tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299183082024-03-07T18:47:53.943-06:00Planet of the ApelsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger231125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29918308.post-1741921010718766142014-11-29T14:57:00.002-06:002015-11-25T14:41:41.488-06:00Advent Actvity Mats<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px; text-align: center;">
A few years ago my husband and I created this 16 page digital download to use with our family for Advent. <a href="http://pul.ly/b/88897" style="line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">Purchase them here.</a><span style="line-height: 20.7999992370605px;"> These are great to use with your family or to give as gifts. This is a reposting from last year with updated links below:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOpzYQ10C7-1Zv0agtfh5W5mqgDh3yK-Y_rErlbpCFntcDIfXCaw7K6NP6qGev40bqi1-9XTdJ8Lu3kLqlGtA2yhvDQ-RQf5fxQAns-2smVqlrub09IKPe1SyMCoqhX7FR6TMRYg/s1600/advent-activity-mats-long.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #999999; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOpzYQ10C7-1Zv0agtfh5W5mqgDh3yK-Y_rErlbpCFntcDIfXCaw7K6NP6qGev40bqi1-9XTdJ8Lu3kLqlGtA2yhvDQ-RQf5fxQAns-2smVqlrub09IKPe1SyMCoqhX7FR6TMRYg/s1600/advent-activity-mats-long.jpg" style="border: 0px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); padding: 0px;" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK_90BTabQeI1dAUlOiBUjWfcvl4RMAYo5i4G0k-CV-j1kWk2SyzcL-hT9AQTRM76C7hRXmhKRI8rTRpUik3ST-NA_J3mk8XXeTL4j-qCPBkVSM6svqr38McGgVzvpyj5i7PpJcg/s1600/IMG_6946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #999999; line-height: 20px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK_90BTabQeI1dAUlOiBUjWfcvl4RMAYo5i4G0k-CV-j1kWk2SyzcL-hT9AQTRM76C7hRXmhKRI8rTRpUik3ST-NA_J3mk8XXeTL4j-qCPBkVSM6svqr38McGgVzvpyj5i7PpJcg/s640/IMG_6946.jpg" style="border: 0px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); padding: 0px;" width="640" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Over the years, we've tried various ways to engage our children during this season. Involving toddlers can be challenging. Through trial and much error, we've learned it's best to keep it simple. Having some who are more mature and engaged </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">plus</i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> toddlers that we'd like to involve, presents different challenges.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm7LhSEPFi9tuGfMADcuZpNhnaZdv0PLtPPAkBQiKK0ZoH5U-fpyojeozdkUonXrsUUJq-Qe5N6Pem-Y0jBI5zwR1OrEw9u0lXCyxa6Pi9BbOhM-aFayY_6B2LMnAxjB_r-2XQjg/s1600/IMG_6920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #999999; line-height: 20px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm7LhSEPFi9tuGfMADcuZpNhnaZdv0PLtPPAkBQiKK0ZoH5U-fpyojeozdkUonXrsUUJq-Qe5N6Pem-Y0jBI5zwR1OrEw9u0lXCyxa6Pi9BbOhM-aFayY_6B2LMnAxjB_r-2XQjg/s640/IMG_6920.jpg" style="border: 0px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); padding: 0px;" width="640" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">We created something that is working quite well for us. When we set out to create these, originally, we were just going to make play-dough mats. I mean, no matter your age, who doesn't love to fiddle with play-dough? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQWgrq5OcmUNSd7Uv8lu1i-Eu5Nwi7x8Vk7IxZUPDQ8Oe3aqCSKNGwueFI9orZnKEZOdvMXAxnVWv_JK6q2esr0CeZgl7MmoBGkEoAi_EL0Ca-TNlKr04emo2RZf0FarTej8-kGw/s1600/IMG_6931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #999999; line-height: 20px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQWgrq5OcmUNSd7Uv8lu1i-Eu5Nwi7x8Vk7IxZUPDQ8Oe3aqCSKNGwueFI9orZnKEZOdvMXAxnVWv_JK6q2esr0CeZgl7MmoBGkEoAi_EL0Ca-TNlKr04emo2RZf0FarTej8-kGw/s640/IMG_6931.jpg" style="border: 0px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); padding: 0px;" width="640" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">It occurred to us that, our older kids, who really love to draw, may like the option to doodle with dry-erase markers. (You know, incase 'play-dough' was too 'baby-ish'.) Thankfully, they're not too cool for play-dough yet; they've enjoyed using both with these mats and have often used a combination while working on them. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0LEJuLVit95yu6EzPqYN55_9GYATGGhw5LsCwH4g5BhcVzLpICw80a4ljIKL4o_qxkFV0AdrMYPQtI7q9HTJOAxlvHCBbMVQLWr7sEczyxqn-DrgD6d49dTImxUu0jQm7XCe-3A/s1600/IMG_6987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #999999; line-height: 20px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0LEJuLVit95yu6EzPqYN55_9GYATGGhw5LsCwH4g5BhcVzLpICw80a4ljIKL4o_qxkFV0AdrMYPQtI7q9HTJOAxlvHCBbMVQLWr7sEczyxqn-DrgD6d49dTImxUu0jQm7XCe-3A/s640/IMG_6987.jpg" style="border: 0px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); padding: 0px;" width="640" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">As they've listened along to the Christmas story (this pack comes with a script, if you aren't the kind that likes to wing it) from the accounts of Matthew and Luke, they've been busy working, <b><i>really</i></b> listening, thinking about the story and dialoguing with us.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBAGxkRH7EAT3JT_Q3FXbMbhAISFSKv7LiDwQ5qDwUvtYLK9WRetFkWrsSUUb72poMZoVjXhZ-bTnf-mytenmPzjaN2J4vu2LiagIDYKpi3nl4ozDWRmkCtkV8IcrSG1srjjwE2g/s1600/IMG_6965.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #999999; line-height: 20px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBAGxkRH7EAT3JT_Q3FXbMbhAISFSKv7LiDwQ5qDwUvtYLK9WRetFkWrsSUUb72poMZoVjXhZ-bTnf-mytenmPzjaN2J4vu2LiagIDYKpi3nl4ozDWRmkCtkV8IcrSG1srjjwE2g/s640/IMG_6965.jpg" style="border: 0px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); padding: 0px;" width="640" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">To be honest, Charlie and I have been surprised at how much we've enjoyed these, too. Whether it's a collaborative effort with our kids.. (I won't admit which wise-man's face I drew above, and which my five year old did!) Or whether we've wanted our 'own' mat.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi0vWEX6syhkNL2bzytByxgRzwOBHrMeLZ4Lrq3HWt42u5OSM332jh8sZyz_6Zi8Wgk0ahjOr38EA1codTEX8NXHfjIzIURP3D3Vj8EYTBiIVlVVKnOCaPfpcDjt7mpK2tgrnvOA/s1600/IMG_6954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #999999; line-height: 20px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi0vWEX6syhkNL2bzytByxgRzwOBHrMeLZ4Lrq3HWt42u5OSM332jh8sZyz_6Zi8Wgk0ahjOr38EA1codTEX8NXHfjIzIURP3D3Vj8EYTBiIVlVVKnOCaPfpcDjt7mpK2tgrnvOA/s640/IMG_6954.jpg" style="border: 0px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); padding: 0px;" width="640" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">These can be used in multiple ways with the little people in your life:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"> gradually re-tell the coming of Jesus in several days or one mat/day on twelve different days.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">given as a gift paired with play-dough and/or dry-erase markers.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">in your Sunday School or Preschool classroom.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">as you gather together with loved ones on Christmas, share these with young and old alike, for a complete re-telling of the Christmas story that will allow the whole family to take part in an activity together.</span></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-bZ_GvTc0k_Expyzj1Bw0eYgAJECdZQ8krfADhDJwXUlDm5mNcMDbLwc9BF80u9lPUq_uJ_8j4oXDjc_fmPaDc0fy_RDXfDrmHNPq_GlxMRv4BYaUbIgy6ZXtl_P5ppYDtHr_nw/s1600/advent-activity-mats0a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #999999; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="552" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-bZ_GvTc0k_Expyzj1Bw0eYgAJECdZQ8krfADhDJwXUlDm5mNcMDbLwc9BF80u9lPUq_uJ_8j4oXDjc_fmPaDc0fy_RDXfDrmHNPq_GlxMRv4BYaUbIgy6ZXtl_P5ppYDtHr_nw/s640/advent-activity-mats0a.jpg" style="border: 0px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); padding: 0px;" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Purchase the<a href="http://pul.ly/b/88897" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;"> pdf file</a> for <b>$1 </b>now through the end of Monday, Dec. 1. (After that, they'll go backup to $6!) Here's what's included in the <a href="http://pul.ly/b/88897" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;">16 page pdf download</a>:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-AcFc5aKydyL-sWhq-hN78oYk9c1Zw2qgDA54wpmLaQcRBWUkJcubQaGLilJHK1X0pXKkTt9WL0fe3uPsAa4WT1U1_bcCiEr3JNb1VI4c0nlRQDGUuzLSQDqoXM30DB45Hldicw/s1600/advent-activity-mats1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #999999; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="552" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-AcFc5aKydyL-sWhq-hN78oYk9c1Zw2qgDA54wpmLaQcRBWUkJcubQaGLilJHK1X0pXKkTt9WL0fe3uPsAa4WT1U1_bcCiEr3JNb1VI4c0nlRQDGUuzLSQDqoXM30DB45Hldicw/s640/advent-activity-mats1a.jpg" style="border: 0px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); padding: 0px;" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"> 4</span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;"> scripted pages telling the Christmas story from the gospel accounts of Matthew and Luke that coordinate with each activity mat. </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGanRksi3MavUpl4XkK0ldoA83_fzpMjHBulqpzoKYbuxrd6-h-k35JXyFTaxKRU5EXwO4jje0rzbvuarpRXSAUc3XMKbCb8CAQMZKrHXUYhNulMXwG6cWzEzLTpkhTx0cY1l9rw/s1600/advent-activity-mats2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #999999; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="552" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGanRksi3MavUpl4XkK0ldoA83_fzpMjHBulqpzoKYbuxrd6-h-k35JXyFTaxKRU5EXwO4jje0rzbvuarpRXSAUc3XMKbCb8CAQMZKrHXUYhNulMXwG6cWzEzLTpkhTx0cY1l9rw/s640/advent-activity-mats2a.jpg" style="border: 0px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); padding: 0px;" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">12 Colorful activity mats: to be used with play-dough and/or dry-erase markers</span></li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVsf_2Pw3hs-bGhbXDyMP9oNR7OCNtJSmIw0Wd1FTUnqQP883nCQ4_MruXLud7A5dJbr6VlpgOWZspFI5Xnn0ZnGAqrmymeDcNcFE_YWcoNKCRbKEb4omxybs0dzKEdwpzc_phIA/s1600/advent-activity-mats3a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #999999; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="552" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVsf_2Pw3hs-bGhbXDyMP9oNR7OCNtJSmIw0Wd1FTUnqQP883nCQ4_MruXLud7A5dJbr6VlpgOWZspFI5Xnn0ZnGAqrmymeDcNcFE_YWcoNKCRbKEb4omxybs0dzKEdwpzc_phIA/s640/advent-activity-mats3a.jpg" style="border: 0px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); padding: 0px;" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18px; text-align: start;">All images are high quality. They are ready to print, re-tell and play!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDPCZl-qdXd7DnlY5xd7aPYxESQqe4Y_7GEkAvOLQOJ9lRN9aRtwm33PgUhNLSaJtCF6KXQtSUruh2vjKRmnZcABOGfu3l5HJ1-fhe_BMipQHx3uRhXltq8xnNy2R3rV1tuD4E4Q/s1600/advent-activity-mats4a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #999999; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="552" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDPCZl-qdXd7DnlY5xd7aPYxESQqe4Y_7GEkAvOLQOJ9lRN9aRtwm33PgUhNLSaJtCF6KXQtSUruh2vjKRmnZcABOGfu3l5HJ1-fhe_BMipQHx3uRhXltq8xnNy2R3rV1tuD4E4Q/s640/advent-activity-mats4a.jpg" style="border: 0px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); padding: 0px;" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://pul.ly/b/88897" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;">Purchase the pdf of our “Advent Activity Mats” here.</a></span><span style="color: black;"> You will be emailed a link to download the file immediately after purchase.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nFS4IoVtd4hQklEh3_SEbajabt-y4TzkKO2ZSQvqx16S5gFxRY1a-DgmB9KxbEq4IygeMYqKr_-Weam0QoktnrSRrPK60cwb8TXQ2rfSJlDK332V2POUqiZon_GrBFSNHZI7Sw/s1600/advent-activity-mats5a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #999999; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="553" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nFS4IoVtd4hQklEh3_SEbajabt-y4TzkKO2ZSQvqx16S5gFxRY1a-DgmB9KxbEq4IygeMYqKr_-Weam0QoktnrSRrPK60cwb8TXQ2rfSJlDK332V2POUqiZon_GrBFSNHZI7Sw/s640/advent-activity-mats5a.jpg" style="border: 0px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); padding: 0px;" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<b style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><br /></b><b style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">How to Use:</b></div>
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<ol>
<li><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Print each page in color.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Laminate</span><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"> for strength and durability. (Or put into page protectors</span><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">.) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Decorate the mats with </span><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">play-dough</span><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">, dry-erase markers or both as you re-tell the Christmas story! Then, re-use over and over.</span></li>
</ol>
<div style="border: 0px; line-height: 18px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 12px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i style="font-family: inherit;">(If you purchase this pdf for gifts or classroom use, please do not directly share the pdf in an email. It is intended for you to save on your computer, print off and use in your home, classroom, or given as hard copies to your loved ones.)</i></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><br/><a href="http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com">http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29918308.post-16798644097359477592013-12-19T03:12:00.002-06:002013-12-19T03:12:46.995-06:00Advent Mats Giveaway WinnersThe winners are posted on the post below in the widget! Winners, you should have received an email from me by now.<br />
