tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37678034392207954812024-03-13T15:44:28.498-07:00Take A Deep Breath And Count To A MillionFrugal ways to remodel a home on a budget! With a few tricks we learned along the way! Take A Deep Breath and Count to a Millionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11853903027700268829noreply@blogger.comBlogger138125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767803439220795481.post-47068566528303571052019-06-24T15:48:00.002-07:002019-06-24T16:39:24.502-07:00House Renovations - Floors <div style="text-align: center;">
Josh and I have been remodeling this old 1954 farmhouse now for 2 years.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The day we decided our life wasn't crazy enough and fixing up an old house sounded like fun. </td></tr>
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After two years we have made HUGE progress! </div>
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(But it's still not done) </div>
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Two long full years. </div>
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We have learned a lot about DIY projects.</div>
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Some have been major fails while others have turned out pretty awesome! </div>
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We used a ton of blogs to help our journey to what I’ve labeled “Redneck Reno” </div>
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and figured I should finally sit down and post what worked for us and what didn’t. </div>
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So here goes.</div>
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Let’s talk about the one area I had the hardest time deciding on. </div>
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Floors</div>
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I searched for floor types, colors, stains, durability and ease of installation for months. </div>
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After trying desperately to save the hardwood floors we found under the carpet and linoleum we realized it was a total fail.<br />
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I called this house “the house of many flooring” because while most of it was hardwood, it was several kinds of hardwood and worst of all, it seemed like every room went in different directions. </div>
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While my OCD has been tamed greatly with having 6 kids, this drove me INSANE!! </div>
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So the hunt for flooring began.</div>
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We helped install a friends flooring that she purchased from Home Depot. It was the cheaper stuff you find that’s tempting to use because.. well.. it’s cheap and they have a good bit of styles to chose from. </div>
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If you take anything away from this blog, please let it be this. </div>
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DO NOT BE TEMPTED TO BUY THE CHEAP FLOORING FROM HOME DEPOT OR LOWES!! </div>
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Just don’t. </div>
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It has pieces of laminate in this very cheap vinyl flooring and anyone who has ever owned a piece of laminate furniture knows what happens when water gets on it. </div>
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It buckles. </div>
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It expands.</div>
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It ruins.</div>
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So just don’t. </div>
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The way I tested flooring was to get a scrap piece or a sample piece and submerge it in a bucket of water for a week. </div>
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Sound dramatic? </div>
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It’s not. I do not underestimate my children at all now. </div>
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If it changed at all, it got marked off the list.</div>
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I searched online. I searched in stores.</div>
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I googled Pinterest and design blogs. </div>
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I called companies and got samples.</div>
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And then I found it.</div>
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I went into my local Anderson Carpet in Alto.<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Andersoncarpetone/" target="_blank">Here is their facebook page! </a><br />
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I saw my flooring.</div>
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But of course I had to test it. </div>
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So I got a sample piece and went home, honestly expecting the worst. </div>
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I should mention that by the end of day 1 most of my sample flooring had begun to lose shape and buckle. Only one lasted until day 5 before it began to buckle and fall apart. </div>
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So my hopes were pretty low. </div>
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After day 5 I was pretty excited to see nothing on this new flooring sample had changed. And I mean nothing. </div>
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On day 7 it looked exactly like it did when I submerged it in my bucket of water. </div>
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I am fairly confident the heavens opened and God had heard my desperate prayers. </div>
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I went back to Anderson Carpet and was surprised to see they had the same flooring in different colors and designs. </div>
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Now, I choose flooring not based on decor. </div>
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I want classic.</div>
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I want timeless.</div>
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So as much as my heart wanted a gray flooring, I knew I had to stick to a more natural color flooring. </div>
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I ended up going with </div>
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Chestnut.</div>
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Brand was BEAU FLOR (not a typo)</div>
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Parkway click </div>
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Luxury vinyl tile collection. </div>
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It’s 47.64” L x 6.95 W x 3.4MM thick. </div>
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Each box comes with 12 planks to a box that covers approx 27.60sqft</div>
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Installation was pretty easy! </div>
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You’ll need just a few tools.</div>
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We cut our planks with the table saw but any saw will work.</div>
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Table saw was just easier and faster for us. </div>
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These planks will dull your blade out so you'll want to replace it when you are done. </div>
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It took us longer than we expected because we realized this old house doesn't have even floors OR even walls.<br />
But once we got the hang of linking the planks together it went fairly smoothly.<br />
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The way we laid them was doing a solid row in the direction we wanted (which I learned the correct way to pick the direction is by figuring out the greatest length of any row. Because our hallway shows in the living room we had to lay ours opposite from what the current flooring in the main area was laid) no biggy. I prefer them running this way. :)<br />
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After many many days we finally finished the majority of the flooring in the main area and hallway.<br />
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And all the hard work was well worth it!<br />
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Check out the before and afters!<br />
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I probably should be get nice professional-ish photos but I haven't yet. Sorry guys. This is real life living)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beginnig of trying to save the orginal hardwood floos. Before we knocked out the walls. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFqTs2mHwES8WHs7ffiEZASqokTJklwT3k3-8QkdPm1TC1j5TFi2b64TZaDQpWDq4UK5HnbSDzPUkIQeosCJ7vfkBbBFlN7RZKhXDibgYgeAxSHwmz0nwfp2hWx93dN_z5vq5P3mDb7QI/s1600/52961279_10157077322887838_4454657233787027456_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFqTs2mHwES8WHs7ffiEZASqokTJklwT3k3-8QkdPm1TC1j5TFi2b64TZaDQpWDq4UK5HnbSDzPUkIQeosCJ7vfkBbBFlN7RZKhXDibgYgeAxSHwmz0nwfp2hWx93dN_z5vq5P3mDb7QI/s400/52961279_10157077322887838_4454657233787027456_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kitchen was just ugly worn plywod. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw_wa70DpIwfcNOHnA_bQtevJgk7LM64sS5oyiqXNjfkmVxdFaxjXkWxBhzUGxb5ko1iKh51VSWPVwjBSzugUpIAmmry4wjMajUzf9ONy7ea1-LgmqnTglJBh37AOdYwz6JOpx8Mgot68/s1600/52980410_10157077322547838_5364021893340856320_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw_wa70DpIwfcNOHnA_bQtevJgk7LM64sS5oyiqXNjfkmVxdFaxjXkWxBhzUGxb5ko1iKh51VSWPVwjBSzugUpIAmmry4wjMajUzf9ONy7ea1-LgmqnTglJBh37AOdYwz6JOpx8Mgot68/s400/52980410_10157077322547838_5364021893340856320_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before we had several floors that didn't match</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See why I called it the house of many floors? This was just 3! We had 4 more types through the rest of the house! </td></tr>
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Here is another type of flooring we found under carpet! Different direction too! </div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">We now love our floors! We can steam mop, spill stuff and never have to worry about them being ruined! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">As a huge bonus, they hide dirt almost too well!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The price point was my favorite part of these floors. I will have to get the exact price but I think we ended up paying $2.09 per sqft for this flooring. We got it while it was on sale plus we received a discount for buying in bulk. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Can't beat that price for amazing flooring that you wont ever have to replace! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">***I am not getting paid to promote this product***</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Be sure to follow for other DYI tips including: </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Plywood shiplap</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Rock climbing wall in kids bedroom</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Inexpensive kitchen countertop makeover</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Inexpensive kitchen island using stock cabinets</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Inexpensive curtain rods (copy cat version of expensive ones!)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Inexpensive DIY $5 curtains</span><br />
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<br />Take A Deep Breath and Count to a Millionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11853903027700268829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767803439220795481.post-72837149615434978762016-11-11T10:19:00.001-08:002016-11-11T10:19:26.686-08:00Creeds birth story Creeds birth story<br />
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Creed Briggston was born on November 3rd after the longest labor of my life. He joins 4 brothers and 1 sister and 2 head over heels in love parents. Here is his birth story.<br />
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Contractions started on Halloween. Walking hills with the kids in our neighborhood were met with intense contractions that were pretty spaced out. After a shower however they fizzled out and I was left with random drop to your knees ones. I managed to get several hours of sleep Monday night. Tuesday morning I had random contractions and pains in my girly parts so I decided to walk as much as I could. I walked 4 miles up and down hills.<br />
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Tuesday night was a rough evening with a lot of contractions but none really grew in intensity. After 6 hours of consistent 2 minute contractions I decided to go get check out at the hospital since my labors tend to go quickly and the hospital was 40 minutes away. We got to the hospital around 8pm and was hooked up on the monitors. Contractions were 2 minutes apart and strong. I was only dilated to 1 1/2 and 40% effaced. I was allowed to walk the halls. I walked for 30 minutes and then was hooked up for monitoring for 10. Back and forth for the next few hours.<br />
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Finally, the back pain through the contractions were too much and it was suggest I get into the tub. The tub was magical. At first. Within 10 minutes my contractions were 45 seconds apart and strong. I was confident I was in transition. I got out of the tub and was checked. I was the same. No change. Baby was also showing signs of distress after each contraction. I was flipped and flopped around from side to side and onto my hands and knees. The decision was then reached to administer a dose of trubeline to slow contractions down so baby could recover. During this, the discussion of a C-section started. And that's when laboring my 6th child became fun.<br />
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Baby recovered a few hours later. It was determined my blood pressure crashed while in the tub and baby's oxygen and blood supply was compromised. Yet the discussion of c-section continued. Minutes turned into hours and before long the doctor on call was pushing for a c-section hard. I wasn't budging. Baby was fine. I was fine. I told him I wasn't a first time mom who would be bullied into an unnecessary c-section because he was tired and wanting to go home. He ordered maternal fetal to come in and check on baby. After the ultrasound showed that baby looked perfect, I was determined even more to avoid a c-section. Luckily, shift change came right after and a new ob came in. She gave me the option of doing the c-section, staying and being hooked up the entire time on the monitors or going home. I immediately checked myself out to finish laboring at home.<br />
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I left the hospital with consistent contractions every 5 minutes apart. They stayed all evening. Around 9pm they spaced out to 10 minutes apart. I tried to sleep that night but the back pain and contractions kept me awake. I rocked on the birthing ball, showered, and paced the living room. Around 5am on Thursday morning I lost my mucus plug. The contractions picked up quickly. They were now 2 minutes apart and intense. We called the babysitter and finished getting the kids ready for school. Around 6:30am the contractions had become miserable. The babysitter got there to take the kids to school and we took off to the hospital.<br />
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In the car the contractions were met with pressure. Lots and lots of pressure. Because the fear of my daughters birth (who was delivered by my husband because she came so fast) I was paranoid this meant this baby would be born in the car on the way to the hospital 40 minutes away. We were flying. We called 911 to have help getting through the traffic without being stopped. They informed the hospital we were on route and they were waiting on us at the door. The ran me back and immediately checked me. I was floored when they told me I was only dilated to a 4. Baby was low and I assumed my pressure in the car was him dropping very quickly. Contractions were about 2 minutes apart at this point. I was told baby was facing sideways and I crawled into the bed on all fours to help move him. My water was broke about 8am. The contractions really became strong at this point. I labored for the next few hours before being checked and told I was only dilated to 4.5. I asked for an epidural. I avoid the epidural because I know my labors will be longer. It slows things down so much. But I was exhausted. I hadn't slept in a good 24 hours and before that sleep wasn't good, sound sleep. Once I got the epidural I was able to relax a little. My cervix was checked at 3:45pm and I was dilated to a 6.5. I labor really fast from 6cm on so I knew it wouldn't be long before baby was here. I felt the urge to push around 4:00pm. I was checked and it was determined baby was right there, ready to come. My amazing OB was called at 4:05pm to come to the hospital. He arrived at 4:10pm. He walked in, put a drape on the bed and told me I could push. I pushed threw times. A total of 33 seconds and baby Creed was born.<br />
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Grabbing a hold of him for the first time knowing that pregnancies before left me with an empty womb and empty arms made that moment so incredible. Knowing that moment is one so many women long for yet never get is not forgotten. I have mourned and wept for missing babies in my arms. Yet this delivery and post delivery was different. When I had Anniston she had issues with weight gain. She was labeled failure to thrive. My body was failing me. My colitis and a bad gallbladder was reeking havoc on my body. I was loosing weight. She was loosing weight. After 9 months, I was forced to give her formula. I'm not against formula. I'm thankful for it. But my entire core loves to nurse and longs for those moments of quietly cradling my sweet baby in my arms while they nurse. That was stolen from me with Anniston. When creed was born, he immediately began sucking. I could see his tongue flipping for the breast, as though he knew I needed that as much as he did. He latched on within a few minutes of being born and the swell of that moment whisked me away. He healed me. He healed the pain of having to stop nursing Anniston before I was ready.<br />
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People ask if I'm disappointed with another boy. My answer is no. I'm elated with him. What's between his legs doesn't change my love for him. He is perfect. And he is exactly what I needed. No disappointment could ever come from my entire body knowing that he is exactly what God wanted for my family. So no, I have none.<br />
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My support system through the entire delivery was a huge factor in accomplishing my vbac. I almost lost focus, lost the will to keep going but I was surrounded by my amazing husband, the most amazingly best friend (who happens to also be a birth junkie like myself) and my mom. They pushed me to keep going. They rubbed my back, reminded me the pain was going to be worth t soon, 1!/ just there for me. They couldn't take a single ounce of pain away yet they could be my support system. My village. My persistence when I lost mine. My hope when mine was crashing.<br />
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My 4th VBAC only worked for me because I knew my rights. I knew my body. I knew what my body could do. Had I not been informed, creed would have been born via c-section on wed morning. But with patience, persistence and the sheer will to have my 4th VBAC, I successfully delivered him the way I knew my body could.<br />
My labor was tough. It rocked my entire body. The pain was intense. And because it lasted for days my determination often swayed to doubt. But I'm thankful I pushed through and was able to have the delivery I always wanted.<br />
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Welcome to the world Creed.<br />
