tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12783640261924578352024-02-18T23:26:26.135-06:00Kate WritesKatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04844603758365809243noreply@blogger.comBlogger113125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1278364026192457835.post-22959580611419769702014-03-10T22:16:00.002-05:002014-03-13T10:16:47.354-05:00ten on ten: March <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">finding much life and beauty among the ordinary things of our day</span></div>
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Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04844603758365809243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1278364026192457835.post-74147323010543941562014-01-22T22:24:00.001-06:002014-01-23T08:44:49.780-06:00daily bread <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I like listening to jazz or r&b when I cook. I've had food on my mind this month. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It was a regular weeknight, when we didn't send the kids to bed at their usual bedtime, instead we waited together for a pan of blueberry crisp to come out of the oven. Then at 10 pm I lined up 5 plates, dished up the warm goodness, and scooped vanilla bean ice cream on top. As we sat around the table, all unanimously voting we liked the crisp, it hit me- this is a happy moment. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was so happy and it was more meaningful because this winter has also had its low moments. That hit me too. When we went to the movie Frozen, as a family, and I cried so hard I left with a headache. Mostly because I was trying to stop myself from being the slobbering mess I was. Wow, I guess I needed a good cry. Sheesh. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Someone I love told me, sometimes it doesn't matter how we feel we just need to do what we know we should. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I will cook. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In neediness, I want to make soup. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Soup and more soup. I made chicken chili until I thought I better lay off the recipe or we'd be chicken chili'd out for good. Pumpkin soup, minestrone, lentil soup. Soup because it's winter and we're cold. Soup because I'm sad and soup is comforting. Soup because it's healthy and nourishes us. I want to feed and nurture. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This month, I felt God whispering to my heart the reminder that I need daily bread. He'll give it to me on a day-by-day basis and I need to come back again tomorrow. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I'm thankful for tomorrows, for daily bread, the opportunity to cook and invite people to come to my table. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm hungry. Tomorrow's dinner menu is chicken curry. </span><br />
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Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04844603758365809243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1278364026192457835.post-37986881778481350612013-12-16T11:56:00.000-06:002013-12-16T11:56:57.732-06:00Let Me See Redemption Win <em><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">"I'm tired I'm worn<br /> My heart is heavy<br /> From the work it takes to keep on breathing<br /> I've made mistakes<br /> I've let my hope fail<br /> My soul feels crushed by the weight of this world<br /><br /> And I know that you can give me rest<br /> So I cry out with all that I have left<br /> </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Let me see redemption win<br /> Let me know the struggle ends<br /> That you can mend a heart that's frail and torn<br /> I want to know a song can rise from ashes of a broken life<br /> And all that's dead inside can be reborn<br /> Cause I'm worn<br /><br /> I know I need to lift my eyes up<br /> But I'm too weak<br /> Life just won't let up<br /><br /> And I know that you can give me rest<br /> So I cry out with all that I have left<br /> <br /> My prayers are wearing thin<br /> Ya I'm worn<br /> Even before the day begins<br /> Ya I'm worn<br /> I've lost my will to fight<br /> I'm worn<br /> So heaven come and flood my eyes<br /><br /> Let me see redemption wins<br /> Let me know the struggle ends<br /> That you can mend a heart that's frail and torn<br /> I want to know a song can rise from the ashes of a broken life<br /> And all that's dead inside can be reborn<br /> Yes, all that's dead inside will be reborn<br /> Though I'm worn<br /> Ya I'm worn</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">[Worn- Tenth Avenue North]</span></em><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04844603758365809243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1278364026192457835.post-50559373212399535532013-10-19T13:06:00.001-05:002013-10-19T13:07:41.619-05:00growing apples <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm thinking of change and what motivates us. I have been talking to our 10 year old daughter about friendship and manners. When people talk to her or ask her a question, she should answer them. Be friendly and engage in conversation. It's like throwing a ball, I'll say. She says something to them- that's throwing the ball. They respond- that's them throwing the ball back. And on it goes in a conversation. She'll do what I ask, usually, when I am watching her. But the other day I asked, do you "throw the ball" when I'm not around? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here's the thing, and maybe it's harder for me than for you. I'm of the personality type that looks for results. I tend to focus on the outside. When I think of needing to change myself, my tendency is to start with what I can do. I make the list. Set a goal. Do things that will help me. A new habit. New effort. New challenge. And all of that can be good and helpful. But it can really fall flat. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What if it's not about me and my efforts? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You see, my daughter can do what I've asked because I've pounded into her the demand she should do x,y,z. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But how much better when I see it's her desire to be a friendly, kind girl and smile and talk with others? When genuine love for others is motivating her. I read a great illustration (from <a href="http://www.joshharris.com/2011/09/homeschool_blindspots.php" target="_blank">here</a>) this week and I keep thinking of it...</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Fruit is born from the inside -- not applied to the outside.</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Imagine that the fruit you desired was the edible variety, so you went out into your yard and planted an apple tree. Just suppose that one day, while you were waiting for the apples to begin growing on your tree, you caught a glimpse of a neighbor's apple tree. You noticed in admiration that its branches were laden with big, luscious apples. What would you do? Would you run to the produce market to buy some apples, then go home, and in the dead of night, tie them onto your tree? If you did, the sight of your tree might really impress your neighbors. But that is not what you would do. You would likely go to the neighbor and ask how he cared for and fertilized his tree to produce such fruit. It is the same with our children - luscious fruit will be born from what we put into them - not from what we tie onto them. As a matter of fact, in no time, the fruit that we put onto our children will rot and fall off."</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There's a better way than tying fruit onto myself or my children. I want to grow real fruit and that's only going to happen if I'm connected to Christ. I need His work in me. I'm opening myself to Him and asking Him to change me from the inside instead of getting tripped up by the temptation to focus on the outward form. Christ resides in me and will infuse life in me. That's when good, sweet fruit will come. </span><br />
