg59CdlTf7XS1teJwaYnoQLmFt5UzDCksEm28dLKlyjXDcCKmt1Q9vrUK42s2IB0lYcQyzCpAYkFlzksbW4v_Y4m7fsBbCwaifPhLdeDrkitnaenv58eqg2TtcA48Bx6sBT5MaVmP3rg7E/s1600/photo-4.JPG" height="246" width="400"></a></div>
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Just flatten it out the best you can on a plate.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjiuxLPMT3xbcGIEFnjzyUl8RKVMYCSUtR16NazqvfP7yOq9dQ_tTizXWcGHeEugpxpCjEAjlVnIPwzrOxXPE7NpZUgQkscJl9IgOlES2UTXl53tybxvvjB0__2B99xIAyx76Ty2zdvh0/s1600/photo-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjiuxLPMT3xbcGIEFnjzyUl8RKVMYCSUtR16NazqvfP7yOq9dQ_tTizXWcGHeEugpxpCjEAjlVnIPwzrOxXPE7NpZUgQkscJl9IgOlES2UTXl53tybxvvjB0__2B99xIAyx76Ty2zdvh0/s1600/photo-3.JPG" height="246" width="400"></a></div>
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Then top with whatever you're putting on yours. If you look really closely you can see that some green onion snuck in after I had taken the photos of the ingredients up above. Good stuff. I always pile the noddles on first, then the sprouts, followed by whatever else you have. Don't forget the cilantro!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpukQz0dhhR9LPAoonVMk-R5VgrMDD49C_x-YXCQ1iwP1DZhDeEc2mi0n8eu6ySc5N3nLs7Q2BwQ7-PX_1xmkjgTwjHSgNDqo_vXgyuGxfDmMPWPeO_gM4pnZYmM2XqwPgLL2y6hHAVlQ/s1600/photo-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpukQz0dhhR9LPAoonVMk-R5VgrMDD49C_x-YXCQ1iwP1DZhDeEc2mi0n8eu6ySc5N3nLs7Q2BwQ7-PX_1xmkjgTwjHSgNDqo_vXgyuGxfDmMPWPeO_gM4pnZYmM2XqwPgLL2y6hHAVlQ/s1600/photo-2.JPG" height="246" width="400"></a></div>
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Now you fold over the two ends that are perpendicular to the fillings, and stick it down to the flaps that are still open. That will help you get a nice, tight roll.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin-S2LCyNC1iqYCruV9HLbG7ZWI8jtsNi1p6uS31cR3d1jMVPj6i4mA4ewBYwla4Gj7LTf0tGzqB_0bDbarHxEsnNsK8pzPczvqyHWrIo4FzIdaQe5pOa9ymNPNe8f4TgVEiia30fM8v0/s1600/photo-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin-S2LCyNC1iqYCruV9HLbG7ZWI8jtsNi1p6uS31cR3d1jMVPj6i4mA4ewBYwla4Gj7LTf0tGzqB_0bDbarHxEsnNsK8pzPczvqyHWrIo4FzIdaQe5pOa9ymNPNe8f4TgVEiia30fM8v0/s1600/photo-1.JPG" height="246" width="400"></a></div>
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Then just roll it up burrito style.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHxTVH5sZzi230zoIZxoYNznwlDsLLLcEt_R_QAsCe5uyja4fv8j5qPeS33g_Ajet3Nw0zLKHbzChDkxb5dgKCrVwxWm1gPhW-cM8IO9rkB-vjyQmYaPKu9PLjHr-VQBCZFaXgW_5-_hM/s1600/photo-12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHxTVH5sZzi230zoIZxoYNznwlDsLLLcEt_R_QAsCe5uyja4fv8j5qPeS33g_Ajet3Nw0zLKHbzChDkxb5dgKCrVwxWm1gPhW-cM8IO9rkB-vjyQmYaPKu9PLjHr-VQBCZFaXgW_5-_hM/s1600/photo-12.JPG" height="326" width="400"></a></div>
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And of course dip it in plenty of peanut sauce. That's the best part. There are tons of recipes out there on the interwebs for this stuff, but I'm much too lazy for that these days. This one is my current favorite. A little spicy, and I'm pretty sure it'd be awesome with an ice cold beer... I'll keep you posted on that in about 3-4 months. ;)</div>
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<br>careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13380717668338581764noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3887166628293862010.post-37592353517678250802014-01-28T14:25:00.000-08:002014-01-28T14:25:14.071-08:00eight years<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizESIRlVZlAvalquXEUFYnq36YaT8_FC6xECX5UXI5UXDlcbCIsX_JhTJGpQFkxlZNUeqSFbw1eKmmBo3leQ0XrK5ijb2pDQCrVWREFbl52Exkq8cLTR_3Yo0KktPyfvVsQ0CGKzEohq0/s640/blogger-image-399465983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizESIRlVZlAvalquXEUFYnq36YaT8_FC6xECX5UXI5UXDlcbCIsX_JhTJGpQFkxlZNUeqSFbw1eKmmBo3leQ0XrK5ijb2pDQCrVWREFbl52Exkq8cLTR_3Yo0KktPyfvVsQ0CGKzEohq0/s640/blogger-image-399465983.jpg" /></a></div>
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On this day eight years ago, this guy and I stood up before our friends and family and said things like, "for better or for worse..." and, "til death do us part..." It's almost humorous the difference I feel about those words this year versus the day we first said them aloud. I never imagined, as a 19 year old bride, how much those vows could stretch me. Or how they would be tested. Or how thankful I would still be that we made them. I love you, Karl, and I am so blessed to have you by my side.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJL1raQF7_LEofz2azecXobXiGtuEyj96OJhVICdsE4JEXp0h_iBpHXjDsXZO5KIbhC5nfP5bIh15rMWnYHPJ0tOEUoTb0fysISHOIIgCNElI-QKYPel7NebX9o4qKKmuA8oUUb5W0A1s/s640/blogger-image--1395550083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJL1raQF7_LEofz2azecXobXiGtuEyj96OJhVICdsE4JEXp0h_iBpHXjDsXZO5KIbhC5nfP5bIh15rMWnYHPJ0tOEUoTb0fysISHOIIgCNElI-QKYPel7NebX9o4qKKmuA8oUUb5W0A1s/s640/blogger-image--1395550083.jpg" /></a></div>
