tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348275482024-03-07T16:16:27.280-08:00Summers Campcamp [kamp] - noun : a group of people favoring the same ideals, doctrines, etc.<br>
(aka. a family){B}dreamyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257136520394629440noreply@blogger.comBlogger465125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34827548.post-71774559357135126412015-02-16T14:26:00.002-08:002015-02-16T14:45:07.832-08:00every needful thing<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The beginning of this new year started with a huge sense of
urgency to prepare. I’m not exactly sure
why, or what for, but I’m acting on it.
If anything, the following promptings will help me get my life and house
in order, period. And I think that is a
worthwhile goal, in and of itself ;)</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large; text-indent: -0.25in;">Withdraw $20 every time we visit Costco, and put in our money jar</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Follow the <a href="http://stuckathomemom.com/52-week-money-challenge/2015-52-week-money-challenge-calendar/">52 week money input challenge</a></span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://recipesviabeth.blogspot.com/2015/01/feeling-peppy-about-prepping.html">Plan 13 weeks</a>’ worth of <a href="http://recipesviabeth.blogspot.com/search/label/food%20storage?updated-max=2015-01-25T21:29:00-08:00&max-results=20&start=20&by-date=false">food storage friendlymeals</a> (including a shopping list/inventory and recipes, all printed out and
placed in a binder)</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.classyclutter.net/2012/05/build-your-food-storage-for-as-little-as-5-a-week-plus-a-free-printable-list.html">Build Your Food Storage</a> weekly (modified for our
tastes/needs)</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Buy a case of water bottles every time we shop
at Costco</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://preparedldsfamily.blogspot.com/2012/06/how-to-prioritize-evacuation-list.html">How to Prioritize an Evacuation List</a></span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Gather/organize <a href="http://www.gvsemergency.com/pdf/Emergency%20Supplies.pdf">Emergency Supplies</a> weekly</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://lovelylittlesnippets.blogspot.com/2011/07/emergency-preparedness-kit-week-by-week.html">Emergency Kit by Week</a> (the non-food half of our <a href="http://recipesviabeth.blogspot.com/2013/04/72-hr-kit-food.html">72 hour kits</a>)</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Get our finances in order</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Besides being bitten by the preparedness bug, I’ve had a
sudden urge to go camping. Brad and I
realized last year that we’ll never be one of those families that travel much,
or visit very many theme parks. But we
can create family memories through camping!
Much more affordable, and a good way to learn some life-skills that we
seem to be losing as a society.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I’ve also felt an increased desire to up our temple attendance. I heard someone say something to the effect
that going to the temple once a month is an inconvenience, but going to the
temple once a week is a sacrifice. I
know that I’ve enjoyed the peace that comes with regular temple attendance, and
I can’t help but think of all those on the other side that are also
benefitting. In addition to temple work,
I’ve recently learned to love fasting.
Which sounds totally crazy!
Fasting has always been difficult for me, but I’ve found a calm focus
when fasting, and my devotion to God’s will and my ability to discern truth has
grown exponentially.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I’m grateful for the gentle, yet firm, reminder that there
is always room for growth. I’m afraid
that while I’ve remained true and faithful, I’ve also become complacent. I struggled for a while with the idea of
shaming myself into crossing off items on an arbitrary (albeit divine) check-list. But I’ve realized that as my heart softens, my desire to better myself and follow even the simplest commandment
God personally gives me, I am becoming who He wants me to be. I’m not necessarily changing; I’m still the
same Beth. But, He is perfecting me. And there’s no one else I’d rather be.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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{B}dreamyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257136520394629440noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34827548.post-2496100537578882782015-01-15T13:01:00.002-08:002015-01-15T13:16:43.145-08:00pensivity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkCOt5yU4dq-MkqZW5wWWcEI_cOZtph0EsaXok3cQaSKOXWqgx1GglwmVpWDZmputn8uPoQupVvgipUeIm-3XIQD7UJSRAVrP5f-phAJyjmOln2cVP-fL2ZunN-i1fU76RDSfZGw/s1600/Christmas2014016_zpsa761fe37.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Uh, hi there. Been a while...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkCOt5yU4dq-MkqZW5wWWcEI_cOZtph0EsaXok3cQaSKOXWqgx1GglwmVpWDZmputn8uPoQupVvgipUeIm-3XIQD7UJSRAVrP5f-phAJyjmOln2cVP-fL2ZunN-i1fU76RDSfZGw/s1600/Christmas2014016_zpsa761fe37.