<br />Take A Deep Breath and Count to a Millionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11853903027700268829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767803439220795481.post-17348445056635250882016-01-21T18:15:00.001-08:002016-01-21T18:56:23.193-08:00Dear Mr. Trump, Based off your own words and the word of God, you are going to hell if you died today. <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Dear Mr. Trump, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Based off your own words and the word of God, you are going to hell if you died toda</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">y. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I don't know if you realize that or not. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I don't know if you will even read this, although I hope you do. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Because I pray that you see that you are praying to a God who doesn't have your name written in the book of life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I used to pray to God before I <i>really</i> prayed to God. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I would thank him for his blessings. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I would tell him how much I loved him. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I would pray that he would do great things in my life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">But I wasn't praying to a God who I had accepted as my heavenly father. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Because I had never asked for his forgiveness. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The bible says in 1 John 1:9 "<span style="background-color: white;">If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Again, the bible says in Acts 2:38, </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.2px;">Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">God tells us in Ephesians 4:32 "</span><span style="background-color: white;">Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">But Mr. Trump, in order to do Ephesians 4:32 you have to do 1 John 1:9. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">You see... God is a gracious God who loves you more than you can ever imagine. You know how much you love your children? Your wife? That is nothing compared to the love God has for you. But his love doesn't keep you from hell. His forgiveness does. And in order to be forgiven for something... I mean... truly forgiven.. you have to ask for it. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Being a good man, a good leader, a good husband, a good father, a good brother, a good friend, and a good president can't come without a good relationship with God. And Mr. Trump, because you haven't asked God for his forgiveness, you can't have a good relationship with Him. </span></span></div>
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Our country doesn't need a Christian as president. </div>
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Our country needs a disciple of Christ who wants to direct our country back to Him. </div>
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There are a lot of people bashing you for your statement. My heart isn't angry that you said what you said. I believe you truly believe that's how the whole "being a christian" works. My heart breaks for you.<br />
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I pray God convicts your heart Mr. Trump. I pray before it's too late.<br />
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**Video can be found <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tiffany.house.96/videos/1078426958844139/" target="_blank">here</a>**</div>
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Take A Deep Breath and Count to a Millionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11853903027700268829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767803439220795481.post-29269361972359482112016-01-21T17:02:00.002-08:002016-01-21T17:32:56.844-08:00REVIEW: 30 Pokemon Pack - Mew and Mewtwo Plus Rares! <div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">My boys are huge pokemon fans! </span></div>
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I googled a couple of years ago "whats the point of pokemon cards"<br />
before I spent my life savings on them for my kids new "hobby".</div>
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If you are wondering as well...</div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>In the Pokémon Trading Card Game, players build decks around their favorite Pokémon and then play against each other, sending their Pokémon into battle to prove who the best Pokémon Trainer is. Players can begin with theme decks—preconstructed decks designed to cover the basics of the game. Then, they can augment their card collections with booster packs that provide more cards, letting players develop more diverse decks. With thousands of cards to choose from, the game is never the same twice. The Pokémon Company International releases four sets of cards, called “expansions,” each year, so the game continues to evolve and expand for both players and collectors.</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNg5O0dnkqpC_4qIzV6dD2YKcY_Of8QahD8eNAE3pen1avoh50_Y7M9ejlXkLEtzgmb-IDUfHf_OJv1okBjiUNey3NeuxacoFkFuFiuMjW6w5NHkVVOGp-JFc3Va1chtS-Gor-XcmOFMo/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNg5O0dnkqpC_4qIzV6dD2YKcY_Of8QahD8eNAE3pen1avoh50_Y7M9ejlXkLEtzgmb-IDUfHf_OJv1okBjiUNey3NeuxacoFkFuFiuMjW6w5NHkVVOGp-JFc3Va1chtS-Gor-XcmOFMo/s320/1.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="color: #919191;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">*Description courtesy of www.pokemon.com* </span></span></b></span></div>
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Most of the cards we have purchased have been from Wal-Mart. I received from amazon a 30 pack of pokemon cards by GoldenGroundHog and my kids LOVED them! They cost half the price as Walmart and the pack happen to have 98% of cards they didn't have. (They have A LOT!) They came with 2 trainer cards, A damaged card, and a poison card. The kids loved this as most of the ones we have bought haven't had these included. They didn't have any XP's in this shipment which my boys were disappointed about but from what I am learning about pokemon cards is that it's a hit or miss with those. Overall, my boys seemed to enjoy adding these cards to their collection. </div>
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You can buy your own pack by clicking <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B019NOUCCO" target="_blank">HERE</a>! And with amazon prime you get free shipping!!</div>
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#GoldenGroundhogMewMewtwo #pokemon #pokemonreview #amazonpokemon<br />
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Take A Deep Breath and Count to a Millionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11853903027700268829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767803439220795481.post-76414885810358508072015-12-30T13:33:00.000-08:002015-12-30T13:33:33.614-08:00My Faucet Extender Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnli2SABaEoZQqztaAe9ZV74GQB5wIx22n1mmpYU_EdUlxvt6XrhljyANXSKLxwMPHEZk-78K0nxJJvOA5E-uQuDxe5KoL2iKmKoL-0zZy1h0qEXsnzQXKacPevS7uYtl2vimcrnZVY4c/s1600/faucet1edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnli2SABaEoZQqztaAe9ZV74GQB5wIx22n1mmpYU_EdUlxvt6XrhljyANXSKLxwMPHEZk-78K0nxJJvOA5E-uQuDxe5KoL2iKmKoL-0zZy1h0qEXsnzQXKacPevS7uYtl2vimcrnZVY4c/s320/faucet1edited.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Right before Christmas I received this product. </div>
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It's called the Faucet Extender. </div>
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My boys are still little and are finding it difficult to reach the faucet to wash hands. This often results in poor hand washing. I've noticed over the past few months they have stayed more sick than previous months. So... I wondered if washing their hands were made easier, would it cut down on the germs? </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo4yYbd_7XNctcRAdP3Mmyn0_tbhxtLjjwqGKzN3ACpzQK74jMn8oEGo4j8j0GZxLvEdjyowXc1KM4Yz804Zp1EwIY-7eWaTjN-vMafYW14hkqp38knU2wB3kf73L1C0IaAdlZrH_wJto/s1600/tripp+after+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo4yYbd_7XNctcRAdP3Mmyn0_tbhxtLjjwqGKzN3ACpzQK74jMn8oEGo4j8j0GZxLvEdjyowXc1KM4Yz804Zp1EwIY-7eWaTjN-vMafYW14hkqp38knU2wB3kf73L1C0IaAdlZrH_wJto/s320/tripp+after+edited.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I quickly placed it on his bathroom faucet and asked him to wash his hands normally. He struggled as he stood on his tippy toes to reach the water. So I asked him to wash them with the facet extender on. As you can see from the pictures his feet are flat and he looks pretty comfortable washing his hands. </div>
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All in all I am impressed with my new gadget. As a mom, I try to find products that make not only my life easier, but life easier for the kids. This product does that! </div>
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You can find your own life saver, errr, faucet extender by <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B018W8V78A" target="_blank">CLICKING HERE!!! </a> </div>
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#faucetextender</div>
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Take A Deep Breath and Count to a Millionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11853903027700268829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767803439220795481.post-24333859702490334702015-12-16T11:11:00.002-08:002016-01-21T18:49:39.245-08:00Changes and Changes<div style="text-align: center;">
We recently moved again and it dawned on me that I had never posted the old house. I plan to keep most of the same kind of decor but change things up just a tad here in the new place. I'm excited and ready to get my hands dirty. In the move I found a few pieces of furniture that I hadn't yet put some paint on so that will be happening soon! </div>
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The old house was white. Okay, maybe white isn't the right word. </div>
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It had white dirty trim. </div>
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White dirty walls. </div>
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White doors. </div>
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White white white everywhere. </div>
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After a lot of hard work, we made the place our home. </div>
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Here are some after pictures! </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/AVvXsEjGKWlx3afb-b3Uk_x7_NSIALsuWtxJ8LO2BZcmCY2ramwoJqG1S_Ib-9Ta2g_KpFMO3DnfAPz-aKos4hfCQv2k8eBjq_a-KepZgI9Yz72Ol_XdtZSxxSUbzAaPHpf3AvqM1XwLxSpGlC8/s1600/10387298_10153086701027838_6323703440331093169_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGKWlx3afb-b3Uk_x7_NSIALsuWtxJ8LO2BZcmCY2ramwoJqG1S_Ib-9Ta2g_KpFMO3DnfAPz-aKos4hfCQv2k8eBjq_a-KepZgI9Yz72Ol_XdtZSxxSUbzAaPHpf3AvqM1XwLxSpGlC8/s320/10387298_10153086701027838_6323703440331093169_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our fireplace. I loved this part of the house! I never did get around to<br />
changing out the picture in the middle. </td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfS9_26B9bZcZ3VHP3mA-EYL6ujP4atvGP1jaZr6141gyUeeWTslltk75-yZ-Jn6TLHJyXG8PLWUY7e2wTt0Y-CecRrL4uy1YNW0q5LTk9twSKBFTsg48XiG0l540oPJnuKSfp4g0CcHI/s1600/11377315_10153367242457838_7499227325460912257_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfS9_26B9bZcZ3VHP3mA-EYL6ujP4atvGP1jaZr6141gyUeeWTslltk75-yZ-Jn6TLHJyXG8PLWUY7e2wTt0Y-CecRrL4uy1YNW0q5LTk9twSKBFTsg48XiG0l540oPJnuKSfp4g0CcHI/s320/11377315_10153367242457838_7499227325460912257_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boys bathroom. I found this towel hook at Kirklands.<br />
We used it for mostly towels but as you can see it worked<br />
fabulous for drying bathing suits too! </td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfoTatNDEF2rKUFd2DadARKuBTvFw3rdcttykkM8IXpswp6K0vCwZtc2FaLuOidYbYOwyIIVnC8Y65QoAWnWjPnLl-n5V-tJZc2EkY1u0jYJmzqj4Zn8Ukxk50cLTzEXe6QASyCMFaCGE/s1600/12072606_10153693185947838_4003567784044615999_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfoTatNDEF2rKUFd2DadARKuBTvFw3rdcttykkM8IXpswp6K0vCwZtc2FaLuOidYbYOwyIIVnC8Y65QoAWnWjPnLl-n5V-tJZc2EkY1u0jYJmzqj4Zn8Ukxk50cLTzEXe6QASyCMFaCGE/s400/12072606_10153693185947838_4003567784044615999_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The living room. The carpet was stained and a nasty brown but we were renting so nothing could<br />
be done about that. Everyone has a treadmill in their living room/dinning room, right? </td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmWShZmTF8z1QfjOf-GNCkLp-VEUnfEzKEnshtPiUi2bJaoT7Eh8vhry5I8jVzuFylKqq9PPl8qYsGlvg8zYKWVxXivj9HJ-VSMGX7X6SXVvB5tqhHqR2OFPVK58EXRm1gVgKFXTRyMCQ/s1600/12193760_10153693186267838_3602356398818404779_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmWShZmTF8z1QfjOf-GNCkLp-VEUnfEzKEnshtPiUi2bJaoT7Eh8vhry5I8jVzuFylKqq9PPl8qYsGlvg8zYKWVxXivj9HJ-VSMGX7X6SXVvB5tqhHqR2OFPVK58EXRm1gVgKFXTRyMCQ/s400/12193760_10153693186267838_3602356398818404779_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Probably my favorite room to paint and put together. Anniston's nursery.<br />
I made the bow holder out of a large picture frame and ribbon. I added hooks on the bottom<br />
so I could hang her headbands. Turned out fabulous! </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/AVvXsEh7LssCEl5Fj3Xs6Ck3-8Mym-DVdItalYgBZZQ76GR4hQuMaWdb1MnVdFJmA-3uo4tS3WHC9q27eHkH9CtAIgcsSXP_xh7VtUvIHwee6h-Y39_AShl3Rtc65PLiVLLstsSgeftYLTk9iFo/s1600/annistons+room+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7LssCEl5Fj3Xs6Ck3-8Mym-DVdItalYgBZZQ76GR4hQuMaWdb1MnVdFJmA-3uo4tS3WHC9q27eHkH9CtAIgcsSXP_xh7VtUvIHwee6h-Y39_AShl3Rtc65PLiVLLstsSgeftYLTk9iFo/s400/annistons+room+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anniston enjoying her tee/ </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/AVvXsEg32rMPsncZ-8tA__FlLDx9xPUSyAhsdV_6Ig1vNiQSHwYdiaFITUvndcaUlNgUFZZQhzXgXARH82ftE3fJoi0r5janJfes2I2ZWKUvDdRrBCrXOZbRaBNDvBvs7tWX3wOFkhXBfHUSnkQ/s1600/annistons+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg32rMPsncZ-8tA__FlLDx9xPUSyAhsdV_6Ig1vNiQSHwYdiaFITUvndcaUlNgUFZZQhzXgXARH82ftE3fJoi0r5janJfes2I2ZWKUvDdRrBCrXOZbRaBNDvBvs7tWX3wOFkhXBfHUSnkQ/s640/annistons+room.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hot pink dresser? Yes please! This dresser is not real wood and I had tried to paint it several times with regular paint and failed miserably. I used chalk paint this go around it turned out AWESOME!!!<br />
I had an old canvas with a terrible print on it that I bought for $2.00 at Goodwill I painted white and spelled out Annistons name on. Used puff paint and glitter to write her name and called it a day. Total cost for dresser and canvas- $15.00. <br />
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Here are the before</div>
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pictures of the dresser. It belonged to my husband before we got married and aside from the knobs and it being ugly, it was a solid dresser. </div>
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Please keep checking back for more before and afters from the new house! It's already full of so much charm and I can't wait to show you guys where we call home! </div>
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Take A Deep Breath and Count to a Millionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11853903027700268829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767803439220795481.post-74802089879151365122015-12-10T09:40:00.001-08:002015-12-10T09:40:48.870-08:0010 years<div style="text-align: center;">
Today marks 10 years since I married my husband. </div>
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We don't have a love story that would be deemed romantic by facebook. </div>
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We met and married within 4 months and some would say we married because I got pregnant. Truth is, we knew before then that we were going to end up spending our lives together. </div>
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I married him before I knew his quirks. I married him before I knew he snored so loud that I would be awoken from my deep slumber.</div>
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I married him because I just knew he was <i>my one</i>. </div>
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We don't have a part in the 10 years that jolted our marriage so hard that we found each other all over again and came back stronger. We haven't dealt with any infidelity or falling out of love with each other. We are, and have been, just two people who got married because we loved each other and knew we wanted to grow old together. Truth is, everyday life has been kind of stressful. Adding 5 kids to our marriage has added stress that we have figured out together. We have worked through the everyday stresses, the hustle and bustle of marriage and we have figured out the quirks that some marriages dissolve over. And it's made us stronger. And more in love. </div>
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Do I love him more today than I did 10 years ago?</div>
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You better believe it. </div>
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He is my better half? </div>
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Yes, he's the best part of me. </div>
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How our marriage has worked for 10 years isn't a big secret or mystery. It's actually VERY simple. </div>
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We love each other. And we work everyday, through the tiniest of things to always show love to each other. We don't take for granted that in the world we live in now it's acceptable to just "fall out of love" and divorce without any judgement. We know that it's easier to just leave when things get tough but we made a promise to each other 10 years ago that we would do this together. We promised to stick it out, fix broken things- not throw it away, and to just be there for each other. </div>
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Happy 10 years my love.... Thanks for sticking it out with me. </div>
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Take A Deep Breath and Count to a Millionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11853903027700268829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767803439220795481.post-8571772529489968212015-11-18T06:42:00.001-08:002015-11-18T06:43:45.163-08:00Rain brings out emotions <div style="text-align: center;">
It's Wednesday. </div>
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Hump day. </div>
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And it's raining. </div>
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I know I'm not alone that rain brings out those depressing and/or sappy thoughts that you really don't like to feel. </div>
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I'd never survive in Seattle. </div>
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Today I'm thinking about how much has changed in the past couple of years. </div>
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Two years ago I was deep in ppd. </div>
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I was struggling to figure out who I had become and how to pull myself out of it. </div>
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I was angry. </div>
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I was sad. </div>
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I was emotional. </div>
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I was everything but happy.</div>
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PPD was really kicking my butt and I felt so alone. </div>
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I was living in SC away from all friends or family that could give the help they so desperately wanted to give. </div>
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But..</div>
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My best friend sent me a peace lily. </div>
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Her card was simple. </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/AVvXsEiugnCBj7CoOI9INKTfPyTodVO4w0u2sazaepnLmqTN1isPpk15w2YQAumcbfh4MiVx5yUiLCXo8jIhcPlpTUXCawpAzaYlGGOtLmUnQU5SYzVMj8yDQxWU2dCUBX97MxiW_Rud_jL1jiU/s1600/plant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiugnCBj7CoOI9INKTfPyTodVO4w0u2sazaepnLmqTN1isPpk15w2YQAumcbfh4MiVx5yUiLCXo8jIhcPlpTUXCawpAzaYlGGOtLmUnQU5SYzVMj8yDQxWU2dCUBX97MxiW_Rud_jL1jiU/s400/plant.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The baby peace lily. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"My sweet friend, I hope every time you look at this plant, you feel peace and overwhelming joy. Read Psalm 18: 32-36. I love you. Love, Spoon" </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">"It is God who arms me with strength</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-18-32" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">and keeps my way secure.</span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-18-33" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">he causes me to stand on the </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="text Ps-18-33" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">heights.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">He trains my hands for battle;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">my arms can bend a bow of bronze.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">You make your saving help my shield,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-18-35" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">and your right hand sustains<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14154F" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14154F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></sup> me; </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">your help has </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="text Ps-18-35" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">ma</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">de me great. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">You provide a broad path<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14155G" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14155G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></sup> for my feet,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="text Ps-18-36" id="en-NIV-14155" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; text-align: center; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">36 </sup></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-18-36" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">so that my ankles do not give way.</span></span> " </div>