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careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13380717668338581764noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3887166628293862010.post-57363760600734087372014-01-27T08:39:00.000-08:002014-01-27T08:39:33.225-08:00discovery trail<div style="text-align: center;">
Before we dropped the kiddos off at grandma's for a weekend alone, we went for a short morning hike. It was a beautiful morning for it! We hit up <a href="http://www.lewiscountytrails.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=section&layout=blog&id=1&Itemid=2">Discovery Trail</a>, which I didn't even know existed, and it was lovely. If any of you locals are interested, there is also at least one <a href="http://www.geocaching.com/">geocache</a> along the way, which is a good motivator for my kiddos to keep walking. </div>
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This trail is pretty short and sweet and has gravel for most of the way which was perfect for Milo to be out of the backpack and on his feet, and also nice for this mama, who's pace is a bit slower these days. </div>
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We also had the opportunity to go over some basic safety tips since there was a sign posted about a recent cougar sighting. And, could it be? A cougar track? We're not completely sure, but if you look closely you'll notice that the bottom of the paw print does have three lobes, and what almost appears to be claw marks at the top is actually shadows cast by little pieces of gravel.</div>
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They found it! We actually remembered to have the kiddos all bring a piece of "treasure" with them in case we found the geocache, and they were so excited to get to trade some things.</div>
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And I had to throw this last one in. Our little family is growing too big for iphone self-portatraits these days, so Karl had to be a little clever about getting us all in there. :)</div>
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<br />careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13380717668338581764noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3887166628293862010.post-16080447700670828992014-01-25T18:10:00.002-08:002014-01-25T22:34:39.563-08:00dressing the belly<div style="text-align: center;">
So, after that last <a href="http://madmaxmama.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-post-that-almost-didnt-get-published.html">heavy post</a>, I'm just going to jump ahead and say this weekend Karl and I are celebrating our 8th anniversary *dreamy sigh*, and I'm not sure if I've really said anything about it in this space, but we are expecting our 4th baby. I've totally lost track of how far along I am at this point. All I know is that I'm due in May and already as big as a house. You can call me Gianormica from here on out. Pleased to meet you. </div>
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Anywhooooo, I knew I'd need something to cover my belly for our date so that diners aren't offended by my inappropriately and hugely exposed baby space. Enter: husband's old button down and a pair of jeans that I busted the zipper on way back when I tried to shove myself back into them too soon after birthing 9lb, 6oz baby Milo two years ago.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before: husbands old shirt and stretchy busted zipper jeans.<br />
After: button back, pin-tucked blouse with maternity rocker jeans.</td></tr>
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I totally didn't take any pictures of the process of making this top. I was highly inspired by some of the tutorials over at <a href="http://diymaternity.com/index/">DIY Maternity</a>, but then just went and did my own thing. I can kind of describe it though, if anyone's interested. If you're not, then just skip to the bottom to see me rocking ridiculous heels, considering my lack of balance--but hey, at least I wasn't trying to chase kids in them!</div>
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For the top: I cut the sleeves off, removed the pocket, and unpicked the yoke seem. I did some very sloppy pintucks in the front (the back of the shirt is now the front) so that I wouldn't lose too much fabric when I resized the sleeve holes, and then reattached the yoke. I cut the collar off the shirt and then resized the neck opening to fit before folding it over twice and topstitching. I traced the sleeves of a button up shirt I have that fits nicely and resized the old sleeves accordingly, cutting them to elbow length. I cut the side seams of the shirt and hemmed the new front to match the back (this allowed me to drop the neckline down a little and reset the top shoulder seams to the front, then I sewed the side seams back up, closing in the arm holes a little to match my new sleeves. Lastly, I put the sleeves back on and BAM! Now I have a shirt that covers my bump.</div>
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The pants were way easy. I cut an old tee that fit snugly over my belly straight across just under the armpits, then folded the band of fabric in half and sewed it around the top of the jeans under the waist band. IMPORTANT: be sure the zipper is up before sewing, and make sure the pockets are tucked down. Or just always wear with a very long shirt. Ahem.</div>