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<br />Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04844603758365809243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1278364026192457835.post-14963493513530839832013-09-28T14:20:00.000-05:002013-09-28T14:20:17.508-05:00No Filter <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I was reading today a "who am I" sort of bio that someone had written on a social media site. I run across them often. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The interesting part to me is how we pick and choose what we want people to know about us. We filter the information. We summarize ourselves in a paragraph. Lots of things don't make the cut. Omit that. Leave out this. Don't want people to know this. Do want them to know this. Definitely that. That's such a great thing about me. Filtering. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Not that there's anything wrong with this. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">If we're going to write a bio it's just a snippet of our life. A glimpse. What is interesting to me is the glimpse we let people see. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I suppose most people only see a glimpse of me. And they come to their conclusions. Maybe correct. Maybe incorrect. </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Someone told me recently that my husband has a certain quality and I thought, really?! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Perceptions. Realities. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The presentation of ourselves. Maybe inflated. Maybe minimized. Maybe creative license added. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I'm a late joiner to Instagram and I like the "no filter" pictures. No enhancement just pictures in their raw form. I like taking pictures of beautiful things. Days pass fast and taking photos is a good way for me to slow down and see the beauty around me in my everyday life. It's everywhere and if we're looking for it, we'll see it. It's good for my perspective. It's good to look for the good. </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">But the un-photographed messes are there. I guess I just don't want a folder of documented ugliness to look back on. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Just like all the things people edit out of their bios and facts about me sections. This is what I will show you. Tell you. This is the image I am presenting. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">We celebrate the good things. Crop out the bad. But who do we share our un-edited version of our real life with? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Are we sharing? Who do we tell the unspoken things? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">This is where life become lovely. Sharing life, all the pretty and not so pretty parts of us. The real story. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I'm so glad to be living the unedited version of my life. My husband is there for the picture moments I delete. He knows the things about me that will never make it into a public bio. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">And, here's the great part, he loves me anyways. Not a perfect, fantasy woman but imperfect me. Me. </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">With no filter. In my very unflattering moments. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">This is where it's at. Real life relationships. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04844603758365809243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1278364026192457835.post-76732419016902918552013-07-24T13:36:00.000-05:002013-07-24T13:36:28.590-05:00Check-in: Clothing Fast <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">If you are curious about my year long <a href="http://katewriteshere.blogspot.com/2012/09/clothing-fast.html" target="_blank">fast</a> from buying new clothes, it's almost over! [The finish line is my birthday- August 14.] </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Though my husband said the other day that I'm not really on a fast anymore. You might not know it but I'm still on it. I haven't done so well since my last update [Valentine's Day]. During the first<a href="http://katewriteshere.blogspot.com/2013/02/6-months-in-confession.html" target="_blank"> 6 months </a>I did well and only bought 2 items. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Since February, I've bought the following:</span><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">cardigan</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">cream sweater</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">gray/black casual top </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">jean capris</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">polka dot dress top</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">dress </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">black maxi skirt</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">gray t-shirt</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">white t-shirt</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">tank top</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">tank top</span></li>
</ol>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">If I can make it three more weeks without buying anything I will have bought <b>13 new clothing items in a year</b>. If full disclosure is helpful, I bought a swimsuit too. The 4th of July weekend we were in the Wisconsin Dells and I nearly had a wardrobe malfunction. True story. If you've got a suit that is becoming more sheer and losing a bit of elasticity, take it from me, it's time to get a new one. </span>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04844603758365809243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1278364026192457835.post-89817703092039077782013-07-10T23:11:00.000-05:002013-07-10T23:11:43.069-05:00ten on ten: July <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">finding much life and beauty among the ordinary things of our day </b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Linking up with </b></div>