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Thanks, everyone, for entering! If you didn't win, but would like to purchase one, <a href="http://pul.ly/b/88897">you can buy one here</a>. The mats will be $4 for a little bit longer, until I have a chance to change them in the shop.<br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><br/><a href="http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com">http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29918308.post-61768550107734064502013-12-12T05:30:00.000-06:002013-12-12T17:15:16.139-06:00Giveaway: Advent Activity Mats<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9aOGLewb0fiiEyIV8rcdEGWkny_IKAUBB5RGJk2UIu7bbHYSCbVZqg8RzCQB2BFiFdgLnisvAtg2-iplhQEAkGTkEJ58XrtDXfKbCjdfYV6W8nfCHsaoBlYQ6RFlVFDUJRl8qNA/s1600/IMG_6922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicaIhey08ia5LudZz-3GjE4yG3Sgn4IaySi205JTvcXgTscS1zxm-FqoYfx1ypzxKS62kWYUain2qqiaBP3KK0q1iNI7p6DKI3_bnAPzesjHn8m-WLq8gocXQuufOpySFK3GDgkQ/s1600/instagram-adventmats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicaIhey08ia5LudZz-3GjE4yG3Sgn4IaySi205JTvcXgTscS1zxm-FqoYfx1ypzxKS62kWYUain2qqiaBP3KK0q1iNI7p6DKI3_bnAPzesjHn8m-WLq8gocXQuufOpySFK3GDgkQ/s640/instagram-adventmats.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We love advent. Most of you probably know that already. After moving to the Pacific Northwest from Texas just a little over two months ago, we are a bit more behind on preparing for Christmas than I'd like to be. By a bit more, I mean my Christmas decorations are still sitting in tubs in the middle of my living room.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9aOGLewb0fiiEyIV8rcdEGWkny_IKAUBB5RGJk2UIu7bbHYSCbVZqg8RzCQB2BFiFdgLnisvAtg2-iplhQEAkGTkEJ58XrtDXfKbCjdfYV6W8nfCHsaoBlYQ6RFlVFDUJRl8qNA/s1600/IMG_6922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9aOGLewb0fiiEyIV8rcdEGWkny_IKAUBB5RGJk2UIu7bbHYSCbVZqg8RzCQB2BFiFdgLnisvAtg2-iplhQEAkGTkEJ58XrtDXfKbCjdfYV6W8nfCHsaoBlYQ6RFlVFDUJRl8qNA/s640/IMG_6922.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Yet, <i><b>the</b></i> Christmas story reminds me that Jesus entered this world in the meekest of manners. Not after the ornaments were hanging on the tree. Or once the stockings were fastened on the mantle. Or after the Willow Tree nativity scene was perfectly stationed the first time, only to be re-arranged and maybe even dropped and chipped by curious, clumsy hands...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Even though most of you are more than likely almost halfway through your journey through advent, we have an activity to share with your family that we've been working on:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOpzYQ10C7-1Zv0agtfh5W5mqgDh3yK-Y_rErlbpCFntcDIfXCaw7K6NP6qGev40bqi1-9XTdJ8Lu3kLqlGtA2yhvDQ-RQf5fxQAns-2smVqlrub09IKPe1SyMCoqhX7FR6TMRYg/s1600/advent-activity-mats-long.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOpzYQ10C7-1Zv0agtfh5W5mqgDh3yK-Y_rErlbpCFntcDIfXCaw7K6NP6qGev40bqi1-9XTdJ8Lu3kLqlGtA2yhvDQ-RQf5fxQAns-2smVqlrub09IKPe1SyMCoqhX7FR6TMRYg/s1600/advent-activity-mats-long.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK_90BTabQeI1dAUlOiBUjWfcvl4RMAYo5i4G0k-CV-j1kWk2SyzcL-hT9AQTRM76C7hRXmhKRI8rTRpUik3ST-NA_J3mk8XXeTL4j-qCPBkVSM6svqr38McGgVzvpyj5i7PpJcg/s1600/IMG_6946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK_90BTabQeI1dAUlOiBUjWfcvl4RMAYo5i4G0k-CV-j1kWk2SyzcL-hT9AQTRM76C7hRXmhKRI8rTRpUik3ST-NA_J3mk8XXeTL4j-qCPBkVSM6svqr38McGgVzvpyj5i7PpJcg/s640/IMG_6946.jpg" width="640" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Over the years, we've tried various ways to engage our children during this season. Involving toddlers can be challenging. Through trial and much error, we've learned it's best to keep it simple. Having some who are more mature and engaged </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">plus</i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> toddlers that we'd like to involve, presents different challenges.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm7LhSEPFi9tuGfMADcuZpNhnaZdv0PLtPPAkBQiKK0ZoH5U-fpyojeozdkUonXrsUUJq-Qe5N6Pem-Y0jBI5zwR1OrEw9u0lXCyxa6Pi9BbOhM-aFayY_6B2LMnAxjB_r-2XQjg/s1600/IMG_6920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm7LhSEPFi9tuGfMADcuZpNhnaZdv0PLtPPAkBQiKK0ZoH5U-fpyojeozdkUonXrsUUJq-Qe5N6Pem-Y0jBI5zwR1OrEw9u0lXCyxa6Pi9BbOhM-aFayY_6B2LMnAxjB_r-2XQjg/s640/IMG_6920.jpg" width="640" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We created something that is working quite well for us. When we set out to create these, originally, we were just going to make play-dough mats. I mean, no matter your age, who doesn't love to fiddle with play-dough? </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQWgrq5OcmUNSd7Uv8lu1i-Eu5Nwi7x8Vk7IxZUPDQ8Oe3aqCSKNGwueFI9orZnKEZOdvMXAxnVWv_JK6q2esr0CeZgl7MmoBGkEoAi_EL0Ca-TNlKr04emo2RZf0FarTej8-kGw/s1600/IMG_6931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQWgrq5OcmUNSd7Uv8lu1i-Eu5Nwi7x8Vk7IxZUPDQ8Oe3aqCSKNGwueFI9orZnKEZOdvMXAxnVWv_JK6q2esr0CeZgl7MmoBGkEoAi_EL0Ca-TNlKr04emo2RZf0FarTej8-kGw/s640/IMG_6931.jpg" width="640" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It occurred to us that, our older kids, who really love to draw, may like the option to doodle with dry-erase markers. (You know, incase 'play-dough' was too 'baby-ish'.) Thankfully, they're not too cool for play-dough yet; they've enjoyed using both with these mats and have often used a combination while working on them. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0LEJuLVit95yu6EzPqYN55_9GYATGGhw5LsCwH4g5BhcVzLpICw80a4ljIKL4o_qxkFV0AdrMYPQtI7q9HTJOAxlvHCBbMVQLWr7sEczyxqn-DrgD6d49dTImxUu0jQm7XCe-3A/s1600/IMG_6987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0LEJuLVit95yu6EzPqYN55_9GYATGGhw5LsCwH4g5BhcVzLpICw80a4ljIKL4o_qxkFV0AdrMYPQtI7q9HTJOAxlvHCBbMVQLWr7sEczyxqn-DrgD6d49dTImxUu0jQm7XCe-3A/s640/IMG_6987.jpg" width="640" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As they've listened along to the Christmas story (this pack comes with a script, if you aren't the kind that likes to wing it) from the accounts of Matthew and Luke, they've been busy working, <b><i>really</i></b> listening, thinking about the story and dialoguing with us.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBAGxkRH7EAT3JT_Q3FXbMbhAISFSKv7LiDwQ5qDwUvtYLK9WRetFkWrsSUUb72poMZoVjXhZ-bTnf-mytenmPzjaN2J4vu2LiagIDYKpi3nl4ozDWRmkCtkV8IcrSG1srjjwE2g/s1600/IMG_6965.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBAGxkRH7EAT3JT_Q3FXbMbhAISFSKv7LiDwQ5qDwUvtYLK9WRetFkWrsSUUb72poMZoVjXhZ-bTnf-mytenmPzjaN2J4vu2LiagIDYKpi3nl4ozDWRmkCtkV8IcrSG1srjjwE2g/s640/IMG_6965.jpg" width="640" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">To be honest, Charlie and I have been surprised at how much we've enjoyed these, too. Whether it's a collaborative effort with our kids.. (I won't admit which wise-man's face I drew above, and which my five year old did!) Or whether we've wanted our 'own' mat.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi0vWEX6syhkNL2bzytByxgRzwOBHrMeLZ4Lrq3HWt42u5OSM332jh8sZyz_6Zi8Wgk0ahjOr38EA1codTEX8NXHfjIzIURP3D3Vj8EYTBiIVlVVKnOCaPfpcDjt7mpK2tgrnvOA/s1600/IMG_6954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi0vWEX6syhkNL2bzytByxgRzwOBHrMeLZ4Lrq3HWt42u5OSM332jh8sZyz_6Zi8Wgk0ahjOr38EA1codTEX8NXHfjIzIURP3D3Vj8EYTBiIVlVVKnOCaPfpcDjt7mpK2tgrnvOA/s640/IMG_6954.jpg" width="640" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">These can be used in multiple ways with the little people in your life:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"> gradually re-tell the coming of Jesus in several days or one mat/day on twelve different days.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">given as a gift paired with play-dough and/or dry-erase markers.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">in your Sunday School or Preschool classroom.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">as you gather together with loved ones on Christmas, share these with young and old alike, for a complete re-telling of the Christmas story that will allow the whole family to take part in an activity together.</span></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-bZ_GvTc0k_Expyzj1Bw0eYgAJECdZQ8krfADhDJwXUlDm5mNcMDbLwc9BF80u9lPUq_uJ_8j4oXDjc_fmPaDc0fy_RDXfDrmHNPq_GlxMRv4BYaUbIgy6ZXtl_P5ppYDtHr_nw/s1600/advent-activity-mats0a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="552" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-bZ_GvTc0k_Expyzj1Bw0eYgAJECdZQ8krfADhDJwXUlDm5mNcMDbLwc9BF80u9lPUq_uJ_8j4oXDjc_fmPaDc0fy_RDXfDrmHNPq_GlxMRv4BYaUbIgy6ZXtl_P5ppYDtHr_nw/s640/advent-activity-mats0a.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">For the first week, (<b>until 11:59 p.m. PST, December 18th</b>) we'll be offering the<a href="http://pul.ly/b/88897"> pdf file</a> for <b>$4</b>. (After that, they'll go up to $6!) Here's what's included in the <a href="http://pul.ly/b/88897">16 page pdf download</a>:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-AcFc5aKydyL-sWhq-hN78oYk9c1Zw2qgDA54wpmLaQcRBWUkJcubQaGLilJHK1X0pXKkTt9WL0fe3uPsAa4WT1U1_bcCiEr3JNb1VI4c0nlRQDGUuzLSQDqoXM30DB45Hldicw/s1600/advent-activity-mats1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="552" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-AcFc5aKydyL-sWhq-hN78oYk9c1Zw2qgDA54wpmLaQcRBWUkJcubQaGLilJHK1X0pXKkTt9WL0fe3uPsAa4WT1U1_bcCiEr3JNb1VI4c0nlRQDGUuzLSQDqoXM30DB45Hldicw/s640/advent-activity-mats1a.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"> 4</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;"> scripted pages telling the Christmas story from the gospel accounts of Matthew and Luke that coordinate with each activity mat. </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGanRksi3MavUpl4XkK0ldoA83_fzpMjHBulqpzoKYbuxrd6-h-k35JXyFTaxKRU5EXwO4jje0rzbvuarpRXSAUc3XMKbCb8CAQMZKrHXUYhNulMXwG6cWzEzLTpkhTx0cY1l9rw/s1600/advent-activity-mats2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="552" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGanRksi3MavUpl4XkK0ldoA83_fzpMjHBulqpzoKYbuxrd6-h-k35JXyFTaxKRU5EXwO4jje0rzbvuarpRXSAUc3XMKbCb8CAQMZKrHXUYhNulMXwG6cWzEzLTpkhTx0cY1l9rw/s640/advent-activity-mats2a.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px; text-align: start;">12 Colorful activity mats: to be used with play-dough and/or dry-erase markers</span></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVsf_2Pw3hs-bGhbXDyMP9oNR7OCNtJSmIw0Wd1FTUnqQP883nCQ4_MruXLud7A5dJbr6VlpgOWZspFI5Xnn0ZnGAqrmymeDcNcFE_YWcoNKCRbKEb4omxybs0dzKEdwpzc_phIA/s1600/advent-activity-mats3a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="552" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVsf_2Pw3hs-bGhbXDyMP9oNR7OCNtJSmIw0Wd1FTUnqQP883nCQ4_MruXLud7A5dJbr6VlpgOWZspFI5Xnn0ZnGAqrmymeDcNcFE_YWcoNKCRbKEb4omxybs0dzKEdwpzc_phIA/s640/advent-activity-mats3a.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">All images are high quality. They are ready to print, re-tell and play!</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDPCZl-qdXd7DnlY5xd7aPYxESQqe4Y_7GEkAvOLQOJ9lRN9aRtwm33PgUhNLSaJtCF6KXQtSUruh2vjKRmnZcABOGfu3l5HJ1-fhe_BMipQHx3uRhXltq8xnNy2R3rV1tuD4E4Q/s1600/advent-activity-mats4a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="552" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDPCZl-qdXd7DnlY5xd7aPYxESQqe4Y_7GEkAvOLQOJ9lRN9aRtwm33PgUhNLSaJtCF6KXQtSUruh2vjKRmnZcABOGfu3l5HJ1-fhe_BMipQHx3uRhXltq8xnNy2R3rV1tuD4E4Q/s640/advent-activity-mats4a.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #990000;"><a href="http://pul.ly/b/88897">Purchase the pdf of our “Advent Activity Mats” here.</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"> You will be emailed a link to download the file immediately after purchase.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nFS4IoVtd4hQklEh3_SEbajabt-y4TzkKO2ZSQvqx16S5gFxRY1a-DgmB9KxbEq4IygeMYqKr_-Weam0QoktnrSRrPK60cwb8TXQ2rfSJlDK332V2POUqiZon_GrBFSNHZI7Sw/s1600/advent-activity-mats5a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="553" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nFS4IoVtd4hQklEh3_SEbajabt-y4TzkKO2ZSQvqx16S5gFxRY1a-DgmB9KxbEq4IygeMYqKr_-Weam0QoktnrSRrPK60cwb8TXQ2rfSJlDK332V2POUqiZon_GrBFSNHZI7Sw/s640/advent-activity-mats5a.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<b style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">How to Use:</b></div>
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<ol>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: inherit;">Print each page in color.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: inherit;">Laminate</span><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"> for strength and durability. (Or put into page protectors</span><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">.) </span></li>
<li><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Decorate the mats with </span><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">play-dough</span><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">, dry-erase markers or both as you re-tell the Christmas story! Then, re-use over and over.</span></li>
</ol>
<div style="border: 0px; line-height: 18px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 12px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i style="font-family: inherit;">(If you purchase this pdf for gifts or classroom use, please do not directly share the pdf in an email. It is intended for you to save on your computer, print off and use in your home, classroom, or given as hard copies to your loved ones.)</i></div>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Giveaway Details</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We're also going to give some away! We'll announce 5 winners next Thursday morning, December 19th. The giveaway closes at <b>11:59 p.m. PST</b> on <b>Wednesday, December 18th</b>. <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">Watch the countdown on the widget to see how long you have left to enter! </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
To enter this giveaway simply leave a comment below. For additional entries follow the directions on the entry submission form. </span><b style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #3e3e3e;">If you can’t wait and decide to </span><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><a href="http://pul.ly/b/88897">purchase the download</a> </span><span style="color: #3e3e3e;">before the giveaway is over, we will reimburse you if you are selected as the winner!</span></span></b><br />
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May your family be drawn, in the simplest of ways, to fall on your knees in worship before our Emmanuel.<br />
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f4dddf0/" id="rc-f4dddf0" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><br/><a href="http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com">http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29918308.post-19331760983677864062013-12-01T21:53:00.000-06:002013-12-11T23:56:34.308-06:00Repost: How we celebrate ChristmasThis a repost from last year:<br />