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Now I'm wishing I had taken a better photo to show the pin-tucking at the yoke and the button down back. Whoops.</div>
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careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13380717668338581764noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3887166628293862010.post-46061092115045743682014-01-23T19:32:00.000-08:002015-05-14T23:26:13.635-07:00the post that almost didn't get published.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This blog has stayed pretty light hearted for most if it's existence, and I realize I've been pretty sporadic about posting this past year. I feel like I have been tiptoeing around this issue that has consumed most of my past year, and now I have this urge to come clean and reflect on this last season we've been in as a family, and where I'm at now, as an individual. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">no acting here---we really are that dorky.</td></tr>
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It feels weird/cheesy to say (type) this, but there was a time recently-ish when I heard the voice of God for the first time in years. Maybe even for the first time ever. It was during the time my husband got a second job and we moved in with my dad while we house hunted. The exact moment was when I picked up my husband's phone right as it was receiving an intimate text from another woman (whoa!! right?!)--turns out it was THE other woman. The woman I later found out he had spent the night with after work the night before Mother's Day, the woman he slept with before coming home to his birthday breakfast the kids and I made for him, the woman he gave pieces of his life to that I was sure belonged only to me. I was blindsided, but I wasn't confused. I knew exactly what it meant. I knew that in that moment my world was turned upside down and a heavy weight, the heaviest I've ever felt was thrown upon my chest. Let me say right here that I thought our marriage was pretty tight. We had just celebrated 7 years, had three beautiful children, and were in the process of buying our dream house/fixer-upper.<br />
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We were busy, and Karl was working hard, but I never in my wildest dreams thought this would happen to me, to us. My life as I knew it was crumbling, but also in that moment, in that same exact moment I heard<i> <b>you will be ok</b>. </i>It wasn't 'your marriage will be ok' or 'this is all just a misunderstanding that will blow over'. No. It was a distinct voice of reassurance, of peace, and of comfort--that my wellbeing depended on no one else if I trust God.<br />
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I didn't know how I was going to be ok. I was staring down the barrel of being an unemployed and homeless single mother to three. I was pretty sure I couldn't stay married to Karl. I felt like the man I had spent my last 7 years dedicating my life to and bearing his children had just tossed his family to the curb like a charred cigarette butt. I felt like I was the plot of some cruel and twisted joke. I felt like my parents' history was repeating itself--on me. It wasn't until a few days later that I was able to digest that feeling I had, that voice I heard. It was a few days later that I knew it had to be divine intervention in that moment that I didn't physically harm anyone, God knows I wanted to slap the hell out of my husband, but instead I fell flat on my face in prayer... for the first time in a long, long time.<br />
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Eventually, during a brief separation, I was able to see that I could indeed be a single mother, and I would get by, and after a while I would probably even find joy again. I somehow felt empowered, that if it came to it, I could do it and do it well. It took some time, but during that separation, I also realized that that wasn't God's plan for me. This was my chance to grow--to learn about forgiveness. We had a lot of work to do if we wanted to stay together, our marriage most certainly wasn't going to mend itself. We had a foundation to rebuild, trust to restore, and we each had to get our hearts right with God. I had to realize that I could lay in bed at night crying and feeling sorry for myself (and I did for awhile) or I could pray to God to fill my heart with the capacity for forgiveness. I could let God use this as an opportunity to grow me---to make me a better me, more capable of love, more capable of trust, and to help me know true forgiveness. I could have stayed angry (and I did for awhile). I could have continued to see my husband as a liar, a man who betrayed me and his children, or I could choose to see a man who, during our separation was humbled enough to realize how bad he effed up. I prayed for the latter. I prayed that God would give me the eyes to see a man who realized his faults and humbled himself before the Lord and his family, asking for forgiveness.