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Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04844603758365809243noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1278364026192457835.post-87696286401379715762013-07-08T19:44:00.001-05:002013-07-08T19:44:05.626-05:00spinning ballerina <div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Make Me your focal point as you move through this day. Just as a spinning ballerina must keep returning her eyes to a given point to maintain her balance, so you must keep returning your focus to Me. Circumstances are in flux, and the world seems to be whirling around you. The only way to keep your balance is to <b><i>fix your eyes on Me</i></b>, the One who never changes. If you gaze too long at your circumstances, you will become dizzy and confused. Look to Me, refreshing yourself in My Presence, and your steps will be steady and sure." [from <i>Jesus Calling</i>]</span></div>
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Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04844603758365809243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1278364026192457835.post-1856840569225090492013-06-24T23:38:00.004-05:002013-06-24T23:48:13.714-05:00the young couple in the Jeep<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sitting at the stoplight, I looked out my window and saw a black Jeep Cherokee pull up alongside us. A Jeep just like we had over a decade ago...with a [very] young couple riding in it. That WAS us. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here we are now with 3 kiddos in the back seat and we're not 20 anymore. Was this what I pictured 15 years ago? Something like this. Maybe I thought I'd have things figured out by now. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last week we celebrated 15 years of marriage. Just beginning, really, compared to some friends of ours who share the same anniversary and were celebrating 43 years. They are in the pro-category. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is what I know...I don't really know much. This marriage gig has proved to be one of the most difficult endeavors we've signed up for. If it wasn't for God's GRACE I don't even know if we'd still be together. Two imperfect people...who mess things up, love imperfectly and act in selfish ways.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There have been some battles to fight. I'm so glad we fought. There have been unhappy days. I'm glad we hung in there. And there have been joys, wonderful adventures, and blue sky days...I'm delighted to have shared with my guy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We celebrate what God has done. In spite of our shortcomings...He has been so good to us. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He's making something beautiful. I'm so happy to be a part of it. Tonight, I'm thankful to fall asleep by my best friend and husband. </span></div>
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Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04844603758365809243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1278364026192457835.post-56684169496275216462013-06-17T22:56:00.002-05:002013-06-17T22:56:16.725-05:00the [unforgettable] birthday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWUxnirCokbm2YcsSoiDAWD0VvdUHZ3yy2hSjZ0aQ221rb2EflD8ZxfSnBuciISWQuswDnDJm9EjHV8dMSALbDSgX0y9MgInQbrU9esUEQGBbPgJoWsdOsDhGMVWj40ZCUVPKEKK7rFA-p/s1600/DSC_0067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWUxnirCokbm2YcsSoiDAWD0VvdUHZ3yy2hSjZ0aQ221rb2EflD8ZxfSnBuciISWQuswDnDJm9EjHV8dMSALbDSgX0y9MgInQbrU9esUEQGBbPgJoWsdOsDhGMVWj40ZCUVPKEKK7rFA-p/s640/DSC_0067.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Woot. Woot. We've got a 3 year old in the house. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love this girl. In typical fashion she is full of sweet, sass, and surprises. She loves to talk! Often in and out of reality and her imaginary world. She came to the dinner table the other night with her shirt pulled up over her hair because she was "<i>Princess Celestia</i>". For her birthday she said she wanted her friend "Sally" to come over and I was like, "<i>Who's SALLY</i>?" The mayor of Whoville's wife, of course, one of Horton's peeps. Oh my, girl. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We had a mini-party in the screen room in the afternoon. Just the five of us. A day Addie will soon forget but I don't think the rest of us will forget her 3rd birthday... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Later, at a friends' house for a Father's Day BBQ, Addie decided to climb up on a 2-wheel bike and ride it. She'd never been on one before. Quickly, she fell off and nearly bit through her tongue. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A call to the doctor, who said we didn't need to bring her to the ER but that the tongue heals itself amazingly well and fast. Next, stop for popsicles and tylenol right before the long night, with this thought running through my mind...I'm so sorry, birthday girl. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today Addie had her 3-year well checkup with her pediatrician. She loves him so she pulled out all the extra sweetness and sang to him unprompted, hugged him and patted him on the back. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She is also growing! I've gotten so used to who she is now and sometimes I forget she is the same girl who [at 1yr old] was below the 5th percentile on growth charts and now [at 3yr old] is in the 70-80th percentile. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He used words to describe her like...verbal. active. daring. strong. He also commented how much her personality has changed from quiet to way out of her shell. She is wa-a-a-a-a-y out. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04844603758365809243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1278364026192457835.post-51019987774037342172013-06-10T19:16:00.002-05:002013-06-11T09:41:05.914-05:00ten on ten: June<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Finding much life and beauty among the ordinary things of our day </b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Linking up with </span></div>
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Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04844603758365809243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1278364026192457835.post-9765389215080089012013-05-28T21:24:00.003-05:002013-05-28T21:25:44.276-05:00we are here. we are here. we are here.<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Addie loves the movie <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Horton-Hears-Who-Single-Disc-Carrey/dp/B001DPHDCY/ref=sr_1_1?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1369774371&sr=1-1&keywords=horton+hears+a+who" target="_blank">"Horton Hears a Who"</a></b> and lately likes to bang two metal measuring cups together and yell..."<i>we are here, we are here, we are here"</i>! She also likes to carry around a dandelion and call it her "speck". </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">She's a little obsessive but she's not the only one in the family with that trait. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I haven't posted for a while but we are here. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The kids finish school in the next week. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Expectations are high for our best summer ever together. There is already talk about how we will spend the 90 days of summer vacation [if you've got ideas, please drop a comment]. One thing I can see is a steady stream of iced coffee to keep up with my three road runners. They say kids have endless amounts of energy and I tend to agree. But last night, for the first time EVER, our almost 3 yr. old, on her own, told us...<i>"I'm going to bed now, goodnight"</i> and then went and climbed in her bed and went to sleep. Very strange & shocking behavior...special thanks to the great outdoors. </span><br />