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This is a collection of some of our favorite ways to celebrate and prepare our hearts for "the coming" of Jesus at Christmas during Advent.<br />
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If you click on each picture, it will take you to the post where I've previously blogged about it over the years. I hope your family will enjoy these as you expectantly await the celebration of our Savior's birth!<br />
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<tr><td><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com/2011/12/handprint-nativity-animals.html"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBCyQvhqZOv-7ypZphu5Wtl9wSOqptL7hH2nTE1NY8cAKvxeJaN9pLl9GOPyKaNQIpzLNgGDHCaXxaslVbFnHymYxSytHkhylKKePJ_LJhhRj-tq32IATIynoA16WU7XbDYIBJpQ/s640/2011-12-3.jpg" style="border: 0px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); padding: 0px;" width="640" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 10px;"><a href="http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com/2011/12/handprint-nativity-animals.html">Handprint Nativity Animals</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com/2011/12/more-books.html"><img border="0" height="526" src="http://www.credomag.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/stars.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 10px;"><a href="http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com/2011/12/more-books.html">Christmas Book Countdown (includes list of books)</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com/2011/12/christmas-stories.html"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-PX6Dh46w6HUhx6QzqAf91iMY_CQ4qoYQteQG27cW5aBJHxggsqDXEhBliD0lPwCe1D1d2M1s1p_KO5biq5tkUbKKONqPrU6pCS5WWmbG0OD-aFfG4XDxk3gjuv6pfdh_zNE4/s640/itunes+cover.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 10px;"><a href="http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com/2011/12/christmas-stories.html">Our favorite Christmas album (kid-approved, but not really made for "kids")</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com/2011/11/shepherds-pouches.html"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwoOTR9mW70HwLWO9Hc4fQWB3b2ljrGjQCGT7H9Y91hkc2SHOn8HVIFB_pG0N8VhRBXpBHYAQZfxm5eIwVd23vWE-eNYEwr_uKrvl_Y2Pno67d4fxwBxdLKjnFeZZz-EPVrjNPVA/s640/IMG_0078-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 10px;"><a href="http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com/2011/11/shepherds-pouches.html">Shepherd's Pouches</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com/2010/12/advent-activities.html"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyKP0rkXJ-jFoP8nXf-GSRHioMzLCq7EZCrB_VrPQimaq1WEKvTB1BTs67-s4UM63nc4q7-aCNqnZVgyJPlOmOLSQ_81B8AydxW48JOSowYJD2UrSTEKlQFqI8GWSFCNrediOm/s640/IMG_1117.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 10px;"><a href="http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com/2010/12/advent-activities.html">A list of Advent Activities</a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com/2009/12/when-advent-isnt-quite-workingand-more.html"><span style="line-height: 1.6em;">(Another list of advent </span><span style="line-height: 20.799999237060547px;">activities</span><span style="line-height: 1.6em;">.)</span></a></span><br />
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And a few others we'll be doing this year:<br />
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<tr><td><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://katherinemariephotography.com/blog/archives/7629"><img border="0" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiStgsHdjhpx8H9RNEOqfi2M2JZgdK3jP9ZKp5rnH7rSlRMFjALPmtun6sZ9_T7ufFGiehRJLlbUjIZrp4P079Guy-RoITBvnRcu4VqAkriA2aP7aHocs4j0XancMYK91PjWT_mQQ/s640/copyright-katherine-marie-n547.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://katherinemariephotography.com/blog/archives/7629">KatherineMarie is the best!</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Tale-of-Christmas-Keepsake-Book"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://tcdn.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/The-Tale-of-Christmas-Keepsake-Book/original-168989-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Tale-of-Christmas-Keepsake-Book">Only $4. Has all the directions you need to lead your kids in creating their own 'Tale of Christmas'. We started this at the end of last December and didn't get to finish it, but what we did, my kids enjoyed. So, we'll start over again this year!</a></td></tr>
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Does your family celebrate with any fun traditions? Or any that you're eager to try this year? I'd love to hear them!</div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><br/><a href="http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com">http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29918308.post-38776158419145489852013-11-02T18:04:00.000-05:002013-12-09T18:22:22.795-06:00Little Red Crew ::: Halloween 2013<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Nxf2V3VXOKcnBZ4PW0-UhwcBYHvfN3ubKXZlYdS_7xlcHZDWK24yBGX-4e1Cs7-OfgwCdVk3mYM78Xumbjy80PNS_BdUHY-Dw7xEJmU-8F899JrZI_8fumd-zGCBz4OSQvmbqQ/s1600/IMG_6848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Nxf2V3VXOKcnBZ4PW0-UhwcBYHvfN3ubKXZlYdS_7xlcHZDWK24yBGX-4e1Cs7-OfgwCdVk3mYM78Xumbjy80PNS_BdUHY-Dw7xEJmU-8F899JrZI_8fumd-zGCBz4OSQvmbqQ/s640/IMG_6848.jpg" width="640" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I love doing family themes for Halloween. And so far, so do my kids. I am wondering if this will be the last year, though. We'll see how long they continue to let me <strike>manipulate</strike> persuade them. I just love watching them in character all night--it makes dressing up extra fun and all the effort worth it. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIbwRjhpx19tm3P2TvjdmJCOAxEULOgRHwN4ZaMTl13ybzijjqc_HVpHzRZYJRKaimW1mgeFh-hw-p2ikEZRQ66IuEJR3QJqenriRZQdryhJNqKCq9rnd351pIxI10bAMhVJeCgQ/s1600/2013-12-031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIbwRjhpx19tm3P2TvjdmJCOAxEULOgRHwN4ZaMTl13ybzijjqc_HVpHzRZYJRKaimW1mgeFh-hw-p2ikEZRQ66IuEJR3QJqenriRZQdryhJNqKCq9rnd351pIxI10bAMhVJeCgQ/s640/2013-12-031.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0tMyCnZod9ylHJN3nr9ytU1KvQrTfWYw-K6PMqyx-n7YE83fJ4ZcV4HsP0-y6fmSiZMBnMMOX5dNFW9IHmemkWX8iq-8R3zvfQD2gab0hIg8Uf65pJHjW9Rgqp5-XGJTURzsAOA/s1600/IMG_6796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0tMyCnZod9ylHJN3nr9ytU1KvQrTfWYw-K6PMqyx-n7YE83fJ4ZcV4HsP0-y6fmSiZMBnMMOX5dNFW9IHmemkWX8iq-8R3zvfQD2gab0hIg8Uf65pJHjW9Rgqp5-XGJTURzsAOA/s640/IMG_6796.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This girl was made to play the part of Little Red Riding Hood. The theme for the group this year was birthed when I found her cape at a thrift store. I sewed a simple pinafore apron to go under it.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEBnO1fiLMgPAUUkCs0Wcvxn0E0bN0YOFYARQYXBZot0lElykmNg8WCEabUls8H46easLxAucdap0JTbbm0OqwX2sZyOgxce3Mov1sW34Z_nHef1GhMOqSUoRfXKPuqdf4-j2bKQ/s1600/IMG_6771.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEBnO1fiLMgPAUUkCs0Wcvxn0E0bN0YOFYARQYXBZot0lElykmNg8WCEabUls8H46easLxAucdap0JTbbm0OqwX2sZyOgxce3Mov1sW34Z_nHef1GhMOqSUoRfXKPuqdf4-j2bKQ/s640/IMG_6771.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLAs-dAPgTtMXurHdCI9VqakZK6TWOKUrIY-ubj4g9SkVkd2WF0H0bfKJRkuc74tJoaduEtstbF5vcVdMLEpt9Cjzf_DLYaq84XHo99ppVoXfDSi55FZyj_QsLBLahO5dYvAqAKg/s1600/2013-12-03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLAs-dAPgTtMXurHdCI9VqakZK6TWOKUrIY-ubj4g9SkVkd2WF0H0bfKJRkuc74tJoaduEtstbF5vcVdMLEpt9Cjzf_DLYaq84XHo99ppVoXfDSi55FZyj_QsLBLahO5dYvAqAKg/s640/2013-12-03.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Asher spotted a vest in the girls's section at Target that inspired the Big Bad Wold ensemble. Paired with Great Wolf Lodge ears, grey sweats, homemade embellishments and the perfect face-paint job by Char, he was ready to sneak up on Little Red.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9pBDJuEnGwe-3ga1SBmshp2bRhrIlZl648IZoe9juPNxlrmoTVDwFNpHCaDGJteMlyHzrK8-BIo3ALFCinc2AqrapR1jxFZvvxov79WB85JwPgXXz0ZuNLiQ2aD6jqdguabUIPA/s1600/IMG_6892.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9pBDJuEnGwe-3ga1SBmshp2bRhrIlZl648IZoe9juPNxlrmoTVDwFNpHCaDGJteMlyHzrK8-BIo3ALFCinc2AqrapR1jxFZvvxov79WB85JwPgXXz0ZuNLiQ2aD6jqdguabUIPA/s640/IMG_6892.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="clear: right; color: black; font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC9CBzyjL1KqL0zi_EHXuGrdZljBosAvlZYDGcUrYUhJy9hhDfJ7UBCGCHQxGQ8badycOHxAdutq50GEboja_x1E_VevTbMg0jqZ1Mdj3Ov50SyUUAbWpdpcAnPnnqOzdYx_qDpA/s1600/2013-12-034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC9CBzyjL1KqL0zi_EHXuGrdZljBosAvlZYDGcUrYUhJy9hhDfJ7UBCGCHQxGQ8badycOHxAdutq50GEboja_x1E_VevTbMg0jqZ1Mdj3Ov50SyUUAbWpdpcAnPnnqOzdYx_qDpA/s640/2013-12-034.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Once Little Granny nailed the gummy grin, and heard everyone's reaction, it was history. I could hardly get her to make another face the rest of the evening. This accessory-loving granny was thrilled with her glasses and sleep cap.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPtw1Q18dJMCjIlchwG3sUmW6lSss8h3DfhyphenhyphenCFIgM25LX6VViq6zzgWsVfpkO4p-VZk3ovkol17Rkjnd3aFJdQYkVZqAEjh72PMoPRpkujtq5vSDtr8ZAWxu9YBjCeegyJAxbF6Q/s1600/IMG_6823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPtw1Q18dJMCjIlchwG3sUmW6lSss8h3DfhyphenhyphenCFIgM25LX6VViq6zzgWsVfpkO4p-VZk3ovkol17Rkjnd3aFJdQYkVZqAEjh72PMoPRpkujtq5vSDtr8ZAWxu9YBjCeegyJAxbF6Q/s640/IMG_6823.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgljhiVur5Y-v2Q_MWqr5vKrAYxugdxSn_XSHyF3JWdMYEqc-IwAdvU6s4M5kocISkp9luYKftPxIcYZsMlvPV61nqnvPPhsBBL26lbByJpb6tMw-7CImVzH7ONwV42QaAVgYUFvQ/s1600/2013-12-033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgljhiVur5Y-v2Q_MWqr5vKrAYxugdxSn_XSHyF3JWdMYEqc-IwAdvU6s4M5kocISkp9luYKftPxIcYZsMlvPV61nqnvPPhsBBL26lbByJpb6tMw-7CImVzH7ONwV42QaAVgYUFvQ/s640/2013-12-033.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The woodsman adored being 'a man' with his manly beard. He was trying to intimidate the Big Bad Wolf with his tough-guy face and loved that for once big brother was weaponless in a standoff against him.</span></div>
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Oh, and holding their Halloween candy hostage is a great motivator for getting day-after Halloween pics. I must remember this for years to come. For some reason, I never quite have it together for pics the day of. I know how bad my memory is and I'd better have documentation after all the work put into their costumes.</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><br/><a href="http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com">http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29918308.post-6232424756099004402013-08-09T13:39:00.002-05:002013-08-09T13:39:14.249-05:00Chicken Salad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><i>Mel's chicken salad-to be exact. Because no one else's recipe quite compares.</i></i></div>
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First, make yourself a batch of Tony's seasoning, hold the MSG please, to have on hand for dozens of batches of chicken salad.<br />
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<b><i>Tony Chachere's Creole Seasoning</i></b><br />
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-Just a little less than 1 cup of sea salt<br />
-1 Tbs. ground red pepper<br />
-2 tsp. black pepper<br />
-1/2 Tbs. garlic powder<br />
-1/2 Tbs. chili powder<br />
<br />
Combine spices in a mason jar. Put the lid on. Shake it all about. Store in pantry to season meats, eggs, and other dishes.<br />
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<b><i>Chicken Salad:</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
-1 whole <a href="http://yonderwayfarm.com/">YWF</a> chicken, cooked on low in a crockpot for 6-8 hours with s&p only (depending on the size) and shredded.<br />
-1 batch of <a href="http://www.theclothesmakethegirl.com/2010/06/03/the-secret-to-homemade-mayo-patience/">Clothes Make the Girl Mayo</a> (be sure to follow her directions exactly on the light olive oil and room temp ingredients.)<br />
-grapes, washed and halved<br />
-pecans, chopped<br />
-creole seasoning, to taste (start with a little, adding more as needed)<br />
<br />
Combine above ingredients and store in the fridge for a few hours. Serve on a bed of spinach. Behold the wonder.<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><br/><a href="http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com">http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29918308.post-59435553492017413522013-07-18T22:33:00.000-05:002013-08-07T15:45:36.265-05:00Five year Fairytale Shoot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My friend, Lynsey, tagged me in <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/275071489710822593/">this pin</a> quite some time ago to show me not only how much this little girl looked like McKlayne, but also to tell me how much she thought she'd like this fairytale-like shoot. And, boy, does she know my girl.<br />
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Like most things in my life, it only took me almost two years later to actually get around to it. I wanted to do this over a year ago but with 'twin' one year old walkers, I just didn't seem to have the energy. Her five year old pics were just the occasion!<br />
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My girl loves to pretend, so we took the pinspiration, grabbed some of her favorite dress-up clothes and ran with it. McKlayne is almost always either in character or trying out a line she's heard on tv...so this was really fun--for both of us. I loved watching her so naturally come alive in this shoot.<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><br/><a href="http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com">http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29918308.post-57232187786789774452013-01-31T14:28:00.000-06:002013-08-07T15:44:44.912-05:00Primal Pizza<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/AVvXsEhJzommeGYwcdmsipAv_De8rl783JAw51N02sCHIgvVIqN1WCSG-j5z8-LmAbxg5MT-aBT-aQRrmm2NBE2-JKOccwxT-ou8ive1DmCtK23p0Bvh8-R-R2IBDlRpyO6J1fo7pabk7Q/s1600/IMG_5746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJzommeGYwcdmsipAv_De8rl783JAw51N02sCHIgvVIqN1WCSG-j5z8-LmAbxg5MT-aBT-aQRrmm2NBE2-JKOccwxT-ou8ive1DmCtK23p0Bvh8-R-R2IBDlRpyO6J1fo7pabk7Q/s640/IMG_5746.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(This is the Greek pizza--our current favorite.)<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I've tried many different recipes for cauliflower pizza crusts over the years. This is the one I've concocted--taking a little of this and a little of that from different recipes--that is perfect for us and what my family enjoys the most.</span></span></div>