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At that point in my life I didn't think God could fix the mess my life was at that moment. </div>
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But I read the verse almost daily. </div>
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And as my plant grew, so did I. </div>
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Today, my peace lily is so big it desperately needs a new pot. </div>
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And I am reminded that with each day I water and nurse this little buddy to great health, God is doing the same to me. </div>
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When I forget to water it, it wilts. </div>
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When I get to busy trying to keep my life from falling apart and miss my own spiritual watering, </div>
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I too wilt. </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/AVvXsEj15ERTlGJqqL6-1kGeFUqtAjgK76inNep38_6x8rr1vGrNGQj4DkBHgKknawzTBTjB2e_9v8iohVn969zQAyTMPT9DmkI64jYZo9cwC_xWMOkRNjwJmhli99f8kCOKToeQBzOxpsnc5us/s1600/plant2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj15ERTlGJqqL6-1kGeFUqtAjgK76inNep38_6x8rr1vGrNGQj4DkBHgKknawzTBTjB2e_9v8iohVn969zQAyTMPT9DmkI64jYZo9cwC_xWMOkRNjwJmhli99f8kCOKToeQBzOxpsnc5us/s320/plant2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not a baby peace lily anymore! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I am thankful today for friendships. New ones and old ones alike. I'm thankful for those friends that are no longer a part of my life other than a memory. And I still pray for them. </div>
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I'm praying for the new friends too. I want to be a good solid Godly influence in their life. </div>
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And I pray for the friends who I haven't met yet. Friends that will be there for a season of my life that hasn't happened yet. I hope I am the friend THEY need as much as they will be the friend I need. </div>
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As I get things finished up for our move this weekend, I find myself becoming overwhelmed with all that needs to be done and I so easily forget that these are blessings and meant to be loved and enjoyed. So today, I probably wont pack near as much as I need too but I will enjoy all the many blessings around me. Each box I do pack will have a little bit of love and thankfulness poured in it before it's tapped shut and labeled. </div>
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Today, I will pass this peace lily, which sits on my kitchen table, well over 500 times.</div>
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And today my spoon, I will thank you, well over 500 times, for the reminder that Gods love is great. </div>
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Take A Deep Breath and Count to a Millionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11853903027700268829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767803439220795481.post-30213500408021390662015-10-30T17:04:00.001-07:002015-10-30T17:04:34.420-07:00What I learned by volunteering at my kids school<div style="text-align: center;">
I signed up for PTO when my boys moved to a new school. </div>
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Yesterday I went to the school to help with grandparents lunch. </div>
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All I had to do was sit for an hour and take up money from grandparents who have chosen to eat with their sweet precious grand babies. </div>
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But instead of just seeing grandparents excited about seeing their grandchildren that day, I saw what I always wondered happened during school hours. </div>
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I was hidden behind a wall so 99% of the things that I witnessed left me out of their view. I knew these same things were done daily. With or without visitors there. </div>
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I saw the principal walking the halls and hugging every single child that she met. I don't know how she did it but she knew every one of their names and sometimes even details of their life which she also asked about. </div>
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I saw teachers of younger grades walking their current class to centers, or lunch, or where ever and giving a silent high five to their old students as they passed them in the hall. </div>
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I watched as children after children walked into the nurses office and heard her gently tell each one that she was sorry they felt bad. She did what I always hoped a school nurse would do since I wasn't there. She told them it was alright and tried her best to make each and every child feel better. Some left and went back to class and others waited for their parents to come get them. </div>
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(And now I know why my kids like going to her office so much) </div>
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I saw students helping other students. A tiny little girl who left the nurses office dropped her agenda in the hall way and without hesitation another child, probably no more than 2nd grade, came rushing over to help her pick it back up. </div>
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I think all parents wish they knew what happens at school. I know I do. But what I want you to know about our school, Demorest Elementary, is that our children are shown love. They are shown gentleness, respect, and kindness. </div>
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I wish everyone who had a child at the school could experience what I experienced yesterday. It was the shortest hour of my life and I left feeling so proud that my children will get to go there for the coming years. For the parents who can, JOIN PTO! It's not a burden! It's truly a blessing! </div>
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It's like a tiny sneak peak at what your babies do during the day and it helps us all stay connected. I have met several other PTO members at meetings and working at the school on days like these and I have always left feeling blessed. </div>
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To our principal, Dr. Yearwood, </div>
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I have no idea how you do it. Some days I can't even remember my own 5 kids names and somehow you called at least 10 kids by the correct name in just one walk down the hall. You gave my son a hug. You didn't see me. You asked about his day. And you seemed genuinely excited when he told you he was having a great day. It was a total of one minute from the time you said "Good Morning Brennon" to the time you said "I hope this day gets even better!" but it has stayed with me for well over 24 hours. I smile when I think about what you do for these children. I wont tell you enough this year, or next year or the year after that, but Thank you. Thank you for all you do. </div>
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To our school nurse, </div>
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I talk to you way too much this year but I wanted to acknowledge what you do. I watched and heard you do what most moms want to do when their child starts to feel bad. You are gentle with them. Your voice never raises. (or didn't during my hour there) Sick kids are tough man. Perfectly well children who think they are sick (or sick of sitting in class) are even tougher. But you handled each child with such grace. I don't know how you send kids back to class not in tears but I think it's ubber impressive. I haven't figured out a nice way to say "You're faking it" so I'll be requesting lessons and taking notes this year because you are a total pro. </div>
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I can't possibly address every teacher I saw. To be honest, I think I only knew 1 by name. (I'm horrible with names) but you guys rock too! </div>
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I know everyone thinks their school is awesome but I really think ours is the best! </div>
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And I had some pretty high expectations coming into this school from our previous one. (Which is the best school in SC) </div>
Take A Deep Breath and Count to a Millionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11853903027700268829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767803439220795481.post-54607431193138816272015-08-21T18:52:00.001-07:002015-08-21T18:52:37.082-07:00Dear Anna Duggar. You ARE good enough. <div style="text-align: center;">
I read an article listing the reasons married women who are cheated on stay with their spouse. </div>
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One of the reasons was that they felt like they weren't good enough for their husband. Even stating that women often feel like they did something wrong or they lack self esteem. </div>
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<a href="https://www.yahoo.com/health/josh-and-anna-duggar-would-you-stay-with-a-127241979817.html" target="_blank">You can read it here</a></div>
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I have been cheated on. I can't say I know <i>exactly</i> how you feel because it wasn't by my husband. But someone I cared about, and someone of which I loved enough to marry. I know the hurt you are feeling right now. I know the anger you are feeling. I know the reasons of "why" that are passing through your head faster than you can process. I know how alone you feel. I know how embarrassed you feel. I know that your mind is trying to grasp what news you just heard. I know how you want to hate him but can't because as much as it sucks right now, you really do love him. </div>
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But let me tell you this. All your feelings are real and all those feelings are exactly how you are supposed to feel to news like this. Processing it takes time. Sometimes years. You will think you have forgiven him only to realize that you really haven't. He will have to earn that trust back. Trust that HE ripped from your relationship. You will question every move he makes. The thought of him touching you again will make you want to throw up yet your body will ache for him to hold you like he did before he cheated. It's a cycle of emotions that turn your life inside your own head upside down. More than the actual infidelity did. You will question what the words "I love you" really mean because in your mind loving someone means never hurting them as much as he has hurt you. You will question everything. And it's going to suck. A lot. </div>
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I know your faith is a rock for you. My sweet Anna, hold onto that rock with all your might. It's going to be your life line. Josh is a human. And even though this mistake seems so much worse than anything you can imagine right now, God will forgive him just as quickly as if he killed someone (which I know right now feels like he did just that). If asked God will forget his sins and it will never be held against him. I know what you're thinking after reading that... "If only I were more like Christ!" "I can't do that!!" And it's true. You can't. We strive to be Christlike in our time here on earth but at the end of the day we are human. Hatred and disgust will fill your heart no matter how much you try to feel differently. Pray that God keeps your heart soft. Pray that God gives you a forgiving heart. Pray that God gives you the strength to forgive Josh like He would forgive him. And then pray for the ability to love him the same. Because that may be the hardest part. </div>
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And know that for every tear that falls from your face you have half the world crying with you. Hurting with you. Praying with you. </div>
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It may seem right now that you won't survive this but you will and you'll be stronger when you make it to the other side. Through this entire process please remember that You ARE good enough. Never let that sentence slip from your thought. Keep it up front. Say it everyday until you believe it. Because it's true. You ARE good enough, Anna. </div>
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Take A Deep Breath and Count to a Millionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11853903027700268829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767803439220795481.post-21858952639390988052015-06-19T12:18:00.001-07:002015-06-19T12:18:48.920-07:00Happy Fathers Day From Your Baby Girl<div style="text-align: center;">
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This year on Fathers Day I'm only 17 months old so I can't really write you so with mommy's help, I'll do what I can. </div>
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Dear Daddy, </div>
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Thank you for being such a good daddy. You are showing me early on what kind of man I want to marry. I know being a daddy is hard work. And I know we drive you crazy most days. But you are doing an awesome job! Thank you for rocking me to sleep on the days you are off. Speaking of work, thank you for working so hard for me daddy. I know you don't want to leave me. I can feel your hugs are a little tighter when you leave me. And don't worry, I may be really little but I'll always remember the extra sprints up the staircase just to steal one more slobbery kiss from me. I'll also remember that you tell me you love me at least 5 times as you walk out the door. I probably wont understand completely how much it hurts to leave your baby until I have kids of my own and I wont tell you thank you nearly enough so I'll tell you I'm sorry for that now. I hope I find a husband just like you daddy. I want my husband to love me like you love mommy. And I want him to love his babies like you love us. </div>
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You are the best daddy in the whole wide world and I wouldn't pick any other daddy in this world but you to be my daddy. </div>
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I love you daddy. </div>
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Love, Anniston </div>
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PS. The boys wrote their own letters and put them with your fathers day gifts. Mom said we couldn't put names on the gifts but just between you and I, I picked the best gift. ;) </div>
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Take A Deep Breath and Count to a Millionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11853903027700268829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767803439220795481.post-4303370585319310042015-06-12T17:01:00.000-07:002015-06-12T17:01:04.403-07:00I said I wouldn't forgive you<div style="text-align: center;">
I said I wouldn't forgive you. </div>
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You hurt me to much. </div>
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For those who know me know that I do or I don't do certain things because I feel personally convicted. My prayer has always been that if God doesn't want me to do something he will give me a conviction on it. </div>
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I don't let the world tell me what is inappropriate or acceptable.<br />
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Lately I've been thinking about how badly I want to forgive you.<br />
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I don't want to get angry every time you post something. Or every time you unblock me for those few hours and just hope I see what jab you've directed at me.<br />
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I don't want to have my blood boil when someone asks me "why aren't ya'll friends anymore?" because the hurt and frustration of who you have morphed into still makes me want to scream.<br />
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I don't want to <i>want </i>to tell them that we have simply changed and on different pages in life.<br />
I want to tell them the truth.<br />
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I don't want to lie to them.<br />
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I know that it's a matter of time before your new friends see what I have seen (along with many other people) and.... <br />
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See what just happened? The bitterness is already creeping in. I can feel myself wanting to post how I really feel instead of how I want to feel....<br />
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Starting today, I will let go of the anger. When I start to get angry with you I will pray for you.<br />
Not in a "I'm a Christian and that's what you are supposed to do..." kinda way.<br />
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I want to forgive you.<br />
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I want to pray so hard for my anger towards you that I <b>can</b> forgive you.<br />
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I want to love you.<br />
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I want to be okay when I hear your name.<br />
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I want to be okay when I see you.<br />
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I want to feel happiness and love when your name crosses my path.<br />
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And in order to do that I must pray for you.<br />
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And pray that I can allow my stubborn self to let go of the anger and allow God to change my heart towards you.<br />
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I don't often like to eat my own words... but in this existence I'd love nothing more than to do just that.<br />
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Take A Deep Breath and Count to a Millionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11853903027700268829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767803439220795481.post-73643154150677312232015-06-08T16:30:00.003-07:002015-06-08T16:30:45.679-07:00Happy Best Friends Day! <div style="text-align: center;">
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Today is best friends day.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidX1dRSmsuhqQlECT42AiUIRSRkrMSvWbJNUCiQ7Z1hi2Yfj9BVL43e9F6jCfFxDHxnqMKC2TBd0xNP9LJ_q81vaGuw8q43G7_d2i-YwybpEjUWPsItMp8ugGxkH_lb4L-fbp_gthE-qY/s1600/best+friends.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidX1dRSmsuhqQlECT42AiUIRSRkrMSvWbJNUCiQ7Z1hi2Yfj9BVL43e9F6jCfFxDHxnqMKC2TBd0xNP9LJ_q81vaGuw8q43G7_d2i-YwybpEjUWPsItMp8ugGxkH_lb4L-fbp_gthE-qY/s1600/best+friends.jpg" /></a></div>
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I have been blessed with best friends throughout my life. Some have moved and miles have made us drift apart and other times we have just changed so much that we will no longer be as close as we were years ago. </div>
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But one person has remained for as long as I can remember. We have had hiccups along the way but always been real with each other. Thank you for being there. Thank you for not setting such high expectations for our friendship. Expectations that no one could ever be able to live up to. Thank you for realizing that some days I'm going to be in a bad mood and all I really need is a text the next day asking if I survived. Thank you for being there during some of my hardest times; loosing babies, going through PPD, and being homesick for 5 years. I know for the better part of those 5 years I was angry that I was missing out on so much back home. So thank you for realizing that and standing by me anyway. Thank you for being there. For always being there. You will forever be my spoon. I love you. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwx8xSgkwNCNHS1lw277fqVAP4_QR210MiOTQuWRUig-3kA5CN3fML2hSPOHBWa944h9Qftf_KbrYwB2BYNCAZAQzZvGrYVd7G9VIsQ2kL0sA3Sxrrp8ayswIJKSVvCF0oh7sN8IbXu4Y/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwx8xSgkwNCNHS1lw277fqVAP4_QR210MiOTQuWRUig-3kA5CN3fML2hSPOHBWa944h9Qftf_KbrYwB2BYNCAZAQzZvGrYVd7G9VIsQ2kL0sA3Sxrrp8ayswIJKSVvCF0oh7sN8IbXu4Y/s320/2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My best friend Amber. (Yes, double Amber's! Watch out!) </td></tr>