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkCOt5yU4dq-MkqZW5wWWcEI_cOZtph0EsaXok3cQaSKOXWqgx1GglwmVpWDZmputn8uPoQupVvgipUeIm-3XIQD7UJSRAVrP5f-phAJyjmOln2cVP-fL2ZunN-i1fU76RDSfZGw/s1600/Christmas2014016_zpsa761fe37.JPG" height="263" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">You know, it's funny to think how far I've come in the past few years. As a woman, as a mother, as a blogger. I mean, I'm still the same person. I still love red. And polka dots ;) And I continue to find joy in being creative, whether that's in crafting or in homeschooling. But I find it funny, as I'm about to hit publish for the first time in however many years, how much this little piece of the web has changed for me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We moved into our little dream home more than a while ago, and life has been that: a dream. Not easy, and certainly not glamorous. But it's been my life. I've worked hard on being more present in my day-to-day, which is extremely difficult when you're a dreamer like me! And this year I've felt prompted to be even more present. Actually, the two phrases I've chosen to guide me this year are "be present" and "be prepared".</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Am I the only one that finds those two phrases completely opposite of one another? Maybe it's because the struggle is real; finding the perfect balance between enjoying life now and dreaming of what it could be. But as I've pondered upon the idea of being both present and prepared, I've realized that what I really need is to be aware.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I need to live my life now, as it currently is, so as to know what I will need for the future. This obviously applies to the world of preparedness, such as food storage and evacuation kits. But I think it can also apply to other matters. Physically, spiritually, emotionally and mentally.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And so I'm striving to live life with a new level of awareness. Here I am world. I see you. *B</span></div>
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{B}dreamyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257136520394629440noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34827548.post-35997080231171218382013-06-03T10:30:00.007-07:002013-06-03T10:33:25.619-07:00home new home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Perhaps you've heard the fantastical news? If not, then I'll tell you: the promotion went through! Which means we get the <a href="http://summerscamp.blogspot.com/2013/05/fingers-crossed.html">house</a>! So very excited! I even took a video of the place, but it seems Blogger doesn't like it... So for those who won't be able to visit any time soon and are crazy with curiosity, I can email you the tour ;)</span></div>
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Now you'll have to excuse me; I've got a garden to plant and a house to decorate! *B</div>
{B}dreamyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257136520394629440noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34827548.post-62735518293886011352013-05-08T20:27:00.001-07:002013-05-08T20:27:41.654-07:00just keep swingin'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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{B}dreamyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257136520394629440noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34827548.post-72027707868871936382013-05-07T13:30:00.002-07:002013-05-07T13:30:43.117-07:00word play<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Will brought this assignment home from (public) school yesterday, and I loved it! Such a great idea; one I'll have to remember to use in the future... Since I've been using this last trimester as a practice run for homeschooling, and since Will is repeating the first grade, I didn't see much benefit in spending a lot of time/money investing in a curriculum. But I've been trying to make mental notes of Will's learning style in the hopes of coming up with something cohesive and relevant to his needs. I plan on spending more time this summer actually researching specific curriculums and writing up more structured lesson plans for next year. And I'll be honest, I'm not looking forward to that part of homeschooling. I'm much more interested in colorful typography! *B</div>
{B}dreamyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257136520394629440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34827548.post-91612331508327311732013-05-06T13:08:00.000-07:002013-05-07T13:19:14.781-07:00fingers crossed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Our lease is coming to an end shortly, and so we've had to make the difficult decision to stay or leave. Rent here is expensive, and the apartments here like to think they're just as good as houses... Brad has a promotion in the works, but we're waiting for official approval. And so, we've been house hunting.</div>
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No, we're not quite in the market to buy and we won't be for a while longer. We're simply looking at homes to rent. And it is a nightmarish process. But, miracle of miracles happened and we found a darling little place, that just happens to be nearby, on 1.5 acres! With a chicken coop, gardening beds, and indoor hot-tub!! And get this, the owner is LDS (well known, used to be in our Stake) -- and for a minimal deposit (that we will get back if Brad's promotion does not go through), he is willing to sit on it for two months until we are able to move in!!!</div>
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And so now we wait. Patience is sooo not my virtue. *B</div>
{B}dreamyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257136520394629440noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34827548.post-44245383153579561012013-04-24T11:24:00.000-07:002013-04-24T11:24:38.182-07:00coloring cutie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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{B}dreamyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257136520394629440noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34827548.post-41732459393890211072013-04-23T14:45:00.000-07:002013-05-07T13:32:33.494-07:00outdoor playschool<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After (public) school, we had an impromptu picnic at the park across from Brad's work. Will continued his education by learning how to weave flowers ;) Elsie played (princess) pirates, while Timmy threw and/or ate rocks... Sometimes Mother Nature is the best teacher. *B</div>