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<b id="internal-source-marker_0.29883677093312144" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Primal Pizza:</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(Crust for 2 pizzas)</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">16oz. frozen cauliflower, cooked and drained</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">4 eggs</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1/4 cup almond flour</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1/4 cup coconut flour</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 tsp baking powder</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 tsp garlic powder</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></b><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1. Combine all of the above ingredients in a food processor.</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2. Spread the "dough" onto pizza stones using a spatula (if you're using a pan, lay out parchment paper, first, then spread it on) until about 1/4" thick.</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">3. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. (If the edges are begininning to brown, it's time to take it out!) Variation: For the margherita and greek pizzas, take out of the oven after 18 minutes and use a basting brush to distribute the oil mixture on the crust. Continue to bake for 3-7 more minutes. When the edges of my crust get golden-brown, take it out.</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">4. Spread with sauce, (if applicable) cheese, and other toppings. Broil on high for 2-3 minutes until cheese is beginning to bubble/pepperoni is cooked to your desire.</span></b></span><br />
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<b id="internal-source-marker_0.29883677093312144"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Traditional Pizza Sauce:</i></span></b><br />
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<b id="internal-source-marker_0.29883677093312144" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(Makes enough for 4 pizzas.)</span></b><br />
<b id="internal-source-marker_0.29883677093312144" style="background-color: white; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce</span></b><br />
<b id="internal-source-marker_0.29883677093312144" style="background-color: white; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste</span></b><br />
<b id="internal-source-marker_0.29883677093312144" style="background-color: white; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 teaspoon ground oregano</span></b><br />
<b id="internal-source-marker_0.29883677093312144" style="background-color: white; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 teaspoon basil</span></b><br />
<b id="internal-source-marker_0.29883677093312144" style="background-color: white; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 teaspoon parsley</span></b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 teaspoon salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In a medium bowl, mix together tomato sauce and tomato paste until smooth. Stir in seasonings.
(If you’re not using it all, bag it up in individual baggies and freeze for later.) Spread on pizza and top accordingly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></b><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Margherita Pizza</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sauce:</span><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>(per pizza)</i></span></b><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2 Tbs. olive oil</span></b><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1/2 tsp. garlic powder</span></b><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">pinch of sea salt</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Whisk together until mixed thoroughly. </span></b></span><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(See the variation in Step 3 above on when to add this.) When done baking, add the following:</span></b><br />
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<b style="background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Toppings:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">5-6 roma tomatoes, thinly sliced</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">shredded mozzarella cheese</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 </span>teaspoon olive oil</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 cup thinly sliced fresh basil (if i don't have this, I just sprinkle with dried basil, though fresh does taste better)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">sea salt and black pepper, to taste</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Arrange tomato slices on crust, lining the edges. Sprinkle evenly with cheese. </span>Top with basil. Put back in the oven and broil for 2-3 minuts on high until cheese is bubbling and turning golden.</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Combine oil and vinegar, stirring with a whisk. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Drizzle the vinegar mixture evenly over the pizza. And sprinkle with salt & pepper.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></b><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Greek Pizza </span></b></span><br />
<b style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sauce:</span><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>(per pizza)</i></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2 Tbs. olive oil </span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1/2 tsp. garlic powder</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1/4 tsp. italian seasonings (oregano, basil and parsley)</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">pinch of sea salt</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></b></span>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Whisk together until mixed thoroughly. (See the variation in Step 3 above on when to add this.) When done baking, add the following:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Toppings:</span></b><br /><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Spinach</span></b><br /><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tomatoes, diced </span></b><br /><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Olives, diced</span></b><br /><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Banana Peppers, diced</span></b><br /><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Red onions, diced</span></b></span><br />
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Feta cheese</span></b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Parmesan (optional)</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><br/><a href="http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com">http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29918308.post-59053661450624012442013-01-25T22:12:00.000-06:002013-01-25T22:12:00.937-06:00Paleo Chicken "Noodle" Soup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRUjmN1FtIkGJxOPVFINpQq5j6xDGSfEvfm0lNWTpN3Tk732HLNDFhiknLCWvrAzlIuIOx5mV8EhBGjzl8AdWDucvxA5k_EofHFYAP4-CIF6ecycq0AJ9YCevNEmMWSQGgrt2_7g/s1600/IMG_5721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRUjmN1FtIkGJxOPVFINpQq5j6xDGSfEvfm0lNWTpN3Tk732HLNDFhiknLCWvrAzlIuIOx5mV8EhBGjzl8AdWDucvxA5k_EofHFYAP4-CIF6ecycq0AJ9YCevNEmMWSQGgrt2_7g/s640/IMG_5721.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">It's what {was} for dinner in our house tonight. All four kids have some sort of infection (ears, throat, lungs, etc.) and this is the perfect dinner when you're feeling under the weather. This tastes just like chicken noodle soup: it's mild, light on the tummy and comforting. (My sister passed this on, based off <a href="http://www.cookincanuck.com/2011/11/hearty-chicken-stew-with-butternut-squash-quinoa-recipe/">this </a>recipe, after her kids gave it their approval...and my kids have agreed that it's one of their favorite soups.)</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Like most real-food meals, it does require a bit of prep work, but if you can plan ahead for it, it's not too bad.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Paleo Chicken "Noodle" Soup</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">fat of choice (coconut oil, butter, olive oil, etc.)</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20.796875px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20.796875px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1 tsp. onion powder</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.796875px;">1 tsp. parsley</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.796875px;">1/2 tsp. oregano</span></span><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20.796875px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">salt and pepper, to taste</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 large onion, diced</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1 tsp. minced garlic</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1 whole soup chicken, cooked and shredded (<a href="http://yonderwayfarm.com/">Yonder Way Farm</a>)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">2 lbs butternut squash (pre-peeled and cubed from Sam's or Costco)</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20.796875px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1 head of cauliflower, riced (I like to do this at the beginning of the week, when I try to prep all my veggies at once, if so this makes it a lot easier. If you don't know how to rice a cauliflower, see step 1, <a href="http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-girls-general-paleo-stir-fry.html">here</a>.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1 large can of diced tomatoes (28oz)</span></div>
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20.796875px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">6-8 cups chicken bone broth (Make your own...I keep them in my freezer in Mason jars and let them thaw out the morning I use it.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1. Start cooking/boiling your chicken. (When I boil my chicken, it's always seems to dry. So, I put mine in a crockpot on low for 6 hours (for a small, whole soup chicken, 8 hours for a large whole chicken) covered with salt and pepper. Nothing else in the crockpot. Just the chicken. You might be worried that it's going to be really dry. It's actually the opposite. My friend Meredith told me how to do it this way. It's amazingly moist and simple.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">2. Steam the butternut squash for about 10 minutes until barely tender. Remove half the squash onto a plate. Allow the remaining squash to simmer for about 5 more minutes. Then, drain water and mash this squash with the back of a fork. Set aside. (I usually use the same plate: half with cubed squash, half with mashed squash.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">3. Melt fat of choice in the bottom of a large pot. Saute onion for about 8 minutes and add the garlic for a few more minutes. Add riced cauliflower, cook for about 5 minutes. (I also usually add the broth that was at the bottom of my crockpot from cooking the whole chicken at this point. If you didn't do that, no big deal, you'll add the broth in a little bit.) While all this is happening, shred your chicken on a plate.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">4. Add tomatoes, all of the butternut squashed (mashed and cubed), and shredded chicken. Pour all spices and seasonings over the top of the chicken. Add the 6-8 cups of broth. And allow to simmer for 15-20 minutes.</span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><br/><a href="http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com">http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29918308.post-29312036806468487242013-01-02T20:41:00.002-06:002013-03-26T15:35:26.950-05:00The Girls' General (Paleo) Stir Fry...<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span id="goog_1488194529"></span><span id="goog_1488194530"></span><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTqyd5Aq_NmpDPUM1JaQDbdzczm2uyyBrneqfveFtqMNy5QcavlBspSdFXv3kOuw0f6MZvG1aVpXdOGdxyrYSu0OSMYLct7sqvnLnWz99yXt43ZrJnUYcOaQ0DZO6l2gD1jjab9Q/s1600/IMG_4164-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTqyd5Aq_NmpDPUM1JaQDbdzczm2uyyBrneqfveFtqMNy5QcavlBspSdFXv3kOuw0f6MZvG1aVpXdOGdxyrYSu0OSMYLct7sqvnLnWz99yXt43ZrJnUYcOaQ0DZO6l2gD1jjab9Q/s640/IMG_4164-2.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's named "Girls' General Stir Fry" b/c McKlayne helped as the official "taste-tester" and "ingredient adder" as I've made several adjustments to a General Tso's recipe to "paleo-fy" it and get it just right over the last year. McKlayne gave me high-fives all throughout this meal as she commented on how good this was.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Several things that I love about this meal: I love that this meal is PACKED with tons of veggies. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">I love that it makes PLENTY of leftovers, even for all of our big eaters! (It's really good the next day for lunch!) And I love that I can actually prep most of this meal earlier that day (or even earlier in the week) to make a quick dinner to throw together. (I actually riced my cauliflower the day I bought it and kept it in the fridge for 5 days before making this meal. If I prep the broccoli and carrots, too, this meal is pretty simple...it just takes some time to cook in batches since it makes so much.) This makes clean-up much easier and cuts down on time in the kitchen. If you don't prepare all your veggies before-hand this could take about an hour or longer to prepare and cook...but maybe that's just because of my four little "interruptions" as I frequently have to take breaks to referee or move them on to something else to keep the babies "busy".</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Okay...onto the recipe:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>2 heads of cauliflower, riced</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>4-5 cups broccoli </b>(I use raw, but I'm sure frozen would be fine, too.)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>5 large carrots, sliced into rounds</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>1 large onion, cut into large chunks</b> (like you would for a stir fry)</span><br />