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Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04844603758365809243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1278364026192457835.post-62768695447793219172013-04-10T20:29:00.001-05:002013-04-10T20:32:32.600-05:00ten on ten: April <div style="text-align: left;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><b> Finding much life and beauty among the ordinary things of our day </b></span></div>
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Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04844603758365809243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1278364026192457835.post-10200705389943176482013-04-07T22:26:00.004-05:002013-04-07T22:26:52.430-05:00State of the Fro<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was stopped by a black woman this week as I was shopping with Addie. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She begins with "<i>I see you have a mixed-race daughter..</i>." and then proceeds to tell me about where I can find some great hair products and how to care for her hair. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I appreciated the tips but wondered if Addie's hair looks in need of help.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Here is the current state of her fro...</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">[</span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">By the way, people sometimes assume that I am Addie's biological mom and her bio dad is black. Addie is not bi-racial. Addie is African. 100%.]</i>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04844603758365809243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1278364026192457835.post-80190232857949703662013-04-04T17:28:00.000-05:002013-04-04T23:04:39.303-05:00I am Kristina<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My husband and I were watching the show "<b>Parenthood</b>" and afterwards he told me the character Kristina reminds him of me. Then I'm on the phone talking to my sister and she says the very same thing. She actually said something more like this...<i><b>"Kate, does someone on the show remind you of yourself?!" </b></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The next episode I watch, I have this strange seeing-in-the-mirror experience. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm ok with the comparison in some ways. Kristina is portrayed as strong and stable. She loves her husband and kids deeply. But she is high strung, intense, over-the-top nurturing and worrying and she just won't relent. It can be a bit much. It's a little painful to watch the smothering mothering. Kristina, you need to relax, honey. Let it go. </span><br />
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<a href="http://watching-tv.ew.com/2012/11/13/parenthood-season-4-episode-7-cancer/" target="_blank">via </a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It comes at a good time...I've been on a quest on how to continue to break free from my perfectionist qualities. Especially as I think of the mother I am to my two daughters.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There are some compulsions in me I don't understand and some anxieties that aren't logical. <b> I have an achieving tendency with this internal question of whether or not whatever I did was good enough.</b> <i>Was it? Are you sure? Really?</i> Then the cycle of over-thinking and s<b>econd guessing</b>...which is mostly exhausting but can sometimes paralyze me from any action. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This week I stumbled upon these words from a research professor...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><b>"Perfectionism is fear. A shield to protect us from being hurt but it protects us from being seen. A fear of not measuring up...we are trying to be beyond judgement." </b></i> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In response, I've been thinking about vulnerability and authenticity and what they mean. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Last night I was thinking about real life. <b>The beauty that comes when we allow people to see us</b>. The real us. It's a struggle for me but it's part of my progress to share real life with real people. To tell my true story. To share my real life. <b>Not the pretty, edited version. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was thinking these thoughts as I walked through our house at 9 pm last night. Our son had tracked mud from the front door, down the hall and into his room. My husband was steaming it out of the carpet as I walked into the bathroom and found globs of toothpaste in the sink and soap splatters up the mirror. How is it even possible to get that much soap on the mirror? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Joy...even when life is messy and not photogenic. <i>After taking out the Honda's side view mirror backing into the recycling bin, cleaning up after Addie decided to take off her dirty diaper, flat tire, dead vehicle, strep throat, sleep deprived nights, accidents, I'm sorry's, stress, tired bodies. </i> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">These are parts of the real story we're living and it is teaching me. <b>I'm making progress.</b> I've come a long way since the newly married bride who would not go to bed at night with dirty dishes in the sink. That young bride would be mortified at the current state of things. <b>Good thing she's not around anymore. I'm much happier without her. </b></span><br />
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<br />Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04844603758365809243noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1278364026192457835.post-47233744145527631482013-03-27T22:21:00.001-05:002013-03-27T22:52:15.529-05:00Sandals waiting<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I look out our living room window I see banks of snow.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I look out our back windows I see a yard full of snow. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But if I go outside and look closer I can see tulips and daffodils popping up through the snow.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was thinking about how we see things differently depending on our perspective. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yes, the snow exists. But if I look past all the piles of snow I can see signs of spring. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In my own life, I won't deny there are parts of my life that have been stuck in [perpetual] winter. There are times when winter seems so desperately long [especially when we lived in northern Minnesota]. The hope of spring had a deeper meaning. I felt like a survivor after making it another long, cold winter. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But spring always came. It will always come. Sometimes it doesn't feel true. Still, it is. Similarly, there are things we hold out hope for. And the "winters" are long. The seasons of holding on to hope are long. Maybe days pass, or weeks, sometimes years or even decades. It feels like we can't hang on any longer. Often we feel like banging our head against the wall. We see no sign of spring. We see more snow and forecasts of more snow. We don't think we can shovel anymore. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My kids asked how they could help to bring spring here faster. They asked if it would help if they spread out the snow so it melts faster. I can relate to the feeling. It's as if I want to bring a blow dryer out into my back yard. The absurdity is true but yet the feeling is true. We have had enough. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yet there is nothing we can do to make spring come faster. We wait. It will come. In my life, this has been a season where "spring" is coming into my heart and life. I have seen things come that have been long hoped for. I celebrate the long anticipated new life, the "spring". Winter is letting go...and warmth and growth and life are replacing it. Maybe it's that much sweeter when the wait has been long. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We see the thermometer says 40 degrees. Here in Wisconsin, it appears, it's reason to celebrate. People are outside, dressed with remarkably light clothing, and unusually happy. You would think it was actually warm out today. We know it's true...spring is near. It's just a matter of time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In our family, we are still wearing jackets and boots outside but inside we've got sandals waiting. We're ready. </span><br />
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<b><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">"Hope is the thing with feathers that perches on the soul, </span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">and sings the song without the words and never stops at all."</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">~Emily Dickinson~</span></i></b></div>
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Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04844603758365809243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1278364026192457835.post-50983735149275665782013-03-13T20:18:00.002-05:002013-03-13T20:20:20.570-05:00pass the dramamine<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I've been blogging for over a year. I had a few reasons for starting to blog. First, I love to write. I thought it would be a good outlet for me especially after our move. It was a way for me to reach out beyond my introverted ways and hopefully connect. I hoped it would be a way for me to document our life, encourage me to take pictures, and help me to remember life's moments. I also hoped it would be enjoyable for others to read and that they would find it encouraging rather than full of endless photos of my kids. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Yesterday was a day to document in our lives. The Mr. and I had a date on the calendar five days in advance. This was <b>not an ordinary day</b>. It was time for a conversation to take place. And so it did. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We drove to Milwaukee and had dinner at a restaurant [<b>Swig</b>] in the historical district, the Third Ward. Dinner out is a big deal for us. We've increased our dating average since our move, so progress is good, but as far as a real legitimate dinner date [not including shopping dates, going out with friends or attending church events] I think we're at about 3 times a year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Last night was one of our real dates. You know, a look me in the eyes, eat delish food, and talk and laugh together. It felt good. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We talked about our future. It has been quite a [no one word could describe it] time. A <i>"<b>You've got to be kidding, God</b>" </i>kind of year. It seems He isn't kidding but He does have a great sense of humor. I'm not sure if irony is the right word choice but I think it's close to ironic. The great thing to me is this....I don't know how it is going to work out, yet there is good in the process. We can grow in the waiting. God has good things in store for us whatever the outcome. God is good. Maybe in the growing pains, waiting, and trusting, we see with more clarity how very good He is. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm scared. But I believe God is calling me to faith and courage. I can trust Him. If I had allowed fear to talk me out of previous decisions we never would have had kids, taken new jobs, ministries, or moved, and we definitely wouldn't have adopted our youngest child. I don't know how it's going to turn out. I don't control the outcome. But I'm asked to take the leap of faith. I've said it many times...having children felt like jumping off a cliff to me...jumping into the unknown. Some decisions feel like boarding an airplane. I do not like flying...at all. But I'm glad I've gotten on the airplane...or I would have missed adventures [like Africa]. It's time to board the airplane. [<b>Pass the dramamine</b>].</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So, here I am documenting the latest chapter in our journey. My February 22 devos read: <b>"</b></span><b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Wait. It is not for you to know. All you are told is to wait and see what God does. </i></span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">All of His work is done on His initiative and He takes time to prepare us for it." </i></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">On January 22 I read this verse, <i><b>"That clinches it- help's coming, an answer's on the way, everything's going to work out." </b> </i>[Psalm 20:6, msg] and I wrote </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://katewriteshere.blogspot.com/2013/01/god-is-here.html" target="_blank">this</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I heard this song for the first time yesterday and it was the perfect song for my day. </span><br />
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<b><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Lucida Bright', serif;">You call me out upon the waters</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Bright', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Lucida Bright', serif;">The great unknown where feet may
fail<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Lucida Bright', serif;">And there I find You in the mystery<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Lucida Bright', serif;">In oceans deep<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Lucida Bright', serif;">My faith will stand<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Lucida Bright', serif;">And I will call upon Your name</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Bright', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Lucida Bright', serif;">And keep my eyes above the waves<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Lucida Bright', serif;">When oceans rise<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Lucida Bright', serif;">My soul will rest in Your embrace<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Lucida Bright', serif;">For I am Yours and You are mine<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Lucida Bright', serif;">Your grace abounds in deepest waters</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Bright', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Lucida Bright', serif;">Your sovereign hand<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Lucida Bright', serif;">Will be my guide<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Lucida Bright', serif;">Where feet may fail and fear