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Having a friendship end is worse than breaking up with a boyfriend. Seriously, the pain is so much worse. But I have to tell those people thank you too. I mean... they did show me a lot. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2t_-qCvaGpslO7cdlz-tRoBPGA7IiCYIQeDok5kefx3Y0ORqCJf9TYzY_EQEgCICSrZOPKqCeu4_X72oGKbq2lg4kSuQ2Q-Ko02XBUEHs26tKHzx-_I9VZBTvwx3se0hNkTN_iemrzAg/s1600/end-friendship-main_Full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2t_-qCvaGpslO7cdlz-tRoBPGA7IiCYIQeDok5kefx3Y0ORqCJf9TYzY_EQEgCICSrZOPKqCeu4_X72oGKbq2lg4kSuQ2Q-Ko02XBUEHs26tKHzx-_I9VZBTvwx3se0hNkTN_iemrzAg/s320/end-friendship-main_Full.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Thank you old besties. </div>
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You showed me what a best friend really is. It's not about how often we see each other or how many pictures we can take together to prove our friendship on facebook or IG. It's about being so honest with each other that it hurts and still being there for each other in the morning. It's about picking up the phone and asking for an honest opinion and knowing you will get it, even if it hurts in the process. It's about knowing that push come to shove, that person will never leave your side. It's about saying your sorry when you are wrong, and truly being forgiven.</div>
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And because of some ended friendships I have learned how to be a better best friend. </div>
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So I should apologize. </div>
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I'm sorry that I probably said things that hurt you. I'm sorry that I didn't give you the reaction you expected. Unless your expectation was anger and defensiveness, I'm sure I disappointed you. I'm sorry that I wasn't there saying all the right things at just the right time. I'm a busy mama and I often find myself overwhelmed. I always wanted a big family but I'm having to figure out day by day how to actually raise these tiny humans that can be quite often frustrating.</div>
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I'm sorry that I had bad days on days that happen to b<i>e really </i>good for you. If I could go back in time and realize that you needed me to just be happy for you instead of sinking deeper in my funk, I would. I'm sorry for all those things I've said out of anger towards you. I'm still trying to let go of the anger. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2JkdCzERpKxwv2lnir3X9xA9opXRIQRdQQCP_MCpFfMCmu0ND-yInzj61V0fQUIPyy6Wx2G2U4CSWprBUy2IGUnF6Ik0Uza3NuOwok4RBTBz_Y6IT9ep1ISA7S8_OkprHxivFDjPLOkc/s1600/friends.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2JkdCzERpKxwv2lnir3X9xA9opXRIQRdQQCP_MCpFfMCmu0ND-yInzj61V0fQUIPyy6Wx2G2U4CSWprBUy2IGUnF6Ik0Uza3NuOwok4RBTBz_Y6IT9ep1ISA7S8_OkprHxivFDjPLOkc/s1600/friends.jpg" /></a></div>
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My life is constantly changing. Kids are getting older and I'm meeting new people who are in the same phase of life as myself. More people are coming into my life and I'm seeing who I want to stay. So thank you guys for being here. Experiencing this crazy and messed up life of mine. I love you all so much! </div>
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Take A Deep Breath and Count to a Millionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11853903027700268829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767803439220795481.post-68394863703324321402015-04-08T19:35:00.003-07:002015-04-09T05:09:30.106-07:00Is Rodan and Fields Worth The Cost??<div style="text-align: center;">
The number one question I get about Rodan and Fields is "Is the really worth the price?" </div>
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My answer? </div>
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YES.<br />
Yes, it's worth every penny. </div>
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I think people are a lot like I was in the beginning when they think about trying Rodan and Fields for the first time. They assume it's an additional $150 or more to their already crazy tight budget. </div>
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This is the thing guys, you aren't adding in Rodan and Fields. You are replacing your $25.00 copay for the steroid cream, and the $30.00 copay for that doctor visit that resulted in the $25.00 copay cream. </div>
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This was my breakdown and the reason I tried it on my boys. </div>
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I paid the following each month. </div>
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Atarax (for stratching): $25 copay</div>
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(OTC) Neosporin Ezcema: $12.00 (this was bought at the very least twice a month.) </div>
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Large Glass Jar of Nivea Cream: $9.00 (again, bought at the very least twice a month) </div>
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(Prescription) Mometasone Furoate Cream: $25.00 copay </div>
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(This ointment is 100%-200% stronger than anything in Rodan and Fields.)</div>
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Also, it was clearly stated on this prescriptions website that "Safety and Efficacy of Mometasone Furoate cream in pediatric patients more than 3 weeks of use have not been established." </div>
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<i>My child has been on this cream for pretty much 2 years straight. </i></div>
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Because this can't be applied to the face or groin area... So.... </div>
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Elidel Cream: $220.00 a month and at best $45.00 copay (that's IF I can get insurance to cover it) </div>
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So each month I spend $310 dollars on creams and lotions that may or may not cause my child(ren) some form of cancer at some point in their life. </div>
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At the very least I spend $137.00 if I get lucky and insurance pays for Elidel. </div>
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And if these creams don't work?? They rot in my medicine cabinet while I spend EVEN MORE money on something stronger that hopefully will work. </div>
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I spent $160.00 for a 60 day money back guarantee, 4 step system that replaced all of this listed above.</div>
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My 2 year old hasn't spent more than 2 days without some form of steroid cream, ointment, or oral suspension since he was around 6 months old. He's now been almost 2 months without any of it. </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So yeah, it's worth it. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Every. Single. Penny. </span><br />
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<a href="http://takeadeepbreathandcounttoamillion.blogspot.com/2015/02/my-journey-with-rodan-fields.html" target="_blank">For my day by day picture and thoughts on Rodan & Fields Soothe Click Here! </a><br />
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Some before pictures of the boys over the years..<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/AVvXsEjiOIJVKrZBhoZVBDdSmFO9kFYvbt6yBkM9MObeGepHJmzMeK2loYeSjTJXwDaJz9Fsj4YswLLosrkgzllijtWiSw3ROfKQ_cTRumhxirM0xznZa-EqKYfzt1iOimKMr08Iuvol-zA5vhw/s1600/adfa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiOIJVKrZBhoZVBDdSmFO9kFYvbt6yBkM9MObeGepHJmzMeK2loYeSjTJXwDaJz9Fsj4YswLLosrkgzllijtWiSw3ROfKQ_cTRumhxirM0xznZa-EqKYfzt1iOimKMr08Iuvol-zA5vhw/s1600/adfa.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of 3 hospital stays for Staph caused by open places on his body. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy2CnK0GB1ErIm6WF0e2JE2k9Th9TbvZuXBYiQXqcHTkLlttJedZA6j48QRlBl6LDtW2FN9ma0_YRwX-FGLk3UYCeSu-RT8hpAP3zzHhN84d0MJM1R2btXTwAbhr0K9i9OqLHc-Z2kzvo/s1600/adfad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy2CnK0GB1ErIm6WF0e2JE2k9Th9TbvZuXBYiQXqcHTkLlttJedZA6j48QRlBl6LDtW2FN9ma0_YRwX-FGLk3UYCeSu-RT8hpAP3zzHhN84d0MJM1R2btXTwAbhr0K9i9OqLHc-Z2kzvo/s1600/adfad.jpg" height="320" width="168" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was totally normal for us. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEhP9BWB9YT_44sJdgPjY6yYVe_I2yX1k-3iafbrCc6E_kSv_1lGO-ZGEAitBf2n0cI-hE4A5NkrpcSiDAJRs9G8sMSxLvuz6gaKW-4TmtmjUeYXXbL61vtjJQl0azbZLYFCEr1OPx90c/s1600/Brennon11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEhP9BWB9YT_44sJdgPjY6yYVe_I2yX1k-3iafbrCc6E_kSv_1lGO-ZGEAitBf2n0cI-hE4A5NkrpcSiDAJRs9G8sMSxLvuz6gaKW-4TmtmjUeYXXbL61vtjJQl0azbZLYFCEr1OPx90c/s1600/Brennon11.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cute picture of brothers... </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUSK7m9-e5gCJAtC_tt88Wl99tKdADc0s-VlF6rW6EQAOQlSUElV1zy-WYC-xySAUgit4dsiLkwMMG7DrR2W44aLVQ6XRXacNnf1pB6EKi7SgR6_Lp5HOU2JMxTTQo-K1vRUGnc3pswjg/s1600/brennon11-d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUSK7m9-e5gCJAtC_tt88Wl99tKdADc0s-VlF6rW6EQAOQlSUElV1zy-WYC-xySAUgit4dsiLkwMMG7DrR2W44aLVQ6XRXacNnf1pB6EKi7SgR6_Lp5HOU2JMxTTQo-K1vRUGnc3pswjg/s1600/brennon11-d.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Except like many of Brennon's pictures.. I edited his skin. You can see here his face is broke out. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj13_WAFtqjBg5pVEhxYtc7Z-Ry91qEKZZYbHR0VtlMuMptOWx1Ow3Ozx5NLyR9unq2tXsACVjgeeiq83QDrJtQSE15Jez3qmznEqQdynlBUwhLVTpWcBxl6Sd9Cfqb6DhPuhqPKRGcWfM/s1600/dasfad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj13_WAFtqjBg5pVEhxYtc7Z-Ry91qEKZZYbHR0VtlMuMptOWx1Ow3Ozx5NLyR9unq2tXsACVjgeeiq83QDrJtQSE15Jez3qmznEqQdynlBUwhLVTpWcBxl6Sd9Cfqb6DhPuhqPKRGcWfM/s1600/dasfad.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The children's hospital had wagons he could ride in since he couldn't walk on his feet because they were in such bad condition. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPP1F8Vq6QXTsF23LnUXCuYZusDdsS0ReCkidULgyzm1K5XqrEPjWUdRlStila8k6H5IuDYJ7gsNqQ6E7YbfndJbuaZGXsWeR_CY6esq-wDLsXya-tBEUmJE572DvmncOtOVQVKUobwOw/s1600/jkjlk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPP1F8Vq6QXTsF23LnUXCuYZusDdsS0ReCkidULgyzm1K5XqrEPjWUdRlStila8k6H5IuDYJ7gsNqQ6E7YbfndJbuaZGXsWeR_CY6esq-wDLsXya-tBEUmJE572DvmncOtOVQVKUobwOw/s1600/jkjlk.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Socks on the hands started early for us... </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another doctor appointment. This time we caught MRSA from open places on his skin. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Typical day for us. </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/AVvXsEhCYane9j0OTLITW8ZWjZsm30sVrloRhPJSyS5vv6wXkjgQFslykMD_0_xPGu9dNwyxafloYR04-Nr-s2bpdJx-jfZUvL3MIzcZBtc6gd0j5WqAo4qPewvLDgDWFDpmPX66T9khmw5CqDo/s1600/skin3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCYane9j0OTLITW8ZWjZsm30sVrloRhPJSyS5vv6wXkjgQFslykMD_0_xPGu9dNwyxafloYR04-Nr-s2bpdJx-jfZUvL3MIzcZBtc6gd0j5WqAo4qPewvLDgDWFDpmPX66T9khmw5CqDo/s1600/skin3.jpg" height="320" width="243" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feet and Hands were always bright red. </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/AVvXsEgVq0zcj1kXGunOv2xlYKEtM2UxbO38H5Mj1eqaKXi_K_cWp5yDHBqhhkRQwyphdh6DhjFfL2DJ3_GFgyApukmPFX0zD0hvFYf35QmPGciKGth1vzZyEn14sQZLTfyrnf-qN7asC49TuvA/s1600/Landry+Sept+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVq0zcj1kXGunOv2xlYKEtM2UxbO38H5Mj1eqaKXi_K_cWp5yDHBqhhkRQwyphdh6DhjFfL2DJ3_GFgyApukmPFX0zD0hvFYf35QmPGciKGth1vzZyEn14sQZLTfyrnf-qN7asC49TuvA/s1600/Landry+Sept+2014.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't think people realize how badly we dealt with ezcema. We tried hundreds of creams and medicines. Nothing has worked like Soothe.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Wanna try some for yourself? </span><br />
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<a href="https://agilbert2.myrandf.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Just click here</span></a></td></tr>
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And then be sure to email me your results!! I would love to hear that another person found relief AND ended up saving money using R&F!<br />
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Take A Deep Breath and Count to a Millionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11853903027700268829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767803439220795481.post-55612415435977429162015-03-24T12:14:00.003-07:002015-03-24T12:14:51.820-07:00To the people who made me question my faith<div style="text-align: center;">
I recently shared how I've been shaken by Christians and their response to situations. </div>
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I didn't like what I saw. </div>
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It made me question so much about my faith, what I believe, and the way I should act as a born again child of Christ. </div>
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Turns out that my anger and frustration towards them has actually helped me a lot. </div>
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I am searching for answers in God's word instead of how others behave. </div>
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I am praying with a deeper prayer.</div>
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I am specific in my prayers.</div>
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I am happy. </div>
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And I'm not even angry anymore. I'm actually thankful. </div>
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To those that hurt me recently, Thank you. Because of you I have poured my heart and soul out to God and asked for peace and guidance. And He's given that to me. In small bits but enough to make me see that I'm not alone in this journey. </div>
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I have been furiously praying for you. </div>
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And for myself. </div>
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For understanding. </div>
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Understanding to why you hurt me so badly, and for you to understand why I hurt you.</div>
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God's already forgiven me for my part in this situation. </div>
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And while you may not, I still offer my apologizes. </div>
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I have also been talking to an amazing friend about my faith... my questions. The guilt that I have about posting about my walk with Christ in fear I'll be looked upon as a hypocrite when I fail... and she reminds me a lot that while she too sometimes has questions she also sees God in moments throughout every single day. Holding her sweet precious baby who isn't really a baby anymore but while sick holds onto her so tight that she just knows... this is God. </div>
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And her honesty with me... The raw feelings she confides in me about her own personal journey actually helps me realize I'm not alone. Right now, I feel so immensely blessed to have her in my life. I need her. And I am thankful for her. </div>
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If you're reading this right now... THANK YOU! </div>
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Thank you for not giving up on me. </div>
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Thank you for being there. </div>
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So many others I am thankful for. </div>
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Some have always been there.</div>
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Some I've gone back and forth with. </div>
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Some I'm no longer friends with. </div>
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All whom I'm thankful for. </div>
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For the people who are still in my life I want to say thank you for being there for me during this journey. </div>
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Take A Deep Breath and Count to a Millionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11853903027700268829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767803439220795481.post-79544273484458560212015-02-20T17:23:00.000-08:002015-04-09T05:07:59.968-07:00My journey with Rodan & Fields- Review<div style="text-align: center;">
*** NOTE***<br />
** I <b>do not</b> sell this product nor during the first week have any opinion of it. (Actually, I was pretty confident it wouldn't work) **<br />
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Most of my readers and followers know my journey with ezcema and how bad we deal with it for pretty much all our kids. </div>
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It's bad. </div>
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Like... REALLY bad. </div>
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So when I was approached by someone selling it I started googling. It sounded like something I might try but I was a little hesitant at spending that much money on something that may or may not work for my kids. I also had to take into consideration that my kids break out to things that typical kids wont react to. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdqARcqY0Yp6N2oWy2vWhNUX2-IbVzB5wzH-7FgK13WB209t1tDEojiujMdlUYCk6PCbNFx6j7QBRRt7Q8YYD7qGSy_mefJl5UlcZBuLyEbOs3AA7VL8MqOVpPNx6mpkhF1whgfNDmkpM/s1600/soothe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdqARcqY0Yp6N2oWy2vWhNUX2-IbVzB5wzH-7FgK13WB209t1tDEojiujMdlUYCk6PCbNFx6j7QBRRt7Q8YYD7qGSy_mefJl5UlcZBuLyEbOs3AA7VL8MqOVpPNx6mpkhF1whgfNDmkpM/s1600/soothe.jpg" height="320" width="255" /></a></div>
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And this is where my journey starts.. I'm going to blog as I try this product that is probably flooding your facebook newsfeed like it is mine. I'll post daily pictures of this journey... a journey I'm taking with 3 different kids - 3 different skin issues. All whom have ezcema but different stages of sensitivity and severity. </div>
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Before: BRENNON<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHdbLLTrKqEEstPLIgy5if0dhL9JtpvK36LmYxD_dAPGd_lFZwIVFolfKoJDdJCal2iFOvgjZQAaawZ3h8znw10ELux_A_7VwZk1S5Ef3jgeSUZcJfDOcWgfAK6jbhYb7cL1x-fDpORHo/s1600/brennon2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHdbLLTrKqEEstPLIgy5if0dhL9JtpvK36LmYxD_dAPGd_lFZwIVFolfKoJDdJCal2iFOvgjZQAaawZ3h8znw10ELux_A_7VwZk1S5Ef3jgeSUZcJfDOcWgfAK6jbhYb7cL1x-fDpORHo/s1600/brennon2.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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This is Brennon. My spunky 7 year old who has had a long road with severe ezcema. He has spent weeks in the children's hospital for skin infections and daily he normally will use 2 different type of steroid creams (prescriptions) in addition to the over the counter creams. (Usually Nivea) Our typical day with Brennon's skin is lotion twice a day during a non flare up and 3-4 times a day during a flare up. Winter months are especially hard on his skin. </div>
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Before: TRIPP</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV_MkwnK49Oh5IVjG1AEB1ORij8OQjDFRqFXSo4nQnT5FBiJiF1mN7Iw-1Kb6iAQZU8FHuCJd8U2cOwDeWviHGXmKYPuqFPHuEJ4ZjO8hg-25NnSyUvcRK7Nkmq0rC1EQ-hoa0uMMTKH8/s1600/tripp.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV_MkwnK49Oh5IVjG1AEB1ORij8OQjDFRqFXSo4nQnT5FBiJiF1mN7Iw-1Kb6iAQZU8FHuCJd8U2cOwDeWviHGXmKYPuqFPHuEJ4ZjO8hg-25NnSyUvcRK7Nkmq0rC1EQ-hoa0uMMTKH8/s1600/tripp.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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He was trying to give me a creepy picture. He succeeded.</div>
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This is Tripp. My little spiderman.<br />
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He is 5 and deals with mostly ezcema in the winter months. Dry air is NOT his friend. Our typical skin regime with Tripp is lotion 3 times a day during the winter months. 1-2 steroid creams (prescriptions) and over the counter creams. (Usually Nivea). Spring, Summer and fall months are Nivea cream before bed. </div>