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3 chicken breasts</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (cut into bite size chunks, seasoned with paprika, chili powder, s&p)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Plus the sauce ingredients listed in Step 2.</span></div>
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1. Begin by "ricing" 2 heads of raw cauliflower: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 14px;">Remove stems and leaves, and chop florets into chunks. Add to food processor and pulse until it looks like rice.</span> (I find it much easier to pulverize the cauliflower in several batches. It's less messy AND I have better control over the consistency. I like mine to look like large feta cheese crumbles....any smaller and I think it gets too mushy.) I usually set my processor on a 1-2 (out of 6) and pulverize away. Set riced cauliflower aside.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. Then, prepare the sauce. (Half this if you're making a smaller portion.) Whisk the following together thoroughly in a small saucepan: </span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 cups Chicken Broth </span></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>1/2 cup raw honey<br />
1/4 cup <a href="http://www.coconutsecret.com/aminos2.html" style="text-decoration: none;">Coconut Aminos</a></b> (this is to replace soy sauce..it's wheat and soy free)<br />
<b>1/4 cup apple juice (</b>sherry wine or white wine...I actually had some of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lakewood-Pure-Apple-Juice-Organic/dp/B001BKNGHW/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1357178881&sr=8-4&keywords=pure+apple+juice">this </a>and none of the others, so I used the apple juice)</span><br />
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/8 cup apple cider vinegar </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br />
1/8 cup lemon juice</b></span><br />
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1-2 tsp</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b> garlic chili sauce </b>(optional: my kids don't mind the spice, but if your kids are sensitive, you can cut it out...if you cut it, make sure you add some garlic powder, maybe 1 tsp.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let all of this begin to simmer and then add: </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/4 cup</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b> arrowroot powder with </b></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/4 cup</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b> of water, </b>for thickening. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken a bit. Turn heat </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">to low</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. While the sauce is simmering, prepare the chicken: </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Melt a couple tablespoons of coconut oil in a large pan on medium heat and brown all sides of meat. Once the chicken is starting to brown, turn heat down to med-low and steam for a few minutes until done. When it's done, transfer it to a large serving bowl where you will combine all the stir-fry. (While chicken is cooking, get started on the veggies.) </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If I had a large </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Presto-06852-16-Inch-Electric-Skillet/dp/B0007XRTDG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1357179458&sr=8-1&keywords=electric+griddle+stir+fry" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">electric skillet</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, I'd probably do all the veggies in this (and use it in place of my "serving bowl"), but I don't so I have to make it in my largest pan and do a couple batches.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">4. Cover bottom of hot pan with coconut oil and fry cauliflower. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This may take about 10 minutes or so. W</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">hen you think it's done, taste a little bit...if it still tastes cauliflower-y then cook it a little longer until it doesn't taste like much (kinda like rice.) When it's done, dump it in your serving bowl.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5. Add about 1/4 cup of the stir-fry sauce to your large pan and pour in the rest of the veggies (broccoli, carrots and onion) and cover </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">for about 10 minutes</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Occasionally</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> stir everything together, until veggies reach desired "done-ness". Transfer everything to the huge serving bowl with the "rice" and chicken, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">mixing together well.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">6. Dish out individual servings of the stir-fry and top with desired amount of sauce. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Enjoy your stir-fry! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">If you liked this, you may enjoy this even easier go-to-dish: <a href="http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com/2012/01/paleo-fried-rice.html">Pork Fried Rice</a>.</span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><br/><a href="http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com">http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29918308.post-43887825406208019952012-12-04T22:55:00.004-06:002013-12-09T21:52:11.622-06:00How we celebrate Christmas<br />
This is a collection of some of our favorite ways to celebrate and prepare our hearts for "the coming" of Jesus at Christmas during Advent.<br />
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If you click on each picture, it will take you to the post where I've previously blogged about it over the years. I hope your family will enjoy these as you expectantly await the celebration of our Savior's birth!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com/2011/12/handprint-nativity-animals.html"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBCyQvhqZOv-7ypZphu5Wtl9wSOqptL7hH2nTE1NY8cAKvxeJaN9pLl9GOPyKaNQIpzLNgGDHCaXxaslVbFnHymYxSytHkhylKKePJ_LJhhRj-tq32IATIynoA16WU7XbDYIBJpQ/s640/2011-12-3.jpg" style="border: 0px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); padding: 0px;" width="640" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com/2011/12/handprint-nativity-animals.html">Handprint Nativity Animals</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com/2011/12/more-books.html"><img border="0" height="526" src="http://www.credomag.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/stars.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com/2011/12/more-books.html">Christmas Book Countdown (includes list of books)</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com/2011/12/christmas-stories.html"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-PX6Dh46w6HUhx6QzqAf91iMY_CQ4qoYQteQG27cW5aBJHxggsqDXEhBliD0lPwCe1D1d2M1s1p_KO5biq5tkUbKKONqPrU6pCS5WWmbG0OD-aFfG4XDxk3gjuv6pfdh_zNE4/s640/itunes+cover.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com/2011/12/christmas-stories.html">Our favorite Christmas album (kid-approved, but not really made for "kids")</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com/2011/11/shepherds-pouches.html"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwoOTR9mW70HwLWO9Hc4fQWB3b2ljrGjQCGT7H9Y91hkc2SHOn8HVIFB_pG0N8VhRBXpBHYAQZfxm5eIwVd23vWE-eNYEwr_uKrvl_Y2Pno67d4fxwBxdLKjnFeZZz-EPVrjNPVA/s640/IMG_0078-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com/2011/11/shepherds-pouches.html">Shepherd's Pouches</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com/2010/12/advent-activities.html"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyKP0rkXJ-jFoP8nXf-GSRHioMzLCq7EZCrB_VrPQimaq1WEKvTB1BTs67-s4UM63nc4q7-aCNqnZVgyJPlOmOLSQ_81B8AydxW48JOSowYJD2UrSTEKlQFqI8GWSFCNrediOm/s640/IMG_1117.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com/2010/12/advent-activities.html">A list of Advent Activities</a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com/2009/12/when-advent-isnt-quite-workingand-more.html"><span style="line-height: 1.6em;">(Another list of advent </span><span style="line-height: 20.799999237060547px;">activities</span><span style="line-height: 1.6em;">.)</span></a></span><br />
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And a few others we'll be doing this year:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://katherinemariephotography.com/blog/archives/7629"><img border="0" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiStgsHdjhpx8H9RNEOqfi2M2JZgdK3jP9ZKp5rnH7rSlRMFjALPmtun6sZ9_T7ufFGiehRJLlbUjIZrp4P079Guy-RoITBvnRcu4VqAkriA2aP7aHocs4j0XancMYK91PjWT_mQQ/s640/copyright-katherine-marie-n547.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://katherinemariephotography.com/blog/archives/7629">KatherineMarie is the best!</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Tale-of-Christmas-Keepsake-Book"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://tcdn.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/The-Tale-of-Christmas-Keepsake-Book/original-168989-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Tale-of-Christmas-Keepsake-Book">Only $4. Has all the directions you need to lead your kids in creating their own 'Tale of Christmas'. We started this at the end of last December and didn't get to finish it, but what we did, my kids enjoyed. So, we'll start over again this year!</a></td></tr>
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Does your family celebrate with any fun traditions? Or any that you're eager to try this year? I'd love to hear them!</div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><br/><a href="http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com">http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29918308.post-13735092681193025992012-11-30T01:40:00.003-06:002012-12-06T10:59:58.156-06:00Friday Funnies: My little "men"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCCzFEBMK3e9bucNbm6fqOL89YhxSH1JxQSsP9Uo6jZNXyR5890m8xcfUfUF-D9ECv76o6SCOuIUsdF1LzdtlGaGhwlIemsdPanL9zHajbfGK__e1yVD-rAWoKvidPNhxSBHuaUQ/s1600/4101a53e3ac011e292a022000a1faf61_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCCzFEBMK3e9bucNbm6fqOL89YhxSH1JxQSsP9Uo6jZNXyR5890m8xcfUfUF-D9ECv76o6SCOuIUsdF1LzdtlGaGhwlIemsdPanL9zHajbfGK__e1yVD-rAWoKvidPNhxSBHuaUQ/s640/4101a53e3ac011e292a022000a1faf61_7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Me: <i>What</i> are you boys doing?</div>
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Asher: Don't worry, Momma, I'm just teaching him how to be a man.</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><br/><a href="http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com">http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29918308.post-33884265121738742112012-10-22T13:10:00.000-05:002012-11-30T13:21:31.995-06:00Full Hands.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU3qjxMIishfBJBfCUq1BEStrh3Av23RkGSIOu68edwOxrzlyujPW8mIcH2Lp1EbX1ChRS_pDphvKxO0nNAsuGM8Boo3bveoNeVVf9QADucJgKvFGvgImQ6a0xQSknwEhvlCg6cQ/s1600/NewBaby-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU3qjxMIishfBJBfCUq1BEStrh3Av23RkGSIOu68edwOxrzlyujPW8mIcH2Lp1EbX1ChRS_pDphvKxO0nNAsuGM8Boo3bveoNeVVf9QADucJgKvFGvgImQ6a0xQSknwEhvlCg6cQ/s640/NewBaby-001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">This is the announcement we used to share our "big" news with the Facebook World. While I really liked my boots in the picture below, I thought the above pic more clearly communicated the message. But back to the boots...I mean, who even knows how much long I'll be able to squeeze my unavoidably growing ankles into those cute boots? So, I will keep this picture and dream about the days when my pregnant body will once be manageable again...<i>so vain</i>, I know. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijE0i-9ilxTNrVhP62yUV9vTVL_M9h6_zTv08GELqnQ8s7ipVd_VejF4KQKz-RfNuHSAG1vbzGeo9M5ZKleQSMAjVvkFJssdUAX89SIMuhsOxZbGgojbesSn4fqs5wODM39WEjMw/s1600/IMG_5126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijE0i-9ilxTNrVhP62yUV9vTVL_M9h6_zTv08GELqnQ8s7ipVd_VejF4KQKz-RfNuHSAG1vbzGeo9M5ZKleQSMAjVvkFJssdUAX89SIMuhsOxZbGgojbesSn4fqs5wODM39WEjMw/s640/IMG_5126.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is how we told the older two. They were SO delighted to hear about their new baby. So much so that the next morning, as soon as McKlayne saw me she ran up to me and started kissing my <strike>baby</strike> belly as she gushed, "I just can't believe it, we're having another baby..." Followed by Asher who told me, "When I was laying in bed last night I just couldn't sleep...and tears were even coming out of my eyes because I'm so excited." McKlayne has told me no less than 6 times in the last 24 hours, "Oh, Mommy, your belly is getting BIGGER!!!" Yes. Yes, it is. And, it will continue to for the next 30 weeks...I have already begun warning her that it will also take a while to get "small" again after the baby is here.<br />
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Okay, this is a long video, but I thought that at least the grandparents might want to see it:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/rzfetKTJRag" width="560"></iframe><br />
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Speaking of growing...how did this two get so big? It just seemed like they were making this video. But it's already been over two years!</div>