surrounds me<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Lucida Bright', serif;">You've never failed and You won't
start now<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Lucida Bright', serif;">So I will call upon Your name</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Bright', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Lucida Bright', serif;">And keep my eyes above the waves<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Lucida Bright', serif;">When oceans rise<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Lucida Bright', serif;">My soul will rest in Your embrace<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Lucida Bright', serif;">For I am Yours and You are mine<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Lucida Bright', serif;">Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Bright', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Lucida Bright', serif;">Let me walk upon the waters<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Lucida Bright', serif;">Wherever You would call me<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Lucida Bright', serif;">Take me deeper than my feet could
ever wander<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Lucida Bright', serif;">And my faith will be made stronger<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Lucida Bright', serif;">In the presence of my Savior<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Lucida Bright', serif;">[x6]<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Lucida Bright', serif;">I will call upon Your Name</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Bright', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Lucida Bright', serif;">Keep my eyes above the waves<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Lucida Bright', serif;">My soul will rest in Your embrace<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Lucida Bright', serif;">I am Yours and You are mine<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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</span></i></span>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04844603758365809243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1278364026192457835.post-15376799403787265702013-03-10T21:49:00.000-05:002013-03-10T21:51:22.916-05:00Ten on Ten: March <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Finding much life and beauty among the ordinary things of our day</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Linking up with <a href="http://rebekahgough.blogspot.com/2013/03/ten-on-ten-march-2013.html" target="_blank">a bit of sunshine </a></span></div>
Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04844603758365809243noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1278364026192457835.post-77715198987032234892013-03-04T17:10:00.005-06:002013-03-04T20:43:48.301-06:00Beauty and the 2%<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Last night, as I was looking for an Easter dress for my daughter, I remembered</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> something I heard last week. You've probably seen Dove's campaign over recent years? They conducted a study- </span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"The real truth about beauty"</b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">- which revealed that 2% of women consider themselves beautiful. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>2 Percent.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For some reason it stuck with me and I've thought of it a few times this week. Now, overall, I like Dove's attempt to help women feel good about themselves and show that beauty can look [different] many ways. I appreciate the natural photographs of real women and older women who are aging gracefully. That being said, I also wondered if the whole question is wrong. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now if I were to fill out an official survey and I had to check the box yes or no if I would consider myself beautiful...I would check no. I am not saying this, in any way, so I receive positive affirmation/comments that I am indeed "beautiful". When I see what is depicted as beautiful in society I find areas of my own looks that don't fit the bill. This is not to say that I don't think I have attractive features, because I think I do. Long story short I wouldn't put myself in the 2%. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For me, I've tried to sort out this topic before. I have physical features that aren't my favorite. People say the darndest things too. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But then I get a grip and think...You know, does it really matter?! If I'm "beautiful" or not. <b>Beautiful, as in meeting the standards set by some classic definition.</b> And even if the unattainable definition of true "beauty" is met...who cares? At the end of my life is anyone going to say...<i><b>Kate made such a difference in my life because she had the best figure? Will my kids say the thing they appreciated most was that I was so pretty? Will people at my funeral say what they loved about me was my stunning good looks? </b></i>God, help us, I hope not! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Our culture is obsessed with [outward] beauty. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">As a mother to two daughters, <b>I hope I teach them that there are far more important questions than "Am I pretty?" </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Maybe surveys should ask questions that matter. Why is the main focus on pretty? </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It's fine to be pretty but the inward qualities of my daughters are far more important. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Are you kind? Are you loving [God & people]? Are you embracing life, learning, and growing? Are you strong? Are you standing up for what's right? Are you living a truthful life? Are you a good friend? Are you a diligent student? </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Do you realize that you are precious, valuable, and a one-of-a kind original?</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Not that there is anything wrong with pretty. I like pretty things and so do both my girls. They love to wear dresses and jewelry. But, as their mom, I do not want to do anything to add to the pressure and the overwhelming message of society on the importance of how they look. I want the message to be...they are loved. They are enough. I love them because they are my daughters. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The people I love are beautiful to me. I see them, I know their story, I see the way they give to others, the joy they bring and they are beautiful. Of course, I'm biased. I don't know if they would be considered "beautiful" on a survey. I don't care. I hope I follow their examples and help to make life more beautiful for them and others.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Then I remember I am a daughter, a valuable, a one-of-a kind original and that leads me to re-think the question, "Am I beautiful?" Yes, I am. </span><br />