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BEFORE: LANDRY<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_X_wOvpBcZ982DqS3nUZLDiq4ii8ymdhzoQJSc0B3Nyj4sb8UqERx9VVPsjL8A-LhiTt-eZKdDqmtDjLqRBx9Z6tdzoVB8DTpfuWbvm388fUBmRElc9wUeG5jqMPREmlsOaaML5RpxSY/s1600/landry6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_X_wOvpBcZ982DqS3nUZLDiq4ii8ymdhzoQJSc0B3Nyj4sb8UqERx9VVPsjL8A-LhiTt-eZKdDqmtDjLqRBx9Z6tdzoVB8DTpfuWbvm388fUBmRElc9wUeG5jqMPREmlsOaaML5RpxSY/s1600/landry6.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidGxNpRfsxKgm3kaxBdOHm5cY18NnGRMUCKRwdO7n_G1d8HJOweyVIUmLBDFoUuCAnLZw-PSn6aTAwwkOP5F90Aeg5RDillT6yx6CY_j8z_6WtSxlxAMvETEBi002cBOatUms720QJvk8/s1600/landry8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidGxNpRfsxKgm3kaxBdOHm5cY18NnGRMUCKRwdO7n_G1d8HJOweyVIUmLBDFoUuCAnLZw-PSn6aTAwwkOP5F90Aeg5RDillT6yx6CY_j8z_6WtSxlxAMvETEBi002cBOatUms720QJvk8/s1600/landry8.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioN6ulRBvuNvnZI4MqGEvkULW3I2eEFaB2__2WC0l7fPy9-Fq3UUpO6ctgVttpf-JlKBFFqlmqr8CWb_PqkODS3ehH9HzQCcYyxGPkwahOFaAt3KYyZg89NByJeH_3onN2Da_uSCOQU-Q/s1600/Landry.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioN6ulRBvuNvnZI4MqGEvkULW3I2eEFaB2__2WC0l7fPy9-Fq3UUpO6ctgVttpf-JlKBFFqlmqr8CWb_PqkODS3ehH9HzQCcYyxGPkwahOFaAt3KYyZg89NByJeH_3onN2Da_uSCOQU-Q/s1600/Landry.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin6ffWOb9CB3w-GO0sFPKQxKso3qXJqtQSSTkUVigBzXrIQh92TXtJus6-EezhiNuysxD1dsEQpcTwB4OzKGHtLlRFcJnHElkJ4EgHQdDVRiebwIxNvP3mbokA0KZCum1PgbsYBchgBRs/s1600/landry4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin6ffWOb9CB3w-GO0sFPKQxKso3qXJqtQSSTkUVigBzXrIQh92TXtJus6-EezhiNuysxD1dsEQpcTwB4OzKGHtLlRFcJnHElkJ4EgHQdDVRiebwIxNvP3mbokA0KZCum1PgbsYBchgBRs/s1600/landry4.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzqOBw0AOdbIHsp4b44tqKWt6A9RrGgY2tRu0I2ewA9NLJeLhr_Pxb-R6FXluv79lo0ZMCt4xcuIJ2uYWGTQYg4VBSJju2B0XkN65peZoQ2ymMbmeK_3dnWX4mALCHWM9pE4QRn-qlHio/s1600/brennon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzqOBw0AOdbIHsp4b44tqKWt6A9RrGgY2tRu0I2ewA9NLJeLhr_Pxb-R6FXluv79lo0ZMCt4xcuIJ2uYWGTQYg4VBSJju2B0XkN65peZoQ2ymMbmeK_3dnWX4mALCHWM9pE4QRn-qlHio/s1600/brennon.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJebBCVDZbluuKkFdHWhJngTTc5cVJObxaqSobwSsd1Z_rHr4HvcC-LGjOP1M7tvG3VsEAegkeg8bZyNxNDjzUnBkLCJkkklzmbkIVgQLpxUwxpqh12PQX7zE3bO4v1O38oOqHOkXKWsw/s1600/landry3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJebBCVDZbluuKkFdHWhJngTTc5cVJObxaqSobwSsd1Z_rHr4HvcC-LGjOP1M7tvG3VsEAegkeg8bZyNxNDjzUnBkLCJkkklzmbkIVgQLpxUwxpqh12PQX7zE3bO4v1O38oOqHOkXKWsw/s1600/landry3.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB3UmyRNmkvXIj8EfydJ8Dgfx6_FCBLzFIJ6gVL0LVBcQrkodiAStXlpAS8pr2khv93Z-kF5joNjJxi8zQM64HOi0Xw5XyggxpcUSBElf2OpS-MTF0JLi2U6lkJMRb3npj8cM5KauwaVs/s1600/landry7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB3UmyRNmkvXIj8EfydJ8Dgfx6_FCBLzFIJ6gVL0LVBcQrkodiAStXlpAS8pr2khv93Z-kF5joNjJxi8zQM64HOi0Xw5XyggxpcUSBElf2OpS-MTF0JLi2U6lkJMRb3npj8cM5KauwaVs/s1600/landry7.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE46-PVTYVpFppj11vzhV-ZLBKV3EIAJloeqbwCqrA3s9TEZcQJQe7QspqSIjfLa8c3lD8phhUXc2MT161puDYYn44dNVe2waCpbsfnLT64jH89AQCddfu1lTkVPW1hzAyZyR6fhBftoE/s1600/landry2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE46-PVTYVpFppj11vzhV-ZLBKV3EIAJloeqbwCqrA3s9TEZcQJQe7QspqSIjfLa8c3lD8phhUXc2MT161puDYYn44dNVe2waCpbsfnLT64jH89AQCddfu1lTkVPW1hzAyZyR6fhBftoE/s1600/landry2.JPG" height="320" width="203" /></a></div>
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This is Landry. Poor baby has it bad. His skin is almost always broke out. Food allergies and outside allergies make it worse. Dry air is tough on him as well. His feet and face are most effected by ezcema. I'm most excited to see if this works on him. He's super sensitive to creams and lotions and screams when we apply any to his skin. He typically uses a prescription steroid cream twice a day if not more, as well as over the counter creams multiple times a day. We wash Landry in Hibiclens to keep him from getting bacteria under his skin due to having so many open areas exposed at all times. Even with these steps, he has been on antibiotics about 8 times in 2014 due to bacteria, including MRSA, setting up infection in his open wounds.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">DAY 1:</span></b><br />
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I started this in the evening because UPS brought my package later in the day.<br />
I bathed all the boys and used the wash instead of soap or Hibiclens. To be honest I was a bit nervous since Landry has a lot of broken areas on his skin. The "soap" actually is soft like a lotion. But I didn't feel like I used a lot considering how much body I was covering. This bottle is much bigger than the creams.<br />
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After bathing each child I applied the step 2 and step 3 as directed. Normally my kids scream with their creams because most contain alcohol. The only time any kid cried was on those few places they had scratched open today. Overall, that part was a much better experience for us all.<br />
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I did notice immediately after applying the 3rd step (2nd step after washing) Landry's face, hands and feet didn't appear as red and inflamed as they normally do.<br />
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Their skin felt very soft. I compare it to Elidel but for those who aren't familiar with this prescription cream I would compare it to Satin Hands by Mary Kay. Of course, without the exfoliating that is required for Satin Hands.<br />
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Kids haven't complained nor broken out several hours after wash or time creams were applied.<br />
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The lotions do have a scent to them. I can't place my finger on exactly what I'm smelling. I'll update that once I've used it a few times and can pinpoint what I smell.<br />
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I was a bit concerned that step #2 contains 2.9% of Dimethicone. Typically, this will dry the skin out... Dimethicone is actually found in most shampoo's and soaps which is why my children have to use sensitive skin shampoo's and soaps. However step #3 (Replenishing Cream) while still has Dimethicone in it does contain Pentylene Glycol in it, which is a skin conditioning agent.<br />
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Overall, I'm giving this Soothe another day to see how things go. In my eczema journey I realize that aside from a strong steroid shot to the butt or a constant drip of oral steroids in an IV, nothing major typically happens overnight.<br />
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I'll update tomorrow regarding day 2.<br />
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<a href="https://agilbert2.myrandf.com/" target="_blank">If you want to order your own CLICK HERE! </a><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">DAY 2:</span></b><br />
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I stopped all my normal skin routines to get the full effect of this product. They have not received any steroid creams or middle of the day creams. I did notice Landry's face became a tad bit dry around 6pm but it was about the time I would do the 2nd treatment for the day.<br />
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Sorry for the delay in adding day 2 notes. I'd try posting a few times and the power would go off. After 7 or 8 times I gave up.<br />
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Day 2 was pretty good.<br />
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(I do have pictures of Landry but not of Tripp or Brennon because they hate the camera with a passion. I'll get a few in a few days)<br />
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Landry:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLnLCwJr5JbQngtJIRyrBpmhcRY1X8tbD46bMXx2b0QO9dOvFSWDhhi-UrH3v_KmtH8XvyRjMGtOWnzeOQpep1hXRoJrH_86XXJ_OliqOD8nqnF-Ll9jZ62iH2YQxA3-Du_EbPOJr1UJE/s1600/Landryadfad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLnLCwJr5JbQngtJIRyrBpmhcRY1X8tbD46bMXx2b0QO9dOvFSWDhhi-UrH3v_KmtH8XvyRjMGtOWnzeOQpep1hXRoJrH_86XXJ_OliqOD8nqnF-Ll9jZ62iH2YQxA3-Du_EbPOJr1UJE/s1600/Landryadfad.jpg" height="308" width="400" /></a></div>
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Landry woke up with hardly any redness to his skin. I'm not sure if it was a coincidence but he didn't scratch at all last night. (normally we deal with him scratching his feet enough to make them bleed while he sleeps.)<br />
His face was still a bit red around his chin area but looked good. Definitely not his normal.<br />
He didn't scratch much throughout the day.<br />
Overall I was impressed.<br />
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Tripp:<br />
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Tripp's main issue is his face. Day 2 wasn't much of an improvement except his area around his mouth didn't look quite as angry. I did put Neosporin on his cut tonight to help keep the infection down. We'll see how it goes.<br />
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Brennon:<br />
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Surprisingly Brennon looked the best this morning. His minor rash spots were almost gone and those areas that were broken open days ago look to be healing rather nicely. No redness at all from what I can see. Super impressed with the results on him.<br />
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Every product has a downside. Here's what I believe the Soothe's downside is...<br />
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Downside I've determined so far- Directions say to bathe twice a day. With 5 children and a husband who works, this just isn't possible for us. I'm giving it all I have to see how this works with following directions but I'm sure there are going to be days when the 2 showers a day doesn't happen.<br />
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I'm giving it another day and we'll see how day 3 goes.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">DAY 3: </span></b><br />
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Day 3 went pretty good for the most part.<br />
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A few things both Josh and I noticed on day 3 was that all 3 boys' skin felt smoother even before shower, or creams.<br />
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Wash makes skin feel like it's been exfoliated using a really rough exfoliating cream. Something like Avon Mico-abrasion exfoliating cream.<br />
(I'm trying to find something common that I've used that is pretty popular at some point so I apologize if my comparisons are products you've never used before)<br />
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Day 3 had zero tears from burning when applied which is awesome!<br />
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I do wish the wash was tearfree since they DO promote this product for kids but I'm picky so...<br />
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I am still washing every few days with Dove Sensitive Soap on the boys private parts and smellier areas but I haven't washed them with the Hibiclens since starting Soothe.<br />
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Brennon:<br />
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Brennon's doing well on day 3. Pictures are hard to tell but the more affected areas are almost gone! It's awesome!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_c7oghfn9B4HSOkUPi1A58XwZNUvuUMnr6z5y_1QlaJPUs88Z-3cTZZhlMeQRVxb_8oLgEsdMJVtWwskOql5dUL7m3KLBMA7h_FV2yJq_VG1D8DnSnZLaL4ZU168Lqb5sbZIIdF7Z5Vs/s1600/Brenonblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_c7oghfn9B4HSOkUPi1A58XwZNUvuUMnr6z5y_1QlaJPUs88Z-3cTZZhlMeQRVxb_8oLgEsdMJVtWwskOql5dUL7m3KLBMA7h_FV2yJq_VG1D8DnSnZLaL4ZU168Lqb5sbZIIdF7Z5Vs/s1600/Brenonblog.jpg" height="308" width="400" /></a></div>
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Tripp: </div>
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Tripp's face seems less red and doesn't scream "I HAVE ALLERGIES" which is awesome! </div>
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The spot around his mouth is still there and hasn't changed too much. But I haven't seen him picking at it today so there's a plus! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizkshpgQ0X6VgiYRX-tdY4z-M-Tk4JxgZjNwHa7QJ-qeXX8K-3sN2qoTnNy_WJQXAf3BE6gwd_NC6CwL6ceuLwyxgBl4r6GWitUwIk58sGgjsmXtOXqyirnP4lQHqXVZINlYiD459FSlE/s1600/Trippblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizkshpgQ0X6VgiYRX-tdY4z-M-Tk4JxgZjNwHa7QJ-qeXX8K-3sN2qoTnNy_WJQXAf3BE6gwd_NC6CwL6ceuLwyxgBl4r6GWitUwIk58sGgjsmXtOXqyirnP4lQHqXVZINlYiD459FSlE/s1600/Trippblog.jpg" height="492" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjXW2hDpYd85_IQ-1jO2ABkagGzboQerrUnAy7kKaRklSczkGWjwzigWTfAQRgZS7Bbydfx2iFe9zCpLX6op9tiiTnVrExMAdTtbC6Ac7giFwEltUYAp3wKNeicSp6QY0RXjAit40d8rw/s1600/Trippblog2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjXW2hDpYd85_IQ-1jO2ABkagGzboQerrUnAy7kKaRklSczkGWjwzigWTfAQRgZS7Bbydfx2iFe9zCpLX6op9tiiTnVrExMAdTtbC6Ac7giFwEltUYAp3wKNeicSp6QY0RXjAit40d8rw/s1600/Trippblog2.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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I did notice that around 4pm Tripp's face was dry. Normally I would add Neiva Cream on his face but since we aren't going anywhere today I'm holing off right now. </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/AVvXsEiL1WrtHn3Uq33CG_tQ9eL9IcFhi1yl9aEAnPU8WNd9TcsBRlEHQjAZ13CtY9bvIzo3IQnmwtgeuN3lnIjw4q7u12H9emevPms8or6s4vE8psHu0XG4obrQRRffmK4AchoFy1x_s_2gM-M/s1600/Trippfaceblog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL1WrtHn3Uq33CG_tQ9eL9IcFhi1yl9aEAnPU8WNd9TcsBRlEHQjAZ13CtY9bvIzo3IQnmwtgeuN3lnIjw4q7u12H9emevPms8or6s4vE8psHu0XG4obrQRRffmK4AchoFy1x_s_2gM-M/s1600/Trippfaceblog.JPG" height="244" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up of dryness</td></tr>
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Landry: </div>
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(I didn't take any more of Landry this evening but I will grab some tomorrow)</div>
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Landry's face does appear dry around 3pm today. Still has another 3-4 hours before his nightly application but it doesn't seem to bother him much. Like Tripp, I would normally add Nevia cream but decided to wait it out to get the best results for Soothe. </div>
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His feet look better but I can't see major change except the decrease in redness. I'll be curious to see if a few more days helps them clear up. 9 times out of 10 it takes a strong steroid cream to clear those up. (And when we stop the steroids it almost always comes back) </div>
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About an hour before our nightly application Landry did start picking at his feet. He managed to break open one small area before I got some socks on him but I do question how much of it is habit more than the fact that his skin may be really itching. When I asked him to stop scratching he did and hasn't touched his feet again... so there's really no telling on that one. </div>
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Overall, Landry, Brennon, & Tripp seem less irritated with their skin. A common phrase in our home is "rub, not scratch!" but we haven't had to say that quite as often today. </div>
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Excited to see how day 4 goes... </div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">DAY 4: </span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span">So day 4 had a hiccup. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>LANDRY: </b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span">I did everything by the books for Rodan and Fields but sometimes it doesn't matter what you do, or what you don't do- you just have "those" days. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span">Today was one of them. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span">Landry is a sneaky little guy who likes to sneak at his bed at night and help himself to whatever drink happens to be on the table. Some nights, it's not his. </span></div>
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Normally that isn't an issue. Except occasionally his older brothers don't drink all their apple juice at dinner and are able to have some before bed. </div>
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Problem with this is that Mr. Sneaky pants is allergic to apples. </div>
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So some mornings I wake up to this...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkevyV32inVU2djGTLKJWpSo2oVtuUETcil013uQhSTgEX-90lYtuWGcw5JWCMejNsNZcu_58nIXdd1KOYk84mLkWcOSjP7prrnZp3N2mLfByvlOSp5r_NH8zZf1YFPLCUK__yPGuh6CQ/s1600/IMG_1570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkevyV32inVU2djGTLKJWpSo2oVtuUETcil013uQhSTgEX-90lYtuWGcw5JWCMejNsNZcu_58nIXdd1KOYk84mLkWcOSjP7prrnZp3N2mLfByvlOSp5r_NH8zZf1YFPLCUK__yPGuh6CQ/s1600/IMG_1570.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioVaWavX7CGs7vgODap7v4DZhSoOmnCDJTPYsEbBmm6Eqmtl8JhfZiWIs2NSRVZBGKqswHxB5K0WYtXVkQtsWk98k9HF0qrN56y__iXtUL66ACFEnnpGZOeBE7l0vEqZbJh1EdIV277rw/s1600/IMG_1571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioVaWavX7CGs7vgODap7v4DZhSoOmnCDJTPYsEbBmm6Eqmtl8JhfZiWIs2NSRVZBGKqswHxB5K0WYtXVkQtsWk98k9HF0qrN56y__iXtUL66ACFEnnpGZOeBE7l0vEqZbJh1EdIV277rw/s1600/IMG_1571.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzIDGyY-AlSaTIwV1rm5BU0l0syAP6UqcGouZptxhb4qq0YU0-n_IR3dXgaG8r61_g_o-82G29qVLRFJduVqRY27tC9KWsNG3HaU4MIZK5bIpsq0Em-6qWeWyAeFacahdc4kWIGUDcSTQ/s1600/IMG_1572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzIDGyY-AlSaTIwV1rm5BU0l0syAP6UqcGouZptxhb4qq0YU0-n_IR3dXgaG8r61_g_o-82G29qVLRFJduVqRY27tC9KWsNG3HaU4MIZK5bIpsq0Em-6qWeWyAeFacahdc4kWIGUDcSTQ/s1600/IMG_1572.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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And so we start over. </div>
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Sadly, with a child like Landry you can't stop him from getting into things he shouldn't have unless the entire house is free of all his triggers. </div>
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But that would require my house to be completely egg free, milk protein free, mustard free, peanut free, strawberry free, blueberry free, raspberry free, apple free and any other berry I happen to be missing in this list. </div>
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With a family of 7, that's not possible. </div>
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So we do our best to keep him away from the things he is allergic to but on rare occasions when I forget to wash out his brothers cups and replace them all with water- this happens. </div>
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However- I did learn something because of this. </div>
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I am keeping my routine with Rodan & Fields so I bathed Landry first thing this morning and washed him with the wash. I applied step 2 and step 3 just as I have the previous mornings. Except on this morning I realized I had not been using step #4 which is the sunscreen. </div>
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In the beginning I didn't think it was a big deal because we have been snowed in for days upon days and we weren't really seeing much sunshine. But I happen to finish step 3 and grab the sunscreen. </div>
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Turns out, it has Zinc Oxide in it. </div>
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In case you aren't familiar with Zinc Oxide, let me tell you a little about it. </div>
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It's awesome for kids with eczema and sensitive skin! </div>
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Besides the fact that its one of the safest ingredients for protecting the skin from harmful effects of UV rays, it is also very effective for healing skin! </div>
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Who knew?!?! </div>
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Most people think Zinc Oxide when they think diaper rash cream. The reason for this is because it protects the skin. It doesn't dissolve when it comes in contact with water. Lets think about the face of an eczema covered face. I'm using it on an almost 3 year old who still slobbers and chews on things. I'm constantly wiping his face off and changing his skirt from spilled water out of his mouth. </div>
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When I apply step #4 I am immediately helping his face from chapped from his own slobber and/or fluids being dripped out of his mouth. </div>
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Other benefits are that zinc oxide actually heals open wounds and can reduce the tenderness of chapped skin. If you have acne, zinc oxide could be your best friend. Why you ask? Because when applied to the face it can also keep excess oils from forming on your face. </div>
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I promise guys, I'm NOT selling this stuff. Just pointing out the perks of the sunscreen.</div>
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Anyway... I didn't even think about zinc oxide being a beneficial part of this treatment plan. I guess if the doctor who made it included it in the set, I should have probably paid closer attention to why. </div>
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My bad. </div>
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Regardless of my mistake before I did add it to our treatment this morning. </div>
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Immediately Landry's skin looked less red and inflamed. He still has spots on his skin, mostly on his feet and face that are broke out but he does look WAY better after his bath than he did when he woke up this morning. </div>