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<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://2.gvt0.com/vi/S_H5FsWZVs4/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/S_H5FsWZVs4&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/S_H5FsWZVs4&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><br/><a href="http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com">http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29918308.post-47161096991967259502012-09-30T22:50:00.000-05:002012-11-29T22:43:00.031-06:00Daddy Daughter Date<span style="font-family: inherit;"><img align="right" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1K4L8vJka4AUcGBhh7ozOUhyF3LnlQGqIfwVEhAG_-ebqy2w3xkVoh83vcCsPI4QLkLCpjB7a4yKJVBe-0914ueeNGNpwPzYXxQ7k_mLBE-Jtq5mWt_TaZvgpxyZ05q-VgRRf/s400/mcklayne-daddy-start.jpg" style="margin: 0px 0px 1em 1em;" width="271" /><b>McKlayne is a great date</b>. If you're ever around McKlayne it wouldn't take much of your imagination to understand this. The girl is never at loss for words. The questions are endless ... which is great for a daddy who is a bit below average on the conversational spectrum. But I did have plenty of questions for my girl on our overdue date. And I did have to wait occasionally to fit in those questions.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We had dinner with the family and then set out for the mall. I wanted to allow for some major talking time with my girl as we walked around. I also love McKlayne's imagination. I think it's one of her greatest assets and I'm not sure that I've seen anyone use theirs as much as she does. I wanted to see it take off as we wandered around. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The mall didn't disappoint. The somewhat unsightly construction left us with my many X's (</span>designat<span style="font-family: inherit;">ing broken tiles) on the floor that </span>mark<span style="font-family: inherit;">ed all of the mall's buried treasure. We stopped at kiosks and stores and tried on glasses, masks and more. We squeezed into a kids' ride and went on a rollercoaster together. I'm telling you — the girl is F-U-N. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our first scheduled stop was the pet store. It's really the puppy store as that's all that they sell. But, it's where we take our kids to get their pet-fix as we are a "No Pet Zone." And McKlayne — the little mommy and animal lover — lights up when you mention going. She could spend hours there holding those creatures. I let her stay as long as I can stand the smell and the gushing pet lovers' "goo goo" talk and then give her an additional 10 minutes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
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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/AVvXsEhDvf3Y53YCIprQUKBiuqVV7VSRnlngnveljVvXFXcwndnIGRSM1Zo4SUOCb-WHIBFpdJvb8WddyMH8OUgdvaqBt4cL7A7vSiZ9m4TlowUZPAN2bssgOme4SdIwE7HgwLP6zkqN/s1600/mcklayne-puppy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDvf3Y53YCIprQUKBiuqVV7VSRnlngnveljVvXFXcwndnIGRSM1Zo4SUOCb-WHIBFpdJvb8WddyMH8OUgdvaqBt4cL7A7vSiZ9m4TlowUZPAN2bssgOme4SdIwE7HgwLP6zkqN/s1600/mcklayne-puppy.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">McKlayne holding "Adelae"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">She told me what she'd name the pup and then what Mommy, Daddy and Asher might name it. And when I asked, she quickly informed me that Oliver couldn't name pets yet — like it was a crazy question. I didn't ask about L. She told me about what she'd do, where they'd go and the tricks that she'd teach it. And then we switched out dogs and repeated. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We walked back through the mall to pick up a cookie for Asher both lamenting the removal of the giant playplace in the food court. We split a peanut butter cookie (one of her favorites) and were off to Spoons. </span><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/AVvXsEi7bSzQaUyfmmcbW7qGCUFIeSOkDBNfzN8ZoJEwuTEYPZlgYfRVkxYWAujW1dq7VvkKJ67z2m9kYC3b3eTG9NKNvHKS0rd5d0SLQ1TzrVvmD66fydGi8bZCmN3fYRYMc2YgsBle/s1600/mcklayne-mall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7bSzQaUyfmmcbW7qGCUFIeSOkDBNfzN8ZoJEwuTEYPZlgYfRVkxYWAujW1dq7VvkKJ67z2m9kYC3b3eTG9NKNvHKS0rd5d0SLQ1TzrVvmD66fydGi8bZCmN3fYRYMc2YgsBle/s1600/mcklayne-mall.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few stops at the mall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you ask McKlayne where she wants to go on a date, you may get a few different places or ideas, but "Spoons" is always the first one. We tried a few flavors with our stack of sample cups and then got our usuals. McKlayne mixed her gummy bears, yellow mystery gusher balls, chocoate chips and sprinkles into her strawberry-cheesecake swirl yogurt. Yumm, right? We had a lot more to talk about and then she dared me to take a bite of her concoction. Well ... she sweetly and generously asked me if I wanted to try hers. But, it felt like a dare. Either way I ate that stuff ... and lied to her face and said it was delicious. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I scooted around next to her in order to hold out the camera and snap a pic of our date. After we got a good one that included both of our heads, two smiles and our yogurts in the same shot, I decided to stay close and do some "same side sitting." She politely asked me to move back across the table. I proceeded to let her know how Mommy and I would sit close on our dates while we talked. She nodded and pointed to the other side of the table. I chuckled and compliantly scooted my chair back around. McKlayne, may you always be so firm and keep all of your future dates honest.</span><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/AVvXsEiOkn5bimeGxpfbwsDybLVR4S8G7hlyxslyMgJ49I_mJ9qJeY7awNiZhsmDBh2Hqxbxfq4cCtAsYwzOxacwwM97MQVug8bfvf9hcMtQZdt7GUGAoK9v7UAbLx9LGj9oFxRl6Zgl/s1600/mcklayne-spoons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOkn5bimeGxpfbwsDybLVR4S8G7hlyxslyMgJ49I_mJ9qJeY7awNiZhsmDBh2Hqxbxfq4cCtAsYwzOxacwwM97MQVug8bfvf9hcMtQZdt7GUGAoK9v7UAbLx9LGj9oFxRl6Zgl/s1600/mcklayne-spoons.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We love Spoons!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And that was it. McKlayne was such a treat. The way I laughed with her, gushed over her and just stared from time-to-time at her beauty reminded me of other dates with a girl that actually shares a resemblance (and a lot of personality) with my Klayney. So we headed back home, delivered our cookie and wondered what the phrase "awkward silence" even meant. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here's to many more dates with you McKlayne. Love, Daddy.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><br/><a href="http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com">http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29918308.post-40754838502458228282012-09-30T21:17:00.000-05:002012-11-29T22:43:00.027-06:00Chicken Fajita Wraps<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/AVvXsEgfc9qQj8_Y_qIH9rDpWnCvD2jZbp5QPYMMoj3aTDelyhM0Us2p3LBsb31DgVVG3G3qULbpWIuc0m2EDB6uCUgqMtRIbr3USaYwiiVd3GGsPrLulyzoP4LNzdo5qzCHUHhHE9I70Q/s1600/IMG_4797.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfc9qQj8_Y_qIH9rDpWnCvD2jZbp5QPYMMoj3aTDelyhM0Us2p3LBsb31DgVVG3G3qULbpWIuc0m2EDB6uCUgqMtRIbr3USaYwiiVd3GGsPrLulyzoP4LNzdo5qzCHUHhHE9I70Q/s640/IMG_4797.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">with <a href="http://www.theclothesmakethegirl.com/2009/11/06/okra-okra-ok-ok/">oven-roasted okra</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Our friends, Joe and Melissa, made Fajita Wraps with all the fixings for us when we were over for dinner one night. It was a hit with my family, so I knew I had to add this to the rotation! (Now I think of you wonderful Terry's every time we eat this meal and for all the ways we're thankful for how God has used you two to shape us.)<br />
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I based my marinade off of <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/fajita-marinade-i/">this</a> recipe.<br />
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Fajita Marinade<br />
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1/4 cup lime juice<br />
1/3 cup water<br />
2 tablespoons olive oil<br />
2 teaspoons garlic, minced<br />
2 teaspoons salt<br />
1 teaspoon ground black pepper<br />
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I usually let the marinade sit for 1-2 nights in the fridge, but it can marinate for just a few hours if you need to eat them sooner. The longer, the better, though.<br />
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Grill or cook on stovetop in skillet. Serve in lettuce wraps with grilled mushrooms and onions, salsa and guacamole.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><br/><a href="http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com">http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29918308.post-89576562544170621162012-09-13T23:20:00.003-05:002012-11-29T22:43:00.049-06:00Roasted Veggie Medley<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiASGkLDjGqVSHTefr-vo4O8LZ7mmk0SzdnK8Fr4YDCxb78UvFZDsDl3T2f_pUITwn539qPGEqhVhGl0NAUYpgsmdI_iZXXpNd2nd1GRLv7ihy80gdZg4SZgn5FIJnJ_ivrOWe1eQ/s1600/IMG_3406-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiASGkLDjGqVSHTefr-vo4O8LZ7mmk0SzdnK8Fr4YDCxb78UvFZDsDl3T2f_pUITwn539qPGEqhVhGl0NAUYpgsmdI_iZXXpNd2nd1GRLv7ihy80gdZg4SZgn5FIJnJ_ivrOWe1eQ/s640/IMG_3406-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This recipe originated with my friend, <a href="http://supercinski.net/">Rachel</a>. I may have made a few changes over the years, I really can't remember. I like making this at the beginning of the week and eating off of it for a few meals or making it when we need to contribute to some sort of large-group meal. It makes a very large portion, so you may need to, at least, half it.<br />
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1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into thirds<br />
1 red onion, cut into large slices<br />
1 whole red, orange, or yellow bell pepper (or 1/2 of each), sliced<br />
a few handfuls of cherry or grape tomatoes, halved<br />
1-2 zucchini, cut into bite size pieces<br />
4-6 cups of broccoli<br />
2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil<br />
1-2 teaspoons minced garlic<br />
salt and pepper<br />
(and sometimes a couple dashes of Tony's seasoning)<br />
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Mix veggies in a huge bowl. Add oil and seasonings. Toss to coat. Roast in the oven at 400 for 20-25 minutes.<br />
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You can also grill them: Heat grill over high heat. Toss veggies into a grill basket (or an aluminum pan with holes poked in the bottom) and grill for 8-12 minutes, stirring every few minutes.<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><br/><a href="http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com">http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29918308.post-78666117320163315862012-09-04T23:29:00.000-05:002012-11-29T23:15:26.932-06:00Book-nook, baby.<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Lately, after one of those panicked moments of realizing that Oliver has been quiet for way too long, and nervous about where and what I may find him doing...I've found him here:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvqpQEPLFdVKncirpYT_iOAqcgv-I-A-f-75EMe1kZZ0J8jHgyUfIFIRVwJ0xXNOen0XqGZ1lDpzapwBk6xVnKS7glbsKqLFroENXd9A3XSLAMXpzwjd1o9_NzBkU-W1P1ViAz_A/s1600/IMG_4636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvqpQEPLFdVKncirpYT_iOAqcgv-I-A-f-75EMe1kZZ0J8jHgyUfIFIRVwJ0xXNOen0XqGZ1lDpzapwBk6xVnKS7glbsKqLFroENXd9A3XSLAMXpzwjd1o9_NzBkU-W1P1ViAz_A/s640/IMG_4636.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">He'll skillfully pull the box of board books off the third shelf on careful tippytoes...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguX9Ar-aO_RtiYnqJwzKKkJ2F6DmRv85xEnBUnXVbMMSswzhWaduLfSqB3SofY6nhDdBu8wDoXLJ2aAnKWKLN5snS9gYsxIcltCvh-QZKa58ghGy9RkZxHTAzqD9TRdXQYKFYfCA/s1600/IMG_4637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguX9Ar-aO_RtiYnqJwzKKkJ2F6DmRv85xEnBUnXVbMMSswzhWaduLfSqB3SofY6nhDdBu8wDoXLJ2aAnKWKLN5snS9gYsxIcltCvh-QZKa58ghGy9RkZxHTAzqD9TRdXQYKFYfCA/s640/IMG_4637.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">And quietly sit, reading to himself in his booknook. This has become his favorite place of retreat. He's proud that he can pull himself up on the ottoman all by himself (high enough up and away from L who can't quite get up on her own) so he can have some alone time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">He'll sit here for up to 20 minutes at a time...getting lost in the illustrations and reciting animal sounds to himself.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">And after he's done with each one, he tosses them on the floor.</span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><br/><a href="http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com">http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29918308.post-10076574175582032932012-09-03T14:22:00.001-05:002012-09-03T14:22:08.257-05:00Mercy Project<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Hello?! Is anyone even out there? This has become a sleepy little blog to the public...behind the scenes I've still be blogging away. I actually have quite a few posts that I haven't published since February when we were placed with our foster daughter who is just 7 weeks younger than Oliver (more on that to come) but I'm an all-or-nothing kinda gal. Oliver is now 1 1/2 years old and according to my blog header, he didn't (and still doesn't) exist. So, since I'd didn't have time to update my blog, I quit publishing posts. Silly, I know. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But, today, I have something very important to share with you. <a href="http://allthingshendrick.blogspot.com/">Heather</a> asked me, along with 99 other bloggers, to be a part of getting the word out about <a href="http://mercyproject.net/">Mercy Project</a>, which was started by a sweet couple in our church that many in our body our involved in. <a href="http://mercyproject.net/">Mercy Projec</a>t is currently working in Ghana to help end child slavery and trafficking. Go read for yourselves about how you may get involved:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbvWWyTcPVBFP7DKU0yxa_Z05Zz8lFKbTMjo1xI8hCDD3fufVd2PhJf16ALkFlAfGPGe6XiyceoR6bNa_C1nQugW7P3ZZwty3CYlOFEFbFyn-JuFCGOav2C6BVUAdgN6J3fd2VNQ/s1600/mercy+project.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbvWWyTcPVBFP7DKU0yxa_Z05Zz8lFKbTMjo1xI8hCDD3fufVd2PhJf16ALkFlAfGPGe6XiyceoR6bNa_C1nQugW7P3ZZwty3CYlOFEFbFyn-JuFCGOav2C6BVUAdgN6J3fd2VNQ/s400/mercy+project.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13.0pt;">There’s an estimated
7,000 children who work in the Ghana fishing industry. Some of<br />
these children are as young as 5 and 6 years old. All of these children are slaves.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 13.0pt;">–<a href="http://mercyproject.net/">Mercy Project</a><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today many in our country
will take a day off from our jobs to celebrate the social and economic
achievements of American workers.