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9IxPbrR5ylCegZmlxCc6XNUjChSRQY11wZdth4XueKfjkdGa7xy_knI4nebhI56iYwHgA2ZqmplEw09qdq6MJIL2xl0JpyltQjKBAL8j6tz2nHafU1sBVL2ZrT-OXhpM0-z-aHEWM5_c/s1600/1271127_10201909262922087_1776486818_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9IxPbrR5ylCegZmlxCc6XNUjChSRQY11wZdth4XueKfjkdGa7xy_knI4nebhI56iYwHgA2ZqmplEw09qdq6MJIL2xl0JpyltQjKBAL8j6tz2nHafU1sBVL2ZrT-OXhpM0-z-aHEWM5_c/s1600/1271127_10201909262922087_1776486818_o.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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I could have put all my hope in my husband and set "rules" for him to get me back, or I could put my hope in God, praying that he would restore our marriage and strengthen our faith. It hasn't been an easy road, not one that I'd want to walk again, nor a road I would choose for anybody else. But oh how thankful I am for the spiritual and emotional growth it has inspired, and for the healing journey it has us on right now.<br />
<br />careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13380717668338581764noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3887166628293862010.post-72986946154730236642014-01-20T16:45:00.001-08:002014-01-21T18:11:47.006-08:00oh ps- i failed.is it too late to still be talking about christmas? because if i have to turn back time for a minute, i will. i totally failed on my christmas knitting goal, you guys. 3 knits for 3 kids totally didn't happen. i posted <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/madmaxmama/spritely">Mad's cape,</a> which was totally done in time for her to wear to the nutcracker before christmas--yay! and i had already finished <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/madmaxmama/oh-handsome-winter-sweater">Milo's sweater</a>, which was a seriously fun knit and i hope to do another one sometime soonish, but i completely failed at finishing a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/barley-2">barley</a> for Max. Woops! i finished it a couple weeks later for our first hike of the year, instead. and i'm pretty sure we lost it on the trail before any photos were taken. nice, right? next time i'll remember not to have him wear a fern-green hat when we go hiking through the forrest. here's some better photos of the two knits that didn't get lost though.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTGThwff4QFhqHHsdmgbcDnsVq7tDazU8fO5It81Z78beASHRfKXfa1w0e13EnUWQjzAzd7nsDJX2aizlzvL-Rw3HV9HqXs4V3kya7c285u7JMHmwKtHEOG7NxJQRXFKPmMNOgh-fO7gw/s1600/image_medium2-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTGThwff4QFhqHHsdmgbcDnsVq7tDazU8fO5It81Z78beASHRfKXfa1w0e13EnUWQjzAzd7nsDJX2aizlzvL-Rw3HV9HqXs4V3kya7c285u7JMHmwKtHEOG7NxJQRXFKPmMNOgh-fO7gw/s1600/image_medium2-3.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
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i know i already posted about Mad's cape and the pattern details, but the yarn! it's called imagination, by <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/">knit picks</a> and i had ordered it sometime early last year. if i'd have known they were discontinuing it, i would have ordered two skeins in every color. i LOVE it. i also used it many moons ago for Milo's <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/madmaxmama/kicking-bag-for-babies">newborn kick sack</a> in a weird colorway, but i just love the fabric that it knits into. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1apF2Y6Bauo_H5pqoU1SIonpVEq5p6tmPurW42tnp-w6Xim-CiBG25PYYnEQse-HXKQnt0nSPCbHMLoy3X7BMgmUjdWY3BthuXMJuq3LLxyV7kTHJqiCl_cUEG4Tu1v-FIP3eaccxl_Q/s1600/image_medium2-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1apF2Y6Bauo_H5pqoU1SIonpVEq5p6tmPurW42tnp-w6Xim-CiBG25PYYnEQse-HXKQnt0nSPCbHMLoy3X7BMgmUjdWY3BthuXMJuq3LLxyV7kTHJqiCl_cUEG4Tu1v-FIP3eaccxl_Q/s1600/image_medium2-4.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
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and this precious sweater is the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/oh-handsome-winter-sweater">Oh, handsome Winter-sweater</a> by Anna and Heidi Pickles. love! it was such a fast and easy knit, and the results are just perfect. i used some <a href="http://www.lionbrand.com/yarns/amazing.html">amazing yarn</a> that my mom had given me from her stash over a year ago, probably closer to two, and it was just perfect for this project. i'm pretty sure i have enough left over to knit up a matching one for baby no. 4!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-M9zgFpKGFM3WjQHGh4iivSPtXkeo3LVKJbGCn75mLr1ZyYLFCta1qRoQBuHEySBkJGLn_0v6Q-_3f5Ow-2d2LnUqfR_Z81039JfEj5rKvQM1o-QKCjaDgmaE2CoS5CbY8Eq9cVeCgXQ/s1600/1552954_10152141294409444_2044384367_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-M9zgFpKGFM3WjQHGh4iivSPtXkeo3LVKJbGCn75mLr1ZyYLFCta1qRoQBuHEySBkJGLn_0v6Q-_3f5Ow-2d2LnUqfR_Z81039JfEj5rKvQM1o-QKCjaDgmaE2CoS5CbY8Eq9cVeCgXQ/s1600/1552954_10152141294409444_2044384367_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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this was the best i could do as far as a photo of him in it. strapped down and sleeping is the only way he'll hold still these days. two year old life is a busy life, you know. </div>