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I should add--- Landry almost always needs 5% steroid cream when this happens so I'm curious how day #5 goes without it. That will be a huge eye opener to me to see if this stuff really works. </div>
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Step #2 does have steroids in it, but being it's not a presciption- it's got to be only 0.02%. That's WAY less than what he is used to. </div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Brennon: </span></b></div>
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Not much change. Eczema seems to be almost completely gone but his skin does still appear to be dry in spots. </div>
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**It does NOT however feel dry when you touch it. It feels VERY smooth.**</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Tripp: </b></span></div>
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Face looks about the same. Maybe a little better. But I just started step #4 (sunscreen) this morning so that may have a huge difference in the coming days. </div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Day 5:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></div>
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So... I'm a horrible review giver. We skipped a bath today. Only 1 bath. But to my defense. I have all 5 kids home from school (thank you Mother Nature for the massive amounts of snow and ice) </div>
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and my morning/day was insane. </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>LANDRY: </b></span></div>
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I did however wipe Landry down with a washcloth and applied steps 2, 3, & 4. </div>
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His skin looks okay. Still quite broke out. But again, it's not nearly as red and inflamed as yesterday. </div>
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Honestly, I think that is the one thing I REALLY like about this stuff. </div>
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If you have red skin for whatever reason- this stuff will be great for you! </div>
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He did cry a little today when applying the creams to his feet but he scratched again last night. </div>
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I put step #4 on 3 times today. The reason for this is because it snowed and we went out hours and hours after I applied it the 1st time. I wanted a nice thick covering so the moisture from the snow and water wouldn't irritate his skin. We also have a little wind today and I knew that too would probably chap his face. Turns out, whether that is what I was supposed to do or not, it worked. His face didn't get quite as red as it had the previous day. </div>
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I forgot detailed pictures of all the kids' skin today. Sorry guys!! I'll take new ones tomorrow morning. </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Brennon:</b></span> </div>
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I think this stuff is gonna be great for Brennon. His skin looks AWESOME!!</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>TRIPP: </b></span></div>
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Not much change on his face. I should have put an extra coat of the sunscreen (step #4) before taking him out but completely forgot. </div>
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(Have YOU ever got 4 boys in snow suits and snow boots?!?! - I forgot him. Oops) </div>
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I'll add it tomorrow though because I did notice his face get red and chapped. It didn't appear red and chapped when he got in the house though so maybe he just got cold? </div>
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Besides the one place on his face, he looks awesome! </div>
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I'm waiting to give my opinion on the product until I've used it for a solid week. So that will be coming up soon. </div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Day 6: </span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Landry- </span></b></div>
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I'm posting part early because I'm actually REALLY excited. Ya know how I said Landry needs really strong steroids to clear his skin up? </div>
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Well.... woke up to this. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFtL6ykm7jNtHoUKFVKjHkC_r50Mv0uvEWUTihp9c0L844JTwAp-aFlXNH5E02tqvi7IcwVDirl5GH2ek0Il3XpjfCa42LgfLB7fYlW9NTDbtK_BcKcFryFydvCQWOVOqXERlJ-SkeK7M/s1600/IMG_1574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFtL6ykm7jNtHoUKFVKjHkC_r50Mv0uvEWUTihp9c0L844JTwAp-aFlXNH5E02tqvi7IcwVDirl5GH2ek0Il3XpjfCa42LgfLB7fYlW9NTDbtK_BcKcFryFydvCQWOVOqXERlJ-SkeK7M/s1600/IMG_1574.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1DWVz0b-DvwiBLTVNY4BySwkpqkGsoy3TQTMU8esYhPkz0AWAd18sJiCTV1xpeO2NrnipXn5HpNlNFwCusoeR1DHguT-P1tG0waTeNycqmLiPWHLMDVCvFUFKAZ6N1X5k-Ukemca68PA/s1600/IMG_1575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1DWVz0b-DvwiBLTVNY4BySwkpqkGsoy3TQTMU8esYhPkz0AWAd18sJiCTV1xpeO2NrnipXn5HpNlNFwCusoeR1DHguT-P1tG0waTeNycqmLiPWHLMDVCvFUFKAZ6N1X5k-Ukemca68PA/s1600/IMG_1575.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I totally didn't realize his picture from a couple of days ago was blurry. Sorry guys! </div>
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Just in case your scroll button is messed up... here are the comparisons. </div>
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<b>These are taken before his bath. So 2 treatments in between pictures!! </b></div>
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THAT IS INSANE!!! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCBV1BHUDn3jWgOx4IB8BV_Wdzi8333tdY5kZ1Po04G4cVa-2SA51tZjHFwIp6JQ_kqhsEk-yPropLeX0ARGkitrsUB5WczkxQjyC5je8Uzv38JvldLgjq4JbzQEWJ0DEZUpv09I3fFAs/s1600/Rodan+and+Fields.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCBV1BHUDn3jWgOx4IB8BV_Wdzi8333tdY5kZ1Po04G4cVa-2SA51tZjHFwIp6JQ_kqhsEk-yPropLeX0ARGkitrsUB5WczkxQjyC5je8Uzv38JvldLgjq4JbzQEWJ0DEZUpv09I3fFAs/s1600/Rodan+and+Fields.jpg" height="308" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNNvrkeWhskEJzHyAMTJ7klO9jrmxh1BoG5SO3eGDh_VxAoS_jVCbKoABqGjSmWmkAY_gurQpHlH3zgD1HjkJpJ3lewqM85o7LsDLUYEq4P9OthHmMaXgzSBbWVuH0wCr3ELFrr1PsdgA/s1600/Rodan+and+Fields+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNNvrkeWhskEJzHyAMTJ7klO9jrmxh1BoG5SO3eGDh_VxAoS_jVCbKoABqGjSmWmkAY_gurQpHlH3zgD1HjkJpJ3lewqM85o7LsDLUYEq4P9OthHmMaXgzSBbWVuH0wCr3ELFrr1PsdgA/s1600/Rodan+and+Fields+2.jpg" height="308" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'll post more updates for day 6 but I was too excited not to post these! </div>
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Okay guys.. short quick update for day 6. I completely forgot to take more pictures of Brennon and Tripp because I was so excited about Landry's skin. </div>
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Tomorrow... tomorrow I will take some. </div>
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Tripp still seems the same. That same stinking spot on his mouth.. it just wont go away. To be fair, it's been there since about December. </div>
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Brennon looks good except a small place on his foot he scratched open today... and his face still appears dry. But I mean... when you aren't broke out there isn't much update to give except "same as before". It's MUCH better than what we are used to dealing with. :) </div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Day 7: </span></b></div>
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<b>Brennon: </b></div>
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I know it gets old hearing nothing but "He's doing great!" but seriously... he's doing great! His skin still appears dry between treatments but otherwise it's controlling his eczema quite well! </div>
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<b>Tripp: </b></div>
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Tripp's mouth is still broke out. Out of habit he picks at it and it wont ever heal! I think I'm going to have to start putting neosporin on it and see if I can't get it cleared up. </div>
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Otherwise he's doing great! </div>
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<b>Landry: </b></div>
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Landry has done fabulous so far! His skin, like Brennon's, appears dry but the breakouts aren't nearly as bad as before! </div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Day 8: </span></b></div>
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<b>Landry:</b></div>
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Landry has a few places that have popped up here and there but seems overall much better compared to his normal breakouts. His feet are dry and he still scratches them often but if you have a child with severe eczema you know that sometimes the scratching is habit, other times it's because it really does itch. And then sometimes he starts scratching out of habit and then it causes it to itch. It's a vicious cycle. But it's been 8 days since I have applied steroids to his skin. That alone screams the results more than any picture I could ever post. </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Day 9: </b></span></div>
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<b>Brennon: </b></div>
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I completely forgot to put the cream on Brennon before bed last night. We had a birthday party for the kids baby sister and by the time I tucked them into bed I was exhausted and completely forgot I didn't cream them up. He woke up this morning with a few dry patches on his face and neck. His skin overall looks great except for those dry places. Honestly, I image tomorrow he'll look back to normal after today's treatment. </div>
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<b>Tripp: </b></div>
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I also skipped creams last night with Tripp. He looks the same though. No dry patches and still the same mark on his mouth. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuKlbHpdaLYheMiPLxCZPs4JBSaV6RjALikTJMJo8qolmfM4G_VzbWDBrRd41wi7wZsoDHllHUYYCqSiKK-7jZEruQro3Lr_n5riqtns_FA5_IdyKcePbabuqfm-9JvTDc_oZUO2OzYfc/s1600/11018951_10153128094252838_5750806736277944428_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuKlbHpdaLYheMiPLxCZPs4JBSaV6RjALikTJMJo8qolmfM4G_VzbWDBrRd41wi7wZsoDHllHUYYCqSiKK-7jZEruQro3Lr_n5riqtns_FA5_IdyKcePbabuqfm-9JvTDc_oZUO2OzYfc/s1600/11018951_10153128094252838_5750806736277944428_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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**Same kid as before. He got gum in his beautiful locks and we had to shave his head. :(*** </div>
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<b>Landry: </b></div>
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Like his brothers, Landry didn't get creamed up last night either. It's so strange to me that I forgot his creams because for almost 3 years now it has been a nightly routine to apply 3 different creams to his skin before bed. It's a 30 minute routine. Even on my biggest of days I almost never forgot. But Rodan and Fields is so easy and it takes less than 5 minutes to apply that I didn't realize how much easier it's made our bedtime cream routine. </div>
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He did wake up with quite a few dry spots on his face and stomach. I took some pictures of him playing outside today and as you can see from the pictures he's pretty dang clear compared to the previous pictures I have posted. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWsO3nuTHQ0ZUe-UwtX_mM7FuY4uGyqNZwSq32EH0JyuwuclzCaQHKS2SZXxla7Lqe_VhAOx5MVP4kWTxtVonVO3Z3Cu3rhxZVh2P1Aa2K_rpqcsQmH5fxnLI0mp7AX18P8PBQeCfKEk4/s1600/11034183_10153128096182838_8451404197742304658_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWsO3nuTHQ0ZUe-UwtX_mM7FuY4uGyqNZwSq32EH0JyuwuclzCaQHKS2SZXxla7Lqe_VhAOx5MVP4kWTxtVonVO3Z3Cu3rhxZVh2P1Aa2K_rpqcsQmH5fxnLI0mp7AX18P8PBQeCfKEk4/s1600/11034183_10153128096182838_8451404197742304658_n.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">CONCLUSION: </span></b></div>
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I said that I would make my opinion on day 7 so here goes... a day late. </div>
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So far I feel like Rodan and Fields is worth the money spent. Especially those that deal with redness, or eczema. To be honest, it's probably one of the best creams I've ever used on the kids. It not only helps clear eczema up, but it keeps the skin clear. </div>
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The only downside I have with it is the time spent on achieving the results. My life is crazy. Bathing kids twice a day is tough. I've missed a few days bathing them twice and while I've not noticed a huge difference as long as I apply steps 2 & 3, I do see even better results with the extra bath and wash. </div>
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And for my kids, who keep in mind have ridiculously dry skin, it doesn't appear to moisturize as well as I'd hope. With that being said, I was spending a ton each month on creams and lotions and exposing my children to high doses of both oral steroids and topical steroids. </div>
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I feed my kids organic meats, and organic fruits and veggies (those on the dirty dozen list anyway) to protect them as much as possible from unnecessary steroids. If I can spend the same amount of even a little more on a cream that clears their skin up that also doesn't contain high doses of steroids in them, well.. I'm gonna do it. I honestly didn't think I would say this (evident by the fact that I paid extra to not be put on the preferred customer list) but... It works. And it's worth it. </div>
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I hope this blog has helped you in determining if Rodan and Fields is worth it for your family. </div>
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And thank you for following along on this journey with me. </div>
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If by chance you need the link to check more into Rodan and Fields you can click <a href="https://agilbert2.myrandf.com/" target="_blank">here</a> to order or get more detailed information about it. </div>
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***** ADDED NOTE 4/2/15******</div>
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Landry ended up with an infection of the skin due to one little place being scratched open. If you have kids with severe eczema like mine you know that they are more susceptible to infections of the skin. He went on an antibiotic and was put on an oral steroid. I took Landry off the Rodan & Fields during this time because oral steroids work pretty well for the skin and I didn't want to "waste" my Rodan & Fields. It took 3 days for me to see any improvement in his skin on the oral steroids. And after he finished it, like most kids with eczema, his skin flared right back up. He looked HORRIBLE. I immediately started him back on R&F. Overnight his skin looked 80% better. By day 2 (4 treatments) his skin looked 100% better. He didn't look that good after a 5 day course of strong oral steroids! </div>
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After this I decided I wanted to sell Rodan & Fields. Sure, becoming a millionaire would be fabulous but I've dealt with eczema for 8 years. Along my journey I have met A LOT of other parents with the same struggle I have. How do I help my child? I want to sell this because it works. And I want other parents to see the results and try it so that their children (or themselves) can get relief too. </div>
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I leave you with a recent picture of Landry. Who on Easter this year had so many compliments on how great his skin looked instead of our typical "poor baby" comments we have gotten every other year. </div>
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Click below to find out why I took the challenge and how I justified the price. </div>
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<a href="http://takeadeepbreathandcounttoamillion.blogspot.com/2015/04/is-rodan-and-fields-worth-cost.html" target="_blank">IS RODAN AND FIELDS WORTH THE MONEY? </a></div>
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Take A Deep Breath and Count to a Millionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11853903027700268829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767803439220795481.post-87342380234736831242014-07-10T20:05:00.000-07:002014-07-10T20:05:31.531-07:00The ugly unspoken truth about parenting<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>The truth is...</i></b></div>
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Sometimes I don't like being a mom. </div>
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Sometimes I just want to drive to the store for apple juice and not return. </div>
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I'm not the mom I thought I would be. </div>
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I yell at my kids.</div>
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I say things out of anger that I immediately regret. </div>
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I cry when they go to bed because I <b><i>know</i></b> I have destined them for a life of therapy. </div>
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You may not enjoy your children a lot of the time. </div>
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You may not even like them. </div>
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You may not like being their mom. </div>
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You may even dream about what life would be like if they weren't born. </div>
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(That one leaves you as soon as they fall asleep - and that's when mama guilt comes in. No worries, I'll talk on that in just a bit) </div>
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Truth is... </div>
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It's normal. </div>
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I have a couple of friends who have perfect children. </div>
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They were born sleeping through the night. </div>
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They never went through the dreaded terrible two's (or threes or fours) </div>
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They never had an attitude problem. </div>
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They never threw a tantrum in public. </div>
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They woke up one morning at age 2 and decided "I'm going to be a big boy/girl" and that was their version of potty training. </div>
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They eat what is put in front of them without any arguments. </div>
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They were never told twice to say please, thank you, yes sir, or bless you. </div>
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They get along with their siblings and never argue. </div>
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They actually want to help do chores and put things in the exact place it should go. </div>
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And they love cleaning their rooms. </div>
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But those few children aren't the majority of children. </div>
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So that makes parenting hard for the most of us. </div>
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Half the time I feel like I'm not a mom but a referee just trying to keep everyone alive. </div>
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Raising kids is like teaching wild monkeys how to be servers in a fine dining restaurant. </div>
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Except thanks to social media you have the whole world watching every move you make and criticizing every fault you have. </div>
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And heaven forbid you mention how tough it is raising kids. Or hint that you need a break. </div>
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Because if you have more than 2 children, you'll get a lot of "Well you should have thought about how hard it was going to be before you had X amount of kids!"</div>
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Or worse. </div>
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"I told you that you should have stopped at number 2!" </div>
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<b><i>The judgement.</i></b></div>
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Because I have more than the "perfect" number of children I am automatically not allowed to say how hard raising kids really is. All because I brought this on myself. </div>
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And those people are right I guess. Two kids was easier than five kids. </div>