No matter if we’re celebrating at home or at the beach, we’re entering
into a tradition that has largely been shaped by Labor Unions - organizations
that are dedicated to protecting workers’ interests and improving their wages,
hours, and working conditions.
Today as we lounge around or hang out with friends and family, we’re not
only celebrating hard work, we’re honoring fair, ethical working practices and
the laws that prevent discrimination, abuse, and child labor in our
country. Without these laws in
place (and enforced), the most vulnerable members of society suffer. Who are the most vulnerable? Children. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhicKzGK-eUuesJn6j1AoqEURa0tEjtOhEp3OtKLWAY6l3Igce0xQLXuyYD9COhTmPYqinkCKRZKXo3tbpyloFeyJDBvVHxWoLRopfNphiVrpsJnJxOq1m6MdfTjhyphenhyphenw-Vq7mB5RmQ/s1600/mercy+project1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhicKzGK-eUuesJn6j1AoqEURa0tEjtOhEp3OtKLWAY6l3Igce0xQLXuyYD9COhTmPYqinkCKRZKXo3tbpyloFeyJDBvVHxWoLRopfNphiVrpsJnJxOq1m6MdfTjhyphenhyphenw-Vq7mB5RmQ/s640/mercy+project1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="background: white; font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"God does not want us to
merely give the poor perfunctory help, but to ponder long and hard about
how to improve their entire situation." </span><span style="background: white; font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">-- Tim Keller in Generous Justice</span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i> </i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today as we’re celebrating
the systems in our own country that strive to prevent injustices like child
trafficking and child labor, we’re mindful of the many child slaves around the
world who are unprotected and the organizations, like <a href="http://mercyproject.net/">Mercy Project</a>, who are
working to free them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTqhG_LKOCK04iJs6doeh-9X1D1MukeR-tKp3aNKA0t6QPufifQ6aiCEpGkh_3YkSrgVHXTGjCKUPiwWeYkkHf9RFi9imQrw7onL-HqVFO6OGTv6xj8WwsQO_EPlRbsz_Qmi7JSw/s1600/mercyproject2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTqhG_LKOCK04iJs6doeh-9X1D1MukeR-tKp3aNKA0t6QPufifQ6aiCEpGkh_3YkSrgVHXTGjCKUPiwWeYkkHf9RFi9imQrw7onL-HqVFO6OGTv6xj8WwsQO_EPlRbsz_Qmi7JSw/s640/mercyproject2.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"><i>"If slavery is not wrong, nothing is wrong." -- Abraham Lincoln</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As a mother, it’s
difficult for me to imagine my children working 14 hours a day, 7 days a
week. I’m unable to wrap my brain
around the thought of my children engaged in long, hard days of physical labor,
eating one meal a day, and then falling asleep at night on a dirt floor filled
with other slave children. Yet
this is the daily reality for kids who have been trafficked into the fishing
industry in Ghana, Africa. As with
much of Africa, there is a great deal of poverty in Ghana. Unfortunately, this
leaves many mothers in an unimaginable position: sell their children to someone
who can take better care of them or watch them starve to death. Most of the
mothers are told their children will be given food, housing, and an education.
Instead, the kids are often taken to Lake Volta where they become child slaves
and their mothers never see them again.
Thankfully, <a href="http://mercyproject.net/">Mercy Project</a> is working to break the cycles of trafficking
around Lake Volta by providing alternate, more efficient, sustainable, fishing
methods for villagers – ultimately eliminating the need for child slaves. Because of the work <a href="http://mercyproject.net/">Mercy Project</a> is
doing in Ghana, the first group of children will be freed this month from Lake
Volta. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We invite you to watch
this moving, 10 minute documentary about the issues surrounding child labor and
trafficking in Ghana and most importantly the hope <a href="http://mercyproject.net/">Mercy Project</a> is bringing to
children and entire communities in Africa. <a href="http://mercyproject.net/">Mercy Project</a> is the only NGO working on Lake Volta
addressing the injustice of child labor and child trafficking at its root - by
strengthening the Ghanaian economy and eliminating the structures that cause
the demand for trafficked children. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Whether
these ideas of child labor, child trafficking, and modern-day slavery are new
to you or you’re aware of these injustices, but need to hear some good news
every once in awhile, we invite you to become a part of what <a href="http://mercyproject.net/">Mercy Projec</a>t is
doing in Ghana. When <a href="http://mercyproject.net/">Mercy Project</a>
frees their first group of children this month, we can all celebrate together.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Learn
more and get involved by:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">•
<a href="http://youtu.be/b4Dwv5KbMYI">Watching</a> Mercy Project’s short documentary. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">•
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/mercyproject">Following</a> Mercy Project on Facebook.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">•
<a href="https://twitter.com/mercyproject">Connecting</a> with Mercy Project via Twitter. [link provided below]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">•
Spending some time on <a href="http://mercyproject.net/">Mercy Project’s website</a>. [link provided below]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">•
Sharing about Mercy Project’s work in Ghana with your friends. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt;">Although
child trafficking, child labor, and the unstable economies that result in these
injustices are a tragedy, we’re grateful for what <a href="http://mercyproject.net/">Mercy Project</a> is doing to
protect the vulnerable and for allowing us to be a part of this story. While we’re commemorating labor
laws and ethical work in our own country today, we invite you to follow along
on this journey with <a href="http://mercyproject.net/">Mercy Project</a> to protect and free children in Ghana.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment--><div class="blogger-post-footer"><br/><a href="http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com">http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29918308.post-11392456150370257112012-08-15T23:19:00.000-05:002012-11-29T22:43:00.007-06:00And we have a reader...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYNKmi95dgf4Czqp-U4wPziNPlin92r6OyOrekTv7xm-YFU73cSDy1PR5lH_uurVCJ8CMb-iM1IIx92g-h8L2AQcw98XrV8azLl8fIh2CoLv13_4ifANLnJ2NQVsLTJeb776tYMg/s1600/Reader-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYNKmi95dgf4Czqp-U4wPziNPlin92r6OyOrekTv7xm-YFU73cSDy1PR5lH_uurVCJ8CMb-iM1IIx92g-h8L2AQcw98XrV8azLl8fIh2CoLv13_4ifANLnJ2NQVsLTJeb776tYMg/s640/Reader-001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Hey there, Mr. Too-Big-for-Your-Britches,<br />
<br />
Who told you that you could get so big?...Or start reading for that matter? We are not supposed to start Kindergarten for another <b>TWO </b>weeks and teaching you to read just happened to be one of <i>my</i> goals for this year. <br />
<br />
Last Sunday afternoon you came up to me and said, "Hey, Momma, I can spell 'hat'." Then, you spelled it as you sounded it out. I quizzed you on about 12 more three letter words and you got them all right. And, then it occurred to me...if you could visualize these words in your head, then surely you could read them on paper! So, I pulled out the first of the five sets of<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bob-Books-Set-Beginning-Readers/dp/0439845009"> BOB books</a> that I'd snatched up at a garage sale at the beginning of the summer, and you read through the first set of 12 books in two days! I was in <b>total shock</b>. <br />
<br />
And, then the Mommy-guilt started to creep in. How long had you been able to do this? I know you're often overlooked these days because of the babies...but could you have been reading all summer, had we just tried? I know it's not a race. I just never imagined that reading would come so easy for you. (Now, I'm feeling pretty foolish for all the time I'd spent agonizing over selecting the perfect reading curriculum. Sheesh!)<br />
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You've been showing off your reading and spelling skills ever since. You are so proud of yourself. Realizing you could read was a bittersweet moment for me....so proud of and excited for you, yet slightly (okay, maybe a <i>little</i> more than slightly) annoyed that you didn't "need" me to help teach you...or maybe irritated that you couldn't just hold off a couple weeks and let me think that you <i>did</i>, indeed, need me? I did make you promise that you would still allow me to hold your big five year old self in my lap, every now and then, to read to you. You sweetly obliged to my request.<br />
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I give all the credit to<a href="http://www.amazon.com/LeapFrog-Factory-Roy-Allen-Smith/dp/B001TKUXUC/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1347421990&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=letter+factory+dvd"> Letter Factory</a> for teaching you your letter sounds in combination with the brilliant mind that God has given you...that mind that can't stop trying in invent, create, and figure things out on your own. May the Lord use that brilliant mind for His glory one day, smart boy. I have a feeling I'm going to continue to be shocked a bunch in my life, as I discover all the things that you can do.<br />
<br />
All My Love to you, Smartie Pants,<br />
<br />
Your Super Proud Momma<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC3Q6g9cfM49-KYsvj41N3q_z-oYSONFtXv6e2qjH6FJlwJJ4eg2gkt-XYHqaw_aUdsWiseMfKQgewRCbOG7irUnCqB96gPmUAKqN93cnoWdfPS6SKP675GUiB8SlsPRGKgaH0yQ/s1600/Reader.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC3Q6g9cfM49-KYsvj41N3q_z-oYSONFtXv6e2qjH6FJlwJJ4eg2gkt-XYHqaw_aUdsWiseMfKQgewRCbOG7irUnCqB96gPmUAKqN93cnoWdfPS6SKP675GUiB8SlsPRGKgaH0yQ/s640/Reader.jpg" width="640" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><br/><a href="http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com">http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29918308.post-29535841955385545282012-08-09T01:43:00.000-05:002012-11-29T22:43:00.017-06:00Your Daddy...This picture pretty much sums up how I feel most days, these days:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFr5qff9fCR9nrG-SM3Lj7RSYv142ybvE5WfTT8PkBaG48LwnBmno3jP_3pe00FAwRQ72M6CESOTUsTVcPOVFYcIC0DMhYTJ00oarSMw-M7y7551yjJQ5ippP7p5DAI7NeQotG7A/s1600/2012-07-31+19.57.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFr5qff9fCR9nrG-SM3Lj7RSYv142ybvE5WfTT8PkBaG48LwnBmno3jP_3pe00FAwRQ72M6CESOTUsTVcPOVFYcIC0DMhYTJ00oarSMw-M7y7551yjJQ5ippP7p5DAI7NeQotG7A/s640/2012-07-31+19.57.40.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
...until about 5:10 p.m. when Daddy walks through the door and each of you break out in screams of excitement and giggles as you race to the front door. You kids <i>almost </i>communicate the relief and gratitude I feel when I see that handsome man walk in.<br />
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At 5:11 p.m. Daddy jumps in, holding <i>at least </i>a baby on one hip for the next two hours until bedtime.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2IgDQXBJgj1nlXMT5lU6bPUtjhJGHhkM4J94c04cxmMd5Dj1vUq99R_lNdupklTOqD4D8DYqOgG8tnXABJ9UcN-yzZ5OmUYF6H75U2WpOd4L1UpU4w9Z6ykqcPdaKkQBxCRk4gA/s1600/2012-07-31+19.32.25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2IgDQXBJgj1nlXMT5lU6bPUtjhJGHhkM4J94c04cxmMd5Dj1vUq99R_lNdupklTOqD4D8DYqOgG8tnXABJ9UcN-yzZ5OmUYF6H75U2WpOd4L1UpU4w9Z6ykqcPdaKkQBxCRk4gA/s640/2012-07-31+19.32.25.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I love when we're able to spend our evenings after dinner like this. I usually feel too exhausted to join, but I love taking you all in. It's in these moments that my realization of how precious you all are is renewed. I am so thankful to get to be your Mommy all.day.long. But, I am even <i><b>more</b></i> thankful to be married to your Daddy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_9LQzv0jwgxcU3-4l64AP3BoWIVRJsIKTA6eOqgG0DONIMRrwwq_kD9S2mbhIfF8jsocTSse8F7Uw10d7qgQdeXoflah_BxY2yk78fXO7ZezmVas45eOxbvAx2BUFtsYi0DZUQg/s1600/iphone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_9LQzv0jwgxcU3-4l64AP3BoWIVRJsIKTA6eOqgG0DONIMRrwwq_kD9S2mbhIfF8jsocTSse8F7Uw10d7qgQdeXoflah_BxY2yk78fXO7ZezmVas45eOxbvAx2BUFtsYi0DZUQg/s640/iphone.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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That Daddy. After a long day at work he pours out his entire heart and soul, chasing, tickling, building block towers, wrestling, impersonating, playing, reading books, bathing naked hineys--all with careful intent...to love you four with a rich and elaborate kind of love. <br />