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<b>UPDATE: </b>i'm excited to say Max's hat isn't lost after all, and here's the proof!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLRptCbgRF0rnQ5TApXT5vtR0YPHLyTfcILMGSpYSGA7Us0U1mVq-sGUnGCHx3ZQeFY_FpZiTGDHcegcdgDMEbjcxRBoH3olpcrv6TnMRnSWPaXg79zt_CYdnac5kIDTulRYbz4Tbsam0/s1600/image_medium2-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLRptCbgRF0rnQ5TApXT5vtR0YPHLyTfcILMGSpYSGA7Us0U1mVq-sGUnGCHx3ZQeFY_FpZiTGDHcegcdgDMEbjcxRBoH3olpcrv6TnMRnSWPaXg79zt_CYdnac5kIDTulRYbz4Tbsam0/s1600/image_medium2-5.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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this pattern was fun. i just knit it in some <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/yarns/Wool_of_the_Andes_Worsted_Yarn__D5420103.html">wool of the andes</a> (jalepeno) i had leftover from his <a href="http://madmaxmama.blogspot.com/2013/12/stripes.html">striped vest</a>, but i do wish i'd have had some more interesting yarn to knit it in. i love some of the examples on the pattern page that were knit in madelinetosh or malabrigo.</div>
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<br />careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13380717668338581764noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3887166628293862010.post-85597476490662723552014-01-19T14:24:00.000-08:002014-10-08T21:11:47.813-07:00pardon me...while I get all Jesus-y for a minute. This might seem to come out of the blue, but it has to do with where my heart is at today, which I'm sharing in order to attempt to live <a href="http://madmaxmama.blogspot.com/search/label/keepin%27%20it%20real">more transparently</a>. Today at church we started a series called "Tough Questions," where we talk about some of the questions many people have, in my experience, as non-believers or new believers. Questions such as, "Do all paths lead to God?" and "Is believing <i>Jesus is the ONLY way to heaven,</i> inclusive or exclusive?" I have to admit, I have been a part of many discussions revolving around <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14%3A6&version=NIV">John 14:6</a>, and many people who don't identify as Christians will say that is quite EXclusive. At some level, its hard to disagree with that. It sounds awfully exclusive to me.<br />
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During the sermon all I could think was<i> I don't have time for this (</i>because obviously, I'm a jerk).<i> </i>I don't have time to sit here and hear the way the scripture speaks to one person. I don't have time to question/discuss/argue the details of our faith. I mean, is this what God wants from us? I thought he wanted us to move forward and put our faith into action. How can we do that if we are always concerned with the details?<br />
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It's interesting to me how uncomfortable I was sitting there. God has been putting action on my heart a lot lately. And it kind of felt like this series might have me spinning my wheels. But at the last minute I had this thought--God gave us the greatest gift. He sent Jesus to give us the ultimate example of how our time on earth should be spent. Through Jesus he then, without question, proceeded to free us from the eternal consequences of sin. And if we see that, if we acknowledge that gift and accept it, we will hopefully want to live our lives like Jesus did. And what Jesus lived was a life of <b>love</b> and <b>inclusion</b>. </div>
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So there's my answer. It's my prayer that I will live my life in a way that displays inclusion and emits love. I want people to see that there is redemption and love for everyone, God already gave it to us, now its our job to <b>show</b> that to each other--<i>to everyone</i>.</div>
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careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13380717668338581764noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3887166628293862010.post-92191935397829174812014-01-16T15:16:00.002-08:002014-01-16T15:24:51.443-08:00hiking all yearI made it a point to make no New Year's resolutions as we celebrated the new year with sparkling cider and a kick-ass game of Headbands. But I did, pretty much on accident, make a <i>goal. </i>I decided that as a family, we are going to hike every weekend of the year. I found out that I have NO excuse, considering there is a sweet nature trail just a mere couple of blocks from my front door. We hit it up with our neighbors after church the first weekend of the new year, and I immediately started dreaming up the weekend hikes that will take place the rest of the month/season/year/until I forget and realize I'm too cold/hungry/tired/pregnant to keep it up. Are you as curious as I am to see how many hikes we'll find in the area before I give up? Ha!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiToe_b31kS6hsMgirP02YEE0o-fHr3SZX-VzViw4ZxHxJLi-_i87LZOSShoiNN12KZek3YIhfSL8Tp6rjYBKZtYLq4GWYTMQ9p1BpI16C7ZJ_NHekgVE78GjY_YxnXnJg2ruACBWg7Pxs/s1600/1492255_10152144589799444_1260922068_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiToe_b31kS6hsMgirP02YEE0o-fHr3SZX-VzViw4ZxHxJLi-_i87LZOSShoiNN12KZek3YIhfSL8Tp6rjYBKZtYLq4GWYTMQ9p1BpI16C7ZJ_NHekgVE78GjY_YxnXnJg2ruACBWg7Pxs/s1600/1492255_10152144589799444_1260922068_o.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hike #1- <a href="http://www.lewiscountytrails.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=27">Seminary Hill Natural Area</a></td></tr>