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But I love my last three kids just as much as my first two, and I can't imagine them not being here. </div>
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And the comments about how all this chaos could have been prevented isn't doing me much good right now. Thank you very much. </div>
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Lets skip to the guilt. </div>
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I'd like to thank Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pintrest for creating what I dread most about parenting.</div>
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<i><b>Mama guilt. </b></i></div>
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Mama guilt was around before all these social media sites but boy they really know how to lay it on a mom who is about to loose her mind. Before these sites I didn't have mama guilt as bad because it wasn't shoved down my throat all the things I <i>should</i> be doing with my children.</div>
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No one really posts about how they thought about running away when their child pooped in the floor for the fourth time. <b><i>In. the. same. day. </i></b></div>
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(Yes, that happens) </div>
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No one was trying to out-pintrest the next mama. </div>
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No one had a place to post 700 pictures of the 8 hour family time day you had. Your perfect little family doing perfect little things for 8 hours straight. </div>
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(You don't fool me. I know after 30 minutes you were ready to leave too) </div>
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Instead they picked up a phone, called their other mom friends and cried all while the friend reminded them that this was a stage and raising toddlers was hard... and that it would pass. </div>
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They compared horror stories about raising kids and you both hung up the phone feeling better that at least your kid will have company in therapy. </div>
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That brings me to another guilt I loathe now that I have kids...</div>
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<b><i>Friendship guilt. </i></b></div>
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As if mama guilt isn't enough, I quite often feel what I like to call friendship guilt. Not only am I a horrible mother for thinking/saying/doing terrible things that will ruin my children for years to come but I am a horrible friend. I can't have a regular pre-kids conversation anymore. I say I'm going to call you back, and I don't. It's not because I don't want too. Quite the opposite actually. I want so badly to just have an hour to spend chatting with my friends... catching up on their lives and how they are doing. But I can't. </div>
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Because someone puked. Or peed. Or pooped. </div>
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Someone hit their brother and I spent an hour making sure nothing was broken. </div>
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This is my life. </div>
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It's crazy. It's loud. It's wild. </div>
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And what I don't need is another guilt trip in my head because my friends are mad that we never talk anymore. </div>
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I'm trying to be the best mom I can be. And I'm juggling that with being the best wife I can be, and the best friend I can be. And when you have little people running around wanting you to give all your attention to them, something has to not become such a huge priority. And as much as it pains me to say it, sometimes that means friendships will be put on the back burner while you navigate through these toddler years. </div>
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Don't give up on me. </div>
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There will come a day when I will be able to chat for hours while my kids could care less what I'm doing.</div>
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So many mom's are like myself right now. Struggling to figure out the in's and out's of raising kids. </div>
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I know so many friends who want to know that they aren't alone in the feelings they have some days. </div>
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I know it will get better, and then harder, and then better again.</div>
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And I know there is truth behind the saying "you'll miss this..." because truth be told... I already miss some of it. </div>
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But I'm tired of beating myself up about feeling the way I do and feeling like I'm alone in these thoughts when I know I'm not. </div>
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To those mom's who are struggling with these same thoughts and feelings.. </div>
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it's normal. </div>
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It's called parenting. </div>
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Take A Deep Breath and Count to a Millionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11853903027700268829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767803439220795481.post-41041999647028894022014-06-16T20:12:00.000-07:002014-06-16T20:12:12.471-07:00Where did he go? <div style="text-align: center;">
My "baby" turned 8 yesterday. </div>
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And I didn't announce it to facebook. </div>
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(I announce to fb when I pee without an audience) </div>
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(Okay. I WILL announce when I pee without an audience) </div>
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But I didn't announce that my beloved son who made me a mother turned 8. </div>
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I figured just maybe if I didn't acknowledge the fact that he is 8 years old now he would still somehow be the 8 pound baby I brought home from the hospital just yesterday. </div>
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I feel blessed beyond measure that I get to experience something that so many mothers can't. I have been allowed to watch him grow from the tiny baby who was 100% dependent upon me to a little boy who doesn't want me to give him a kiss when I drop him off at school in the mornings. </div>
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I remember the first time we brought him home from the hospital. </div>
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He cried from the moment we strapped him into the car seat until well into the middle of the night.</div>
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We had no clue what we were doing. I thought for sure I had bit off more than I could chew. </div>
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I was so tired. He was not. </div>
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He cried. I had no idea why. </div>
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The first few weeks seem like a blur of just trying to keep us both alive. I remember crying rocking back and forth in the floor with him screaming in my arms and wishing the newborn stage would hurry and pass me by. I wasn't cut out for it. </div>
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Turns out, I got my wish. </div>
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Except the toddler years flew by just as fast. </div>
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And then the school years came. </div>
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And time still didn't slow down. </div>
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The days were soooooo very long. </div>
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But the years just flew by. </div>
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And yesterday, he turned 8. </div>
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And I know that I will blink twice and he'll be 18. </div>
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I know I will forget how sweet his hair feels as I run my fingers through it before I go to bed. </div>
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And I know I will never get back the moments of you wanting no one but me. </div>
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I hope you know that your mama loves you and is SO proud of you. </div>
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I hope you know that you will forever, and I mean FOREVER, be my sweet tiny 8lb 7oz sweet baby boy. </div>
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So- my sweet, beautiful baby boy. </div>
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Happy Birthday. </div>
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Take A Deep Breath and Count to a Millionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11853903027700268829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767803439220795481.post-49753256937994549362014-06-06T16:35:00.000-07:002014-06-06T16:35:08.902-07:00So my child loves her mama...<div style="text-align: center;">
As I sit here and watch my little girl lay beside me on the couch I cant help but think about all the comments I will get as she gets older if she still loves me just as much then as she does right this minute. </div>
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<b><i>"You've spoiled her!"</i></b></div>
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<b><i>"She's a mommas girl!"</i></b></div>
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<b><i>"She's rotton!" </i></b></div>
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<b><i>"You need to leave her more so she'll get used to being around other people" </i></b></div>
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How do I know these are inevitable comments to come? </div>
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<b><i>Because they have been said to me before.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>And I've said them to other people</i></b>.</div>
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But I'm realizing something. </div>
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Just because she doesn't like anyone as much as she likes me right this minute, or in a year from now, or in 5 years from now doesn't mean she's spoiled. It doesn't mean she's a mommas girl, or rotten. It wont help if I leave her with other people more often either. She's still going to love me and want me. <b><i>She's still going to want me over you. </i></b></div>
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<b><i>And that's okay. </i></b></div>
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It doesn't mean she doesn't like you.</div>
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It doesn't mean she wont be able to mingle with other people when she's 25 without her mama right beside her. She will leave me just like every other kindergartener on her first day of school. She will run to me when school lets out with a big smile on her face just like every other 5 year old in her class. </div>
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I am her mama and for a brief moment in time I am the one person above anyone else that she thinks ropes the moon. </div>
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And I already dread the stigma she will get just because she wants me so much. </div>
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So before you judge my sweet baby when she's a year old and clinging to me because she doesn't want you to hold her, or when she's 4 and refusing to give you a hug, please remember that she's only going to want me this much for a short period of time. She's only going to want me to hold onto her this tight and save her from the big man trying to steal some goodbye hugs. </div>
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I picture her at age 15 slamming her door because I'm "smothering her" and I hope that I can push through the comments of her being "too spoiled" or "rotten" or "a momma girl" and remember that this isn't going to last forever. It's going to go by so quick that if I blink twice in a row I will miss the most amazing years of her life. </div>
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So I am going to enjoy each time that she holds onto me. </div>
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I'm going to let the ignorant comments roll off my shoulder. </div>
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And I'm going to let her want me as long as I possibly can. </div>
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Take A Deep Breath and Count to a Millionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11853903027700268829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767803439220795481.post-12423302133545208912014-04-01T15:37:00.000-07:002014-04-01T15:37:25.781-07:00I'm sorry about not being a good friend...<div style="text-align: center;">
Several facebook status updates have me really irked. </div>
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They may or not be directed at me but I still took them personally. </div>
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Some were DEFINITELY directed at me as myself and my fellow friends were called out (not by name but as a group) </div>
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So to the people who like to complain about myself and others not being a good friend to them when they needed us....</div>
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I'm very sorry that my life is so hectic right now that I haven't had time to call or email.</div>
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I am spending every waking hour (and there is wayyyy tooo many waking hours around here lately) trying to just stay afloat mentally. </div>
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I'm sorry that I haven't called or emailed you when you "do for everyone else" and only "want someone to help me out too". </div>
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I feel the same way about you. </div>
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My phone isn't blowing up with calls from you either. </div>
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I'm sorry that I haven't called or emailed when you felt "so alone". </div>
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My husband works 2nd shift, and in case you forgot- I have 5 kids all under 7 years old by myself to get homework, supper, baths, and bedtime done. </div>
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I too often feel alone. </div>
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I'm sorry that I haven't called or emailed when you "really wish I had someone I could count on".</div>
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I live 2 hours + away from any family and long term close friends that would gladly help out if possible. But life is life and some seasons are harder than others. </div>
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I like to think of friendship as 50/50. But that doesn't mean that at some stages in your friendship you have to sometimes give 80 and only get 20. When the seasons change in your friends life they are going to be able to give a little more... and when you need them and they can... they will gladly give 80 while only getting 20 in return. </div>
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I have spent many many nights crying because I too felt very alone. But never have I criticized my friends for me feeling quiet overwhelmed and alone on that day. </div>
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Maybe I'm too prideful.</div>
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I almost never ask for help. </div>
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(even when I really need it) </div>
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I rarely admit if I'm overwhelmed. </div>
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And I try so very hard to never make any of my friends feel like they aren't doing a spectacular job. </div>
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You know why?</div>
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Because they are human. </div>
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And they have busy lives too.</div>
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And in my busy, crazy, hectic season of life I haven't called them either and I really have no idea if this is their busy, crazy, hectic season too. </div>
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So I ask you this- before you judge me or anyone else regarding being a horrible friend to you remember that each one of us are living busy lives and juggling our family and friends is hard. We beat ourselves up enough without your hurtful post rubbing it in our face that we really cant do it all and keep everyone happy. </div>
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Take A Deep Breath and Count to a Millionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11853903027700268829noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767803439220795481.post-13591326626887928982014-02-17T20:38:00.002-08:002014-02-17T20:38:48.354-08:00She's here! And she's mine! <div style="text-align: center;">
I remember the first time they laid each of my boys in my arms. </div>
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I instantly fell in love all over again. </div>
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From hearing their heartbeats on the ultrasound to smelling their first breath. </div>
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That moment of them looking at me, looking at them will go down as some of the best moments I could ever have. </div>
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And that held true with our sweet precious baby girl who was born completely unlike I had imagined. </div>
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Unlike her brothers, she came incredibly fast. </div>
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So fast in fact that our doctor and nurses missed the whole thing. </div>
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Only Josh and I experienced that first moment of seeing our daughter. </div>
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And it was perfect. </div>
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Anniston Lane was born Feb 5, 2014 at 10:07pm, only 7 minutes after being wheeled into our laboring room. </div>
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She weighed 6lbs 10oz and was 18 3/4" long. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl9KoXPpUtmRF9v-QKT4MYeXgTPJ9VIkxQ3aBXFS89aINE_pmoyLRixfZ0G5gRDpsnypWZlxSxpsHIk8XKEDGu7O51o2_eUUx3DWrQXelWOxkpeAKoGSXOYaJyfpcRRW_KmNpCE1CvjUo/s1600/IMG_4099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl9KoXPpUtmRF9v-QKT4MYeXgTPJ9VIkxQ3aBXFS89aINE_pmoyLRixfZ0G5gRDpsnypWZlxSxpsHIk8XKEDGu7O51o2_eUUx3DWrQXelWOxkpeAKoGSXOYaJyfpcRRW_KmNpCE1CvjUo/s1600/IMG_4099.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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I wish I could accurately explain how it felt to see her, hold her, kiss her, and love on her for the first time. </div>
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After our 4 sons and 2 miscarriages, I didn't think the time would ever come that I would look into my daughters eyes and whisper "I love you my sweet baby girl". </div>
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I don't love my boys any less, or any more. But I can say that holding something that you never thought you would hold is an amazing feeling. Something I can't put into words. </div>
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Sweet Anniston is perfect. She is such a great baby. </div>
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She rarely cries. </div>
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She is a nursing champ! </div>
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She is content in almost everything she does. (Yes, I realize she is only 12 days old) </div>
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She loves her daddy already. (and has him wrapped around her little pinky) </div>
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Her happy hour is from 3am-6am. Every. Single. Night. </div>
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She hates having her socks off. </div>
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Unless you are massaging her feet. </div>
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She hates wearing a hat. </div>
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But doesn't mind bows so I'm okay with that. </div>
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She expects her poopy diapers to be changed as soon as the poops hits her diaper. </div>