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No one else makes each of you laugh as hard as your Daddy--not even close. Each of you love that Daddy with all that you are...but not as much as I do--not even close.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><br/><a href="http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com">http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29918308.post-20951205197819354872012-08-08T01:01:00.000-05:002012-11-29T22:43:00.012-06:00Double Take...<div style="text-align: center;">
You two share everything. </div>
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Toys...most of the time.</div>
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Food...especially when one of you doesn't like what's on your tray. </div>
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Sippy cups..which sometimes later leads to sharing a runny nose.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDDDL5m8ddmM_IfAYyEyfIqSSdoWn0ilojWIS9b0rEilGlKMqdgBpEdrIb3r3JDeQbgCr26etpe_nOpwfR9WbP9pQ9Z2l4t91ck-XC-WXnvF9CiTP98K3c8Rwv3s2puzJy1dV_nA/s1600/Collages.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDDDL5m8ddmM_IfAYyEyfIqSSdoWn0ilojWIS9b0rEilGlKMqdgBpEdrIb3r3JDeQbgCr26etpe_nOpwfR9WbP9pQ9Z2l4t91ck-XC-WXnvF9CiTP98K3c8Rwv3s2puzJy1dV_nA/s640/Collages.jpg" width="640" /></a>Yep. Crocs, too. (Oliver doesn't seem to mind the subtle, light pink.)</div>
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And, have I mentioned that you two share the same habits?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsqXMHnNr29c-9Apmb8sX-jEbU4IgnMg4sNzEXEFLhTjNhtYPSomc2CcfpeFWWAd4C1FvuoW8u9Y4G4Rv3VH0ALRXNotleGLUOsSEzXJh5riU2IRVDxHHDU5OIsB_7pnXo6NFqJg/s1600/iphone-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsqXMHnNr29c-9Apmb8sX-jEbU4IgnMg4sNzEXEFLhTjNhtYPSomc2CcfpeFWWAd4C1FvuoW8u9Y4G4Rv3VH0ALRXNotleGLUOsSEzXJh5riU2IRVDxHHDU5OIsB_7pnXo6NFqJg/s640/iphone-001.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
When one of you learns a new trick, you're eager to pass it on to the other.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_6hBqJ8q6A34yhUjisSYKfksAg-Tt5OQWdmZ2QPoRjPf0T53aI17uuyKeJt3QLSWMXD0s61wv8mFwyBFJKNn02hLdpVOPEVI48H6DgppurObDfzFpIqptSLpYDs7hj-MPCVmB_w/s1600/Collages1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_6hBqJ8q6A34yhUjisSYKfksAg-Tt5OQWdmZ2QPoRjPf0T53aI17uuyKeJt3QLSWMXD0s61wv8mFwyBFJKNn02hLdpVOPEVI48H6DgppurObDfzFpIqptSLpYDs7hj-MPCVmB_w/s640/Collages1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Yet your little personalities are oh, so different. One of you is a bit cautious, the other a bit adventurous.</div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><br/><a href="http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com">http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29918308.post-48003024144609268392012-08-07T22:44:00.000-05:002012-12-06T09:56:10.575-06:00Crispy Chicken, "Faux"tatoes and Roasted Zucchini<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3BRRPw-U2GifutjMnDyDvKLKCsU68-gilollFqdxR_9Hy1NFXIXbv1sOn12J5sp1rFD-A-9D91OVaKIwi3eoBG2zWLnIsKJ9fobgM9O8aXpER0S4Ls75UN9YPEQ4n7ZEwDZYpAg/s1600/IMG_1702-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3BRRPw-U2GifutjMnDyDvKLKCsU68-gilollFqdxR_9Hy1NFXIXbv1sOn12J5sp1rFD-A-9D91OVaKIwi3eoBG2zWLnIsKJ9fobgM9O8aXpER0S4Ls75UN9YPEQ4n7ZEwDZYpAg/s640/IMG_1702-1.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">(Crispy chicken, "faux"tatoes, and roasted zucchini)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">This is what my kids like to call Crispy Chicken.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I altered <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/04/herb-roasted-whole-chicken/">this recipe</a> a little bit. If you're using a whole chicken, you can follow the basics of PW's recipe by stuffing the chicken, but it's cheaper for us to buy the chicken hindquarters<a href="http://yonderwayfarm.com/order-meat-here/"> from here</a> rather than a whole bird. (And, up until recently, one package of hindquarters was enough to feed our family. Now that the two babies are eating what we eat, I make two packages and we have leftover for lunch or for chicken salad.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Alright, here's what you need:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Crispy Chicken</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://yonderwayfarm.com/pastured-poultry/">chicken hindquarters</a>, rinsed (get pasture-raised if you can)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1 teaspoon of Basil</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1 teaspoon of Oregano</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1 teaspoon of Parsley</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1 teaspoon pepper</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 Tablespoon of salt</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">In a small bowl, mix together all the spices and seasonings and add the olive oil until combined well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Coat your entire hindquarters with the marinade...front, back, every nook and cranny. Place them on a large piece of tinfoil-covered baking sheet and roast at 425 for about 40 minutes. We like our skin really brown and crispy, crunchy. Let it cool for about 10-15 minutes before tearing into it, so all the juices aren't immediately released and so your chicken tastes juicy, not dry.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">That's it...wasn't that so easy?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">*************</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"Faux"tatoes</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1 giant head of organic cauliflower or a bag of frozen, steamed until soft</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 stick of butter</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1 tsp garlic powder, or fresh garlic, to taste</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">sea salt and pepper, to taste</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Blend all ingredients in a food processor. <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Keep scraping the sides and everything willl mix together and turn into what looks like mashed potatoes. </span>Taste to see if you need to add anything else...more butter? Salt? Those are usually what I start with...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">*****************</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Roasted Zucchini</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">3-4 zuchinni, sliced (long, thin slices using a <a href="http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=15938390">mandoline</a>)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">olive oil</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">sea salt & pepper</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Lay out all the zucchini slices on a baking sheet. Use a basting brush to coat the slices with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Put these in the oven for about the last 15 minutes of the chicken being roasted...check them after about 5 minutes...I usually end up turning the heat from 425 to 400 at this point. (Your chicken will continue to roast just fine on this temp.) And roast until light, golden brown.</span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><br/><a href="http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com">http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29918308.post-31339372889498990382012-07-27T01:38:00.000-05:002012-11-29T22:43:00.020-06:00A conversation about aging<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjPdzcyAOZTqvdmuHNT34rH-rwDlLWlea3IqpaxTnrfBUBOkw9z9QgI9zDvgh2yD1cCJ-lyUIitqp1ijR45o157s209tEErso-zBZ4-8RURj82BpAdKlxkkCrIagqQCIErIwPcDA/s1600/2012-07-20+21.36.47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjPdzcyAOZTqvdmuHNT34rH-rwDlLWlea3IqpaxTnrfBUBOkw9z9QgI9zDvgh2yD1cCJ-lyUIitqp1ijR45o157s209tEErso-zBZ4-8RURj82BpAdKlxkkCrIagqQCIErIwPcDA/s400/2012-07-20+21.36.47.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
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<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_504c31787dfcf6c43414527" style="background-color: white; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">
McKlayne, who had some leftover strawberry on her forehead, was eating her snack.<br />
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Asher: What's that on your forehead? Are you bleeding?<br />
<div class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">
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McKlayne: Nope, it's probably just a pimple.<br />
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Asher: A pimple? Oh dear!<br />
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M: Yep, I've got them all over me....even some on my cheeks.<br />
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A: It's okay, I've got some under my chin. Just happens as you get older, I guess.<br />
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M: Sure does. Must mean I'm getting married soon.</div>
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><br/><a href="http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com">http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29918308.post-496784324106757462012-07-23T13:38:00.000-05:002012-12-06T22:52:33.182-06:00Strawberry Summer Salad<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvbK3_PGWqWUui3pCzu4z6eo6IqbSXJo4E3EptUCH6p-skBlo68nm7mE1Fk8qjQrYY50PsXg5KADYd3Nl1mfQUsrXqbDpVrK3pCRFvYFfveMBG5pdVPeuS8jgxNTfK2jDldqISmQ/s1600/IMG_4394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvbK3_PGWqWUui3pCzu4z6eo6IqbSXJo4E3EptUCH6p-skBlo68nm7mE1Fk8qjQrYY50PsXg5KADYd3Nl1mfQUsrXqbDpVrK3pCRFvYFfveMBG5pdVPeuS8jgxNTfK2jDldqISmQ/s640/IMG_4394.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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My dear mother came up with this salad when I was "vacationing" at her house-- a "vacation" from cooking and cleaning my own. I never would have thought a strawberry-avocado combo could taste so good, but I think it's the blue cheese that brings it together just right. This is refreshingly light and tasty dinner salad...perfect for when the Texas heat reaches 108 unbearable degrees. Or even when it doesn't.<br />
<br />
<b>Strawberry Summer Salad</b><br />
Chicken (I like <a href="http://www.oxygenmag.com/Nutrition/Articles/Roasted-Chicken.aspx">this</a> recipe.)<br />
Romaine<br />
Raw Blue Cheese (There's nothing quite like raw blue cheese.)<br />
Avocado<br />
Strawberries<br />
Red Onion<br />
<br />
With a bit of<br />
<b>Maple Dressing</b>:<br />
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper<br />
1/2 teaspoon italian seasonings<br />
1 teaspoon dry mustard<br />
1 clove garlic, minced<br />
1/8 cup apple cider vinegar<br />
1/4 cup red wine vinegar<br />
1/2 cup Pure Maple Syrup<br />
3/4 cup olive oil<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><br/><a href="http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com">http://planetoftheapels.blogspot.com</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29918308.post-29644587018543604852012-07-20T01:42:00.000-05:002012-11-29T22:43:00.018-06:00Brown Eyed Girl<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 18px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">A</span><span style="background-color: white;">fter the pool one day this week. </span></span></div>
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