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On our first hike we ended up falling off the trail and exploring the wilderness. We had an awesome time and found out that even our two year old likes to hike. He has decided quite recently that he'd rather be alongside us, rather than on my back--which is fine, since I happen to already be carrying around some extra weight in the front right now. ;)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTbYonQmw3JeRVuCsEPwQekttBn8Wnu9uC3bNE-nW46bGtojBhBmu5o7V7uuK2DsfwNJmDy7RXykgFYdk1dlelrLXdJf81aIeCTMY_ABaECEvjGg9rt4h_XdpuJWpCv7rThw6G52cx4G4/s1600/994130_10203075039745034_1789391001_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTbYonQmw3JeRVuCsEPwQekttBn8Wnu9uC3bNE-nW46bGtojBhBmu5o7V7uuK2DsfwNJmDy7RXykgFYdk1dlelrLXdJf81aIeCTMY_ABaECEvjGg9rt4h_XdpuJWpCv7rThw6G52cx4G4/s1600/994130_10203075039745034_1789391001_n.jpg" height="608" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hike #2 - <a href="http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/nisqually-nwr">Nisqually Wildlife Refuge</a></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For our second hike we ventured out to the Nisqually Wildlife Refuge and honestly, I have no idea how, as a born and raised Washingtonian I've never been here. It was great, the kids loved it, and since we had a meeting beforehand and got lost on the way (really?!) we were left wishing we'd have had more daylight hours to spend on the boardwalk, using the telescopes to see different species of birds. We will most definitely be going back soon!</span>careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13380717668338581764noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3887166628293862010.post-46920141043238745302014-01-10T11:15:00.000-08:002014-01-10T11:50:05.753-08:00reflections on the year i thought i lost everything.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
how's that for a cryptic title?</div>
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to say that 2013 was a year of growth for me feels like a bit of an understatement.</div>
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there was so much beauty,</div>
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a gianormous "rough patch,"</div>
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and some pretty huge moments of growth.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFNN8ZsfBnS_2j0SIkvs0UKPojLPg-6NXBMnTaP1CYhTpDl0hya37LlCfuUt1yZXLqu5w-PqJp22Fu2bAXb7pXA58ybD1F593IRcP8kmgEvS9A_kw5pTxoRIU3aveQBKX8FyBr1H9Y1Wo/s1600/600592_10200662416896694_1448657171_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFNN8ZsfBnS_2j0SIkvs0UKPojLPg-6NXBMnTaP1CYhTpDl0hya37LlCfuUt1yZXLqu5w-PqJp22Fu2bAXb7pXA58ybD1F593IRcP8kmgEvS9A_kw5pTxoRIU3aveQBKX8FyBr1H9Y1Wo/s1600/600592_10200662416896694_1448657171_n.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
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i have never felt more fulfilled,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiwxNFrc7swC-P9kC1qVMcwkgdAH2S-3KKz-5C18sf_Bs3c7hMvi9lz3kW-kOe58F0DUlyMF9UsCH13QnvEPRwLWG7023fGSrOweVYYjZ-ztmL2Up9Znl8YLW2f0Wy1lOPmKNR3Dom3VY/s1600/1044108_10151694080634444_2143477232_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiwxNFrc7swC-P9kC1qVMcwkgdAH2S-3KKz-5C18sf_Bs3c7hMvi9lz3kW-kOe58F0DUlyMF9UsCH13QnvEPRwLWG7023fGSrOweVYYjZ-ztmL2Up9Znl8YLW2f0Wy1lOPmKNR3Dom3VY/s1600/1044108_10151694080634444_2143477232_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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but before that came suffering. </div>
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i have never felt so alone.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu1F-dBrzbw5sS5cwYtUTULsj6U6zN6_4IOTXebCuBkF8CMod1hb6RkIiHFchN9hiuILSsnwnO0O8H8zEbc6cUzl6_ZVLeAS9CILalDBb7miPmFXXajiPA87Z_B1FGmB8AxlbLEPv0Naw/s1600/74927_10151734472514444_1954405303_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu1F-dBrzbw5sS5cwYtUTULsj6U6zN6_4IOTXebCuBkF8CMod1hb6RkIiHFchN9hiuILSsnwnO0O8H8zEbc6cUzl6_ZVLeAS9CILalDBb7miPmFXXajiPA87Z_B1FGmB8AxlbLEPv0Naw/s1600/74927_10151734472514444_1954405303_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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i have been stretched emotionally </div>