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Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04844603758365809243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1278364026192457835.post-76513588318378510582013-02-27T22:32:00.000-06:002013-02-28T09:01:22.403-06:00Painting Kitchen Cabinets<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here's the truth. I wrote this post earlier this afternoon and then tonight we went to someone's house that we'd never been to before....and they have an amazing kitchen. AMAZING. Gorgeous. A newer home with quality materials and beautiful craftmanship. Wow, I was in a bit of shock. Coming home tonight the contrast kind of hit me. I realize my kitchen is modest. But it's a happy place for me where we share life together. And so I will post because I'm documenting real life. Here & now. Ugly, old fridge and all. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I thought I'd post, six months after the fact, that we painted our kitchen cabinets. This happened back in August. It was labor intensive, so much that I stopped tracking our hours, but it was at least a week. Dozens of hours, mostly spent in the garage. It didn't seem like we had that many cabinets but once the doors and drawers were in the garage it seemed an enormous amount. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I love the look of white cabinets and I'm happy with our finished project. Our cabinets were in great shape to begin with. I was inspired by Young House Love's blog and we mostly followed the process they outlined <a href="http://www.younghouselove.com/2012/01/how-to-paint-your-cabinets-aka-hallelujah/" target="_blank">here</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><u>Here's the short version of the steps:</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1. Took off all the cabinet doors and took out the drawers [numbered] and put in garage. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2. Continued inside the house by sanding the cabinet frames/boxes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">3. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Removed all the hardware from the doors and drawer fronts.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">4. Sanded the cabinets </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">doors and drawer fronts [1st pass 60 grit and then 180 grit].</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">5. De-glossed everything. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">6. Primed [Zinsser]. </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Primed everything again. [</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We used a paintbrush for the raised trim on the door fronts and then rolled the rest with a small foam roller.]</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">7. Applied 2 coats of paint. [Behr's Popped Corn, semi-gloss]</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">8. Spray painted all the hinges.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">9. Rehung the cabinet doors. [Wasn't as easy as it sounds.]</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">10. Added new knobs and pulls. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">By this time, we were ready to be done and out of the garage but if I were to do it again, I think, I'd apply a 3rd coat of paint to the door fronts. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Six months in, they still look good and are wearing well but we have a few knicks from abuse like Addie driving her little, metal shopping cart into the doors. While I do tell her to stop, I'm ok with a bit of natural patina. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: ArimoRegular, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 22.74147605895996px;"><b>"A welcoming home is where real life happens. It's where personalities are nurtured, where growth is stimulated, where people feel free not only to be themselves but also to develop their best selves. </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ArimoRegular, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 22.74147605895996px;"><b>That caring, nurturing quality- not the absence of noise or strife- is what makes a home a refuge."</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ArimoRegular, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 22.74147605895996px;"><b>~Emilie Barnes~ </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ArimoRegular, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 22.74147605895996px;"><b>[I saw this quote on this <a href="http://ashleyannphotography.com/blog/2013/02/26/a-home-a-refuge/" target="_blank">blog</a>]</b></span></span></div>
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Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04844603758365809243noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1278364026192457835.post-11872845055339632152013-02-21T21:22:00.005-06:002013-02-21T21:22:53.719-06:00the grossest day of her life <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As she sipped her hot apple drink from Starbucks, I drove around town and talked to my daughter [more] about sex. I think it's a little less intense if I'm not giving her constant eye contact. </span><br />
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If I read her correctly, it's a bit of a shocker. She said it was the "<i>grossest day of her life</i>". Even grosser than the day her toddler sister puked. </span><br />
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She said she's going to need some time to process this. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We ended our talk with a stop at the Salvation Army. She has been asking for a typewriter for weeks with her left over Christmas money. [She is so my daughter]. She couldn't wait to move on and get home to work on her book...</span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>"The Adventures of Piano-man and the Great Monster-man."</b></i><br />