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I hate the color purple but she looks adorable in it, so it's growing on me. </div>
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She has 4 brothers who already choose her over pretty much anything. </div>
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And that includes video games which is a big deal when you are a kid. </div>
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She has the biggest feet I've ever seen on a baby. </div>
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I feel so blessed that I get to experience being a mother to a precious baby girl. </div>
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I feel blessed that Josh gets to experience raising a little girl. </div>
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I feel blessed that Josh and I have been able to give our boys brothers and now a sister to grow up with.</div>
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I feel like our entire family has been blessed with the addition of Anniston. </div>
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Everything about her being here just feels perfect. </div>
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And I'll leave my readers with some pictures... </div>
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(And if you are on my facebook or instagram you've seen all of these but if not, enjoy) </div>
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Take A Deep Breath and Count to a Millionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11853903027700268829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767803439220795481.post-87125854156612421592014-02-03T04:50:00.000-08:002014-02-03T04:50:24.052-08:00Operation Practice Patience<div style="text-align: center;">
Okay... maybe I'm not patiently waiting but impatiently waiting. </div>
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I don't know this little girl yet but I know a few things about her already.</div>
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I know she is going to be a night owl. </div>
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I know she is going to be very awake and active between 8-10pm.</div>
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I know she doesn't like mama to eat meat. </div>
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I know she's stubborn.</div>
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As my due date approaches I am left with a lot of emotions. </div>
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I have always gone on my own with my boys between 36-38 weeks. </div>
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Always. </div>
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I'm not used to being over 38 weeks and still not holding my sweet babies.</div>
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Yet here I sit. Waiting. </div>
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If you know me you will know I am a very detailed person. I plan everything out. I have sticky notes and schedules. That is how my family runs. </div>
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And as much as I want to "schedule" her arrival, she has other plans. </div>
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I can put on the calendar the most perfect date for her to come and have that day pass by without a single contraction. (Trust me, I tried) </div>
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So instead of "operation get baby out" I'm changing my plan to "operation practice patience". </div>
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Because as much as I want her to come yesterday God has her birthday picked out and it's more perfect of a day than any I have marked on my calendar. </div>
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She didn't come on groundhogs day. </div>
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She didn't get to watch the superbowl.</div>
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She may not come it today, or tomorrow... </div>
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But truth be told..</div>
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She'll be here for her daddy's birthday.</div>
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She'll be here for her cousins birthday party. </div>
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She'll be here for Easter.</div>
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She'll be here for her brothers birthdays.</div>
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She'll be here soon enough. </div>
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And I am going to enjoy this sweet baby bump because in a very short while I wont have it anymore. I will rejoice in every movement she makes because this may very well be the last few days or weeks I am able to experience what it feels like to have a child kick my ribs and keep the hiccups from the inside. It will be the last little bit I experience of being a mother to all boys. </div>
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So many things are about to change in my life and for the past 2 weeks all I have dreamt about is all THOSE blessings instead of the blessings that are right in front of me. </div>
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So today I will get off the treadmill and play a game of UNO with my 4 year old. </div>
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I will spend more time in the play kitchen with my 21 month old instead of on the birthing ball.</div>
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And I will catch any snuggle I can with my husband and just enjoy being with him for this short little bit. </div>
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Take A Deep Breath and Count to a Millionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11853903027700268829noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767803439220795481.post-3139931459532783802013-11-30T19:54:00.000-08:002013-11-30T19:54:15.313-08:00Why I'm not enjoying being a mom<div style="text-align: center;">
Lets all be real with each other. </div>
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From one mother to another... </div>
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So we can accept the reality of motherhood. </div>
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Sometimes it's not enjoyable. </div>
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Sometimes we don't really like our children. </div>
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Sometimes we sit on the couch in tears and wonder why in the world we did this to ourselves. </div>
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That will never mean we don't love our children more than our own life. </div>
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That will never mean we regret having each child. </div>
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That will never mean we would change things for a second. </div>
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But what it does mean is that motherhood is hard... </div>
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And other mama's will make you feel guilty for uttering the words "I'm not enjoying being a mother right now!" </div>
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Every mother hits a moment in their journey of motherhood where this reality hits them between the eyes. </div>
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These moments may be hard to see for some or more obvious for others... The reality of your life comes crashing down like a ton of bricks and it's hard to swallow. </div>
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What exactly happened to my life? </div>
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Maybe your moment is...</div>
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When you jump in the shower for the soul purpose of shaving your arm pits or legs and 20 minutes after the shower you realize you forgot to do just that. </div>
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When you press start on the washing machine with the same clothes insides for the 4th time..</div>
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When your friends stop calling because carrying on a conversation with you is like carrying on a conversation with someone with turrets. </div>
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When you have sat in pee on the toilet seat so many times that you have reached the place of just being thankful the seat was down and urine is sterile. </div>
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Or perhaps it's those moments were life has been so hectic that after the kids finally fall asleep you sit in the quietness and the true force of your exhaustion overtakes you and you fall onto your knees and just cry. </div>
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My life the past month has been hectic and adjusting has been hard. </div>
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Josh got a new job... a better job... but different hours than we are used to. </div>
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I feel overwhelmed being out of my schedule and nothing is really getting accomplished. </div>
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Surviving the day is my only concern. </div>
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Kids have been sick... </div>
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Floors are dirty....</div>
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Laundry is behind...</div>
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The fridge is empty... not because I can't afford to buy food but because finding the time to actually go spend 2+ hours getting everything we need for a week or so is just not there. </div>
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My kids have cabin fever...</div>
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I have cabin fever...</div>
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I'm a hormonal pregnant mama who has double the estrogen running through my veins making me want to cry at the tinniest thing...</div>
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I'm 2 hours away from family and friends that would I'm sure gladly watch the kids while I bathed or did my shopping.</div>
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Speaking of shopping... I have yet to even go to the bank to get our Christmas fund out to start Christmas shopping. </div>
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And with all thats going on I realized that I have begun to sink deeply into the world and forgotten why I once felt so blessed.<br />
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And today... in utter exhaustion and defeat I realized why I am not enjoying being a mom.<br />
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My soul purpose has been <b>surviving</b> instead of <b><i>living</i></b>.<br />
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I've been so busy trying to adjust to change that I changed things that needed not to be adjusted...<br />
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Like my prayer time...<br />
my quietness with God..<br />
The ONE place I find peace- I find joy- I find the love for HIS blessings..<br />
The blessings I haven't been enjoying lately..<br />
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Here he has blessed our home with children, and a new job for a hard working and deserving husband and I have deserted him and scorned him for the chaos these blessings were causing..<br />
So I begged for His forgiveness for leaving Him when he wanted me the most...<br />
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And something magical happened..<br />
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I started enjoying my children again today.<br />
I apologized to them for being a bit of a rotten apple lately...<br />
and promised to try harder to be gentle with my words, my voice, and my patience.<br />
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And then something magical happened again...<br />
The wild, frustrating, attitude filled little boys who have roamed my home the past few days begun to slowly mold into the calmer, sweeter, and gentler person their mama was becoming.<br />
And our afternoon was quiet... and peaceful... and fun.<br />
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And for the first time in a good week.. .<br />
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I am enjoying being a mom.<br />
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Take A Deep Breath and Count to a Millionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11853903027700268829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767803439220795481.post-77622346139994627322013-11-19T10:30:00.002-08:002013-11-19T10:30:31.619-08:00What I meant to say was...
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When a friend of mine whom I went to high school with lost
her little girl at 6 months old my entire heart broke for her. And to be
honest, it still does. I started researching blogs and advice columns so I knew
what would help her and what would make things harder. Most said the same
things over and over and I tried so hard to avoid those things, but I know that
nothing I said or didn’t say made it easier for her to carry that feeling of
being alone in this new world without her daughter. </div>
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So for the parent’s who have lost a baby- I am writing this to
you. </div>
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They say not to say “I can’t imagine”</div>
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It’s so hard not to say that sentence because truth is; I
can’t imagine. I can’t imagine the pain you are feeling, the aloneness you
struggle with everyday. I can’t imagine what it’s like to have your heart feel
like it’s being ripped out of your chest each morning you wake up and walk past
the room that once held your sleeping child. I can’t imagine the pain of
watching everyone around you accepting a new normal when you simply can’t do
the same. I can’t imagine the feeling of guilt. I can’t imagine the different
emotions you are experiencing day in and day out.. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
But what I want you to know is that what I really mean when
I say “I can’t imagine” is that I’m sorry you can. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
They say not to say “God needed another angel” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Our human minds and hearts simply cannot process a child
being taken from his/her family. I once read a quote that said “It’s easy for
you to say God needed another angel when he didn’t take yours.” That put into
perspective what a mother whose arms are empty must feel when she hears “God
needed another angel”. I know I’ve said this before. Not to a mother who has
held a child they had to let go but to mothers who have miscarried and looking
back I want to call and email each one and apologize for how insensitive my
words must have sounded. But what I want you to know is that what we really
mean when we say “God needed another angel” is “I’m sorry”. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
They say not to say “It’s God’s Will” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
As a Christian, I get what people mean when they say this…
But even though I’ve never experienced an infant loss I can see where it would
be very frustrating to hear. We have an all loving God we serve and to have
someone tell you that this all loving God would want to cause the most
incredible pain that a mother could ever endure sounds quite ridiculous. But
what I want you to know is that what we really mean when we say “It’s God’s
Will” is “I’m Sorry”. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
These are just a few of the major ones I’ve read. There are
plenty more if you want to research it… but the reason for this blog is more to
say that there are so many times I want to call, email, or come by but I simply
don’t know what to say. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So when
and if I say something that I shouldn’t please remember… What I really want to
say to each of you parents who have had to carry the pain of burying a son or
daughter is that I’m sorry. I’m sorry I can’t help ease the pain. I’m sorry you
are hurting. I am sorry that I pray daily that I never can imagine what you are
going through. I’m sorry that I don’t have the right words. I’m sorry that I
forget milestones. I'm sorry that you miss someone in a way that I never have. I'm sorry it happened. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I’m just so so so sorry. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Take A Deep Breath and Count to a Millionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11853903027700268829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3767803439220795481.post-80621966800834390932013-10-15T18:48:00.003-07:002013-10-15T18:48:37.633-07:00Infant Loss Remembrance Day Sucks...
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
As I lit my candle tonight remembering my babies that never
made it to my arms, and friends babies that never made it to their arms, and
other friends who held onto their babies- some for a few minutes, some for a
few hours, and some for a few months before they were taken, I can’t help but
think about how many woman tonight have a hole that is caused from a loss of a
child. Only two words come to mind when I have these thoughts…. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
IT SUCKS. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
It sucks that our bodies did what they were designed to do
and conceived a child only to lose them before we ever got to meet them. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
It sucks that a child that we nursed, bathed, changed, and
showered with love were ripped from hands of their parents who weren’t ready to
let them go. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
It sucks that after 8 or 9 months of carrying a child they
are born already an angel.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
It sucks to know that so many people carry around guilt and
anger towards something that they can’t physically understand. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
It sucks to have your body ache to hold onto your babies and
nothing can replace that desire. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
It sucks to bring more children into the world after a loss
and feel a tug of guilt that the feeling of a precious newborn has brought you
joy again. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
It sucks that people who haven’t experienced a loss can’t
physically understand the pain you are going through, no matter how hard they
may try. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
It sucks that so many pregnancy loss, still born, and SIDS
boards are out there…meaning that many other people are feeling the exact pain
you are feeling. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
It sucks to know that there is nothing… I mean nothing that
will ever fill that void. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
It sucks that every single day something reminds us that our
babies aren’t here. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>It sucks that there is a day that is set aside to remember
the millions of millions of babies not here… </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It. Just. Sucks. </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I could easily let anger get the best of me after my 2
recent miscarriages. I could be angry at God for giving me babies only for them
to be called home too soon. I can see how people could stay angry for a long
time. With every day that passes after a loss the pain doesn’t disappear… but
instead you just learn to live with the pain. The void however I’m not sure
ever goes away. I can only speak from the perspective of a miscarriage and I
don’t want anyone reading who has experienced a infant loss to be mistaken; I
know the pain I am feeling after loosing 2 babies in the first trimester can’t
even compare to the pain of loosing a child you have carried 9 months,
delivered, and lost. But this blog entry isn’t about who is mourning more… it’s
about mourning together. It’s about being there for the friend who has experienced
any loss… It’s about praying for those parents that buried their babies. It’s
about crying for those crying. It’s about being broken hearted for those people
who are broken hearted… not because you understand every single ounce of pain
they are feeling… but because you know with every loss, it sucks- and each day
these mothers will experience a different emotion that they just don’t
understand… </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Today as I write this blog watching my candle flicker in
dark I am remembering so many babies that aren’t here today. I am praying for
you and I am mourning with you. </div>
<!--EndFragment-->Take A Deep Breath and Count to a Millionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11853903027700268829noreply@blogger.com0