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and spiritually in ways i couldn't have imagined.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirucILSf0No6oky4RYwj11Bg_66bfEEUhlLYSvNC5FxvfEJ1DWc-5I1oHfXVsZZGtmkPjLKCtonrBui0scn9D7q3xjPUJFJkR-E1BodZfjJsRJs8vp4Wye64RI59P3E7FZq7i7GDwUmyc/s1600/970678_10151591974274444_1889118531_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirucILSf0No6oky4RYwj11Bg_66bfEEUhlLYSvNC5FxvfEJ1DWc-5I1oHfXVsZZGtmkPjLKCtonrBui0scn9D7q3xjPUJFJkR-E1BodZfjJsRJs8vp4Wye64RI59P3E7FZq7i7GDwUmyc/s1600/970678_10151591974274444_1889118531_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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i have been shaped and molded by circumstance.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9FQOwboq9ReTMDTvSEBMbz8B3IyLx-W9y9AS6tehqVWFcJI9O8swZNwUy5DF0fY9yR0DvSwb8deU4wEz1RLskqsoKBViYDGjol1YwpqdoLwRDxMl7hLEGBHMD7f3EaLr37jqkA3ihbJk/s1600/994943_10151955564034444_1230112631_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9FQOwboq9ReTMDTvSEBMbz8B3IyLx-W9y9AS6tehqVWFcJI9O8swZNwUy5DF0fY9yR0DvSwb8deU4wEz1RLskqsoKBViYDGjol1YwpqdoLwRDxMl7hLEGBHMD7f3EaLr37jqkA3ihbJk/s1600/994943_10151955564034444_1230112631_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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i have been blessed beyond measure.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxDhL_S7RjuU934P8kyrgPhbcztj8jOZgnZW7zTU878z8YYufHxIplXNEIV_DX6KY9IQ5EHJa_cwVwLPZPX5Z93wwqCQpHVpSFjoNYp74PVeO90lO-sCL4lIBe0H9MYgjJZTtWr6hXOmU/s1600/1010564_10151669254864444_2066176490_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxDhL_S7RjuU934P8kyrgPhbcztj8jOZgnZW7zTU878z8YYufHxIplXNEIV_DX6KY9IQ5EHJa_cwVwLPZPX5Z93wwqCQpHVpSFjoNYp74PVeO90lO-sCL4lIBe0H9MYgjJZTtWr6hXOmU/s1600/1010564_10151669254864444_2066176490_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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i have learned lessons i didn't know i needed to learn.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWTlrj8_I3MohuNmyNzi4Qr9ZcJL6ozZPWBV2s_VGj24NSsw-Cpmuz6d4ALqejIsi2w1vin7SexLRCXrg54RwxjAbRBTz_UDBFberW7r69t56NiD_2ut0pxAlMO11lb9R4me3fF9s8mP8/s1600/1043889_10201523977729453_2132699751_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWTlrj8_I3MohuNmyNzi4Qr9ZcJL6ozZPWBV2s_VGj24NSsw-Cpmuz6d4ALqejIsi2w1vin7SexLRCXrg54RwxjAbRBTz_UDBFberW7r69t56NiD_2ut0pxAlMO11lb9R4me3fF9s8mP8/s1600/1043889_10201523977729453_2132699751_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEpyMIoSeF6G0ValAZ5LuhF8bz2mxApcMKCe_mK1satd5QmX8kEQEbkHgU0rbAq3cl5h71yWB-Syzv5VIlyJcZmrfsi2JsGvtjqysW1ekJ4-gOVLyDMyu61UVhD-LWICg12YpWHknNGA0/s1600/1150901_10151788714634444_732038246_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEpyMIoSeF6G0ValAZ5LuhF8bz2mxApcMKCe_mK1satd5QmX8kEQEbkHgU0rbAq3cl5h71yWB-Syzv5VIlyJcZmrfsi2JsGvtjqysW1ekJ4-gOVLyDMyu61UVhD-LWICg12YpWHknNGA0/s1600/1150901_10151788714634444_732038246_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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and though parts of me were so glad to kiss 2013 goodbye,</div>
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i know that none of what's to come would happen without first</div>
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living every experience the year handed me.<br />
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here's to an awesome 2014.</div>
careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13380717668338581764noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3887166628293862010.post-41166536768155836432013-12-23T10:54:00.000-08:002013-12-23T10:54:04.823-08:002 down, 1 to go!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF45xdERP5Xn-bhbp5u4uniD7IYTmPRuOfo5QfU00pjEY6GdBdiGB-mG0PuszfXbIdaQqkZAhXd1otgNBmtplNwRitM9_ZUksG6us7VS2GSi5yh4J7o74_htku_qSjutFWQQzHbzbuWMA/s1600/1495255_10152111009134444_734920675_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF45xdERP5Xn-bhbp5u4uniD7IYTmPRuOfo5QfU00pjEY6GdBdiGB-mG0PuszfXbIdaQqkZAhXd1otgNBmtplNwRitM9_ZUksG6us7VS2GSi5yh4J7o74_htku_qSjutFWQQzHbzbuWMA/s640/1495255_10152111009134444_734920675_o.jpg" width="458" /></a></div>
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My sweet mama sent my girlie and I to the Nutcracker this year. It was Mad's first time seeing it and she was in awe. I'm not sure if that's what made this hormonal, pregnant mama tear up, or if I'm just especially moved by cute ballerina's now that I'm getting old, but I should have packed tissues. Who'd have thunk? I was pretty happy that she got to go in style, since I finished Christmas knit #2 just in time! Then I gave it to her early, because every little girl needs something extra fancy special to wear to her first time at the Nutcracker--which was also a wonderfully cute bonus to going to the early show. </div>
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The pattern I used is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/spritely">Spritely</a>, and the yarn is a discontinued alpaca/merino/nylon mix from KnitPicks that is super lovely, and I'm sad that they no longer carry it. You can see more details and photos on my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/madmaxmama/spritely">project page</a>. </div>