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<br />Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04844603758365809243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1278364026192457835.post-23709331925601577292013-02-20T23:04:00.000-06:002013-02-20T23:23:22.722-06:00Talking to My Daughter about Sex <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I posted last year about my <a href="http://katewriteshere.blogspot.com/2012/02/sex-and-scrabble-game.html" target="_blank">talk</a> with our then 9-yr. old daughter about sex. I continue to bring sexuality up and let it flow in our everyday conversations to show her I don't have a problem talking about it with her. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I want to keep the conversation open and continue to fill in gaps. She's happy </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">about reading together so we have been reading about puberty in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Care-Keeping-American-Girl-Library/dp/1562476661/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1361415135&sr=8-1&keywords=the+body+book+for+girls" target="_blank">The Body Book for Girls</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She is in 4th grade in the public school. This week they have "Human Growth & Development" class. The curriculum begins this year and goes further next year. It's optional for elementary school. We requested Grace to not participate. Mostly because we want the conversation to be open between her and us, as parents, so hopefully conversations with her will continue naturally as she grows older. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If we're not going to have her participate in sex ed in elementary school I feel I have the responsibility to make a plan to educate her. If I never have "the talk" with my kids, they are going to find out. Experts now say "sex [ed] by eight or it's too late". Far better to have her go to the class in elementary school than leave her to find her education on her own. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The other night I asked her if she wanted to talk about sex. And she repeats this line from a movie she likes where the mother is embarrassing her son with her dancing moves....<i>"You're hurting me, mom!" You're hurting me!"</i> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I think she's ready for more details. I've been on a hunt for a good book to help but I've been totally disappointed. I found a few reject books on the subject that either are too vague [the man & woman "fit together"] or silly [pictures of old, naked, cartoon characters in the bathtub together], or written before I was born. Is this all there is to work with? Makes me want to write and illustrate a sex ed book for kids. Plain, straightforward answers that approach the subject like it's interesting and wonderful and has decent illustrations. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let me know if you've got something that would help this mom out. </span><br />
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<br />Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04844603758365809243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1278364026192457835.post-55418099023752574252013-02-16T22:46:00.001-06:002013-02-16T22:51:04.314-06:00Turn me on [Lights]<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How do you say Happy Love [Valentine's] Day to your wife? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I suppose there are many ways. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here at our casa it was dust and traces of pink insulation as my husband decided it was the perfect day to put in recessed lighting in the living room and entry. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No sarcasm in my tone, as a practical person, I appreciate these gifts. I must say there is something attractive about a husband hard at work, fixing things. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Somewhere in the mumbling talk of red wire, black wire, white wire and multiple 3-way switches, he lost me. He also liked to continue to repeat the phrase "in theory". </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The dust has settled, the snags have been ironed out and the living room is now lit. He put the living room lights on a dimmer switch for ambience, so, I'm thinking there's romance there. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We're also still getting along which is never a guarantee with home improvement projects. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was a sweet Valentine's Day. We gave hand crafted love notes to the kiddos and each other. Vanilla cupcakes and milk were shared around the table before bed. Last night we went to a Valentine's dinner at church. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We got 2 out of 10 possible points on the Newlywed Game, coming in last place of all the couples. The only two questions we got right were ones we had a 50/50 chance of getting because the answer was either "him" or "her". My conclusion: we just need to date more. Much more. </span><br />
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Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04844603758365809243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1278364026192457835.post-6780615392637746492013-02-13T23:05:00.003-06:002013-02-13T23:12:10.169-06:006 months in: a confession <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I must confess. I bought a new pair of jeans.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Which is fine except for, you know, I'm on this year long fast from buying new clothes [more <a href="http://katewriteshere.blogspot.com/2012/09/clothing-fast.html" target="_blank">here]</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I made it six months so I'm thinking of a way to justify my purchase. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Maybe it was my celebration purchase of making it half way. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As for the shirt I bought? Oh, yeah, I hadn't mentioned that yet. It was my Valentine's Day gift to myself. I'm feeling the love [for myself]. I was a little nervous after bagging it, as if I would get caught in the act. It's a good thing I don't smoke or I might have been tempted to chain smoke right about then. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm hoping due to the circumstances and the holiday...I get a "get out of jail free" pass. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After falling off the wagon, I contemplated whether I should call off the fast at the 6 month mark but I am going to continue on. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Wish me luck. I always feel like shopping the most in the spring. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This is the outfit. Was it worth breaking the fast over? I don't know but it sure is going to be nice having another pair of jeans in my closet that fit [I have 5 pair less then when my fast <a href="http://katewriteshere.blogspot.com/2012/09/whats-in-my-closet.html" target="_blank">began</a>...which means I don't have many!]. </span><br />
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Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04844603758365809243noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1278364026192457835.post-8556306761295036292013-02-10T22:29:00.000-06:002013-02-10T22:35:40.263-06:00Ten on Ten: February <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Finding much life and beauty </b><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">among the ordinary things of our day</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Today I'm linking up with <a href="http://rebekahgough.blogspot.com/2013/02/ten-on-ten-february-2013_10.html" target="_blank">a bit of sunshine</a>.</span></div>
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Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04844603758365809243noreply@blogger.com4