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Now to finish Christmas knit #3 before tomorrow. Wish me luck! </div>
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:)</div>
<br />careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13380717668338581764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3887166628293862010.post-43663217487474688592013-12-18T17:55:00.002-08:002013-12-18T17:55:47.144-08:00stripes!<div style="text-align: center;">
Oh my, guys, pardon me while I just step right back in here like I haven't been neglecting the blogosphere for the last three months, but holy CHRISTMAS KNITTING! I'm actually about to finish project number two, which will make for 2 down and only 1 to go. Totally doable! But only because the last one will only be a hat for Max, since I already gave him <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/madmaxmama/tomten-jacket---child">this vest</a> just last month.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib0XAzJwhjfKO3eZa1mEz534IjiukQzJm5CDLXZzp012P1va2o16VMwV1JzW1OOtty38Ca7saWuUOYl-N3_Ud42NegdWa03V0xdINimJnG-O9rzCrWQb5AHGqBu2tU-_Lg-HhrC5_04zs/s1600/20131110_110546_medium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib0XAzJwhjfKO3eZa1mEz534IjiukQzJm5CDLXZzp012P1va2o16VMwV1JzW1OOtty38Ca7saWuUOYl-N3_Ud42NegdWa03V0xdINimJnG-O9rzCrWQb5AHGqBu2tU-_Lg-HhrC5_04zs/s320/20131110_110546_medium2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I started this <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/tomten-jacket---child">Tomten</a> waaaaaay back when Maximus was just a year old, and was super inspired by a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/soulemama/baby-surprise-jacket">similar jacket</a> knitted by <a href="http://www.soulemama.com/">SouleMama</a>. Luckily, I didn't check my gauge and so even though I originally intended for it to fit an 18 month old Max, it ended up being about a size 5T, and fits an almost 5 year old Max! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb6NZ2XIy22xDjd1tMwiu3agdmva0hSeI3rP8-uEx_HAUW4J-f0_YPhPe2NcKGor3Cv-prugJZyASY4cQ_NbGOyUvOqWEATAogCypeMuGtwKx1G-w1jjuHCiiUlfHGBTc_hljkrDGmzwQ/s1600/20131110_110552_medium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb6NZ2XIy22xDjd1tMwiu3agdmva0hSeI3rP8-uEx_HAUW4J-f0_YPhPe2NcKGor3Cv-prugJZyASY4cQ_NbGOyUvOqWEATAogCypeMuGtwKx1G-w1jjuHCiiUlfHGBTc_hljkrDGmzwQ/s320/20131110_110552_medium2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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When I pulled it out of the bottom of my knitting bag in October Maximus immediately noticed it and asked if it was going to be for him. Then he would keep track of my progress on his "rainbow coat," commenting about it every time he saw me working on it. It was darling and gave me all the motivation I needed to finish it at the annual knitting retreat my mom, mother in law, and aunt go on in early November.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtaIXsx5JznboXJCZfzHIyF24KrwY7Wl3jiSp2_R3BgTG0uTcEHAKY4IBO-UKBGREnrEwnxVeYE6B1vVcCN7u9UTwAPmVRFR7OTtpIdZ-aeUWma8yIhF2YHURelYDDSVUVjMpyB3g5MEA/s1600/20131110_110629_medium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtaIXsx5JznboXJCZfzHIyF24KrwY7Wl3jiSp2_R3BgTG0uTcEHAKY4IBO-UKBGREnrEwnxVeYE6B1vVcCN7u9UTwAPmVRFR7OTtpIdZ-aeUWma8yIhF2YHURelYDDSVUVjMpyB3g5MEA/s400/20131110_110629_medium2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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It was so lovely, and the icing on the cake (besides the view) was that my madre knit in all my loose ends (of which there were a ton because of all those fat stripes).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgej7HDs_7-XUjmROic6B9ZBt2MLtDiXo7UgRoWLTmyU4-YtnBf9L6yxRduCNnZUZZIpi2SG9wv_OmjC5CFD1VBKJsBJbLAwY6Dqx3HH8QETW44SOaanwLp35dmB-pvSeqp3OBMUv8ahOw/s1600/image_medium2-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgej7HDs_7-XUjmROic6B9ZBt2MLtDiXo7UgRoWLTmyU4-YtnBf9L6yxRduCNnZUZZIpi2SG9wv_OmjC5CFD1VBKJsBJbLAwY6Dqx3HH8QETW44SOaanwLp35dmB-pvSeqp3OBMUv8ahOw/s400/image_medium2-1.jpg" width="336" /></a></div>
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The best part, though, after getting home and giving it to Max, was hearing him chose his words quite carefully. "Mommy, your knitting is very beautiful." He really said that. My heart swelled. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzpi3HaDIvY3jpgT2l3gRRVRSxGbHrBbRydHtZSgSDTxNlztMSwnSAbwIJZif4UgCPjgiJ-yrecI3ryf7GE3r7069M4iHYCjUPgih8D0YA-8ueiSKw2XSpIpipMehLa_3j3QB81_MYNpI/s1600/image_medium2-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzpi3HaDIvY3jpgT2l3gRRVRSxGbHrBbRydHtZSgSDTxNlztMSwnSAbwIJZif4UgCPjgiJ-yrecI3ryf7GE3r7069M4iHYCjUPgih8D0YA-8ueiSKw2XSpIpipMehLa_3j3QB81_MYNpI/s320/image_medium2-2.jpg" width="241" /></a></div>
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"But sometimes I <i>think </i>I'm going to like something more than I really do." Annnnnd deflate. </div>
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At least he let me down easy, right?</div>
careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13380717668338581764noreply@blogger.com1