{B}dreamyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257136520394629440noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34827548.post-62882744339501233532013-04-22T10:50:00.001-07:002013-04-22T10:56:26.830-07:00flower fest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This past weekend we drove around looking at beautiful barns and fields of flowers. I really do love it here! *B</div>
{B}dreamyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257136520394629440noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34827548.post-23190111395364888402013-04-18T14:52:00.000-07:002013-04-18T14:52:04.054-07:00just smile<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Pretty sure this picture was captured during one of many diaper changes. Thank heavens for smart phones that distract busy hands! And thank you, DesiTim, for your candid documentation ;)</div>
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Last week was one of those weeks. You know, where the baby's bowels decide to revisit the newborn days, resulting in mountains of laundry. Where it's sunny one day, and <strike>raining</strike> hailing the next. Where everyone has a crazy case of cabin fever due to said crazy weather, but you can't leave the house in fear of said baby's bowels. That, coupled with the fact that it also happened to be Spring Break, which alone necessitates some form of creative expression and/or forced enjoyment. All this followed by a week where you volunteer to teach Scouts, and spend two days frantically coming up with something to educate/entertain eight 9 year old boys. A week where you finally tackle aforementioned laundry, and attempt to restore some sort of "normal" routine, all whilst brain-storming about food storage and day-dreaming about your future home plan/site.</div>
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Good times! *B</div>
{B}dreamyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257136520394629440noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34827548.post-85082940793165262712013-04-10T10:57:00.001-07:002013-04-22T10:57:09.472-07:00Springtime<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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{B}dreamyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257136520394629440noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34827548.post-10738394300066256412013-04-09T12:05:00.003-07:002013-04-09T12:08:27.639-07:00fine-tuning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj576RYTj35oVoa3vV2DuLy-FrnWCVnDUSX9KHeJY8O3IN2f4a9B8J_5XnBXrMzr30chHL3JXCWffP-sio27xoBhar5oZGpT5qL50qjFHPRxHJd5_1Ry30kprGoEI720bNJRAZPGQ/s1600/xylo-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj576RYTj35oVoa3vV2DuLy-FrnWCVnDUSX9KHeJY8O3IN2f4a9B8J_5XnBXrMzr30chHL3JXCWffP-sio27xoBhar5oZGpT5qL50qjFHPRxHJd5_1Ry30kprGoEI720bNJRAZPGQ/s640/xylo-3.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
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I love school performances! They always make me teary eyed. There's just something about seeing a group of kids, singing/dancing their little hearts out, that is so sweet. It always reminds me of how proud our Father in Heaven must be of them, of us. It is at times like these where I can feel of His love for all His children so strongly. Hence, the teariness ;)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJB9Q3uCdPVISFOtrajHazKkxK-Nz6FPW4kbeytIkLIXm_vKSK5z7ITy4H_S8_EyO7wQEUoWnUCwtzLJP7FnDwIOGhSnDJXWnNg_5IJR7SW41NckB2HsXB45nxtdhG9HGra8XZrw/s1600/xylo-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJB9Q3uCdPVISFOtrajHazKkxK-Nz6FPW4kbeytIkLIXm_vKSK5z7ITy4H_S8_EyO7wQEUoWnUCwtzLJP7FnDwIOGhSnDJXWnNg_5IJR7SW41NckB2HsXB45nxtdhG9HGra8XZrw/s400/xylo-2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I've really enjoyed having Will in public school part-time. He gets to participate in activities, enjoy some time with his friends, and spend some time away from me. I might ruffle some attachment parents' feathers when I say that I believe it's important for children and mothers to have time away from each other. I believe the time Will spends in school helps foster his sense of individual worth. And school gives him the chance to practice what his parents preach.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil-R6pQLqM9o4VTHzedX0idOwX9y_Z-jMojbQnUNdQolDgjbufyjJNm7IBOcXqblCdHPLMvM5AF0ZnyvHkKGM3cQXt2fC1CK5T1e3C09pUKGcJFyEvgKuOO7_6bdKaDj4vfOA1oQ/s1600/xylo-4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil-R6pQLqM9o4VTHzedX0idOwX9y_Z-jMojbQnUNdQolDgjbufyjJNm7IBOcXqblCdHPLMvM5AF0ZnyvHkKGM3cQXt2fC1CK5T1e3C09pUKGcJFyEvgKuOO7_6bdKaDj4vfOA1oQ/s400/xylo-4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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It's a fine line, but I know that public school AND home school can both drain Will and energize him. It's my job as his parent and ultimate teacher to figure out the appropriate amount of each. And for now, this part-time schooling seems to be a good fit. It's the best of both worlds!</div>
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Together, they can make such sweet music. *B</div>
{B}dreamyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257136520394629440noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34827548.post-87871903209601590332013-04-08T11:56:00.000-07:002013-04-09T11:04:38.412-07:00Conference weekend<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwuRYdXcy7z4oQEeddXUFuQ9v74c86kKIWARP1Mew_NjPxDDvyRm3fOjgg42Lily1H31szYsfrHqi37QxD0TQw3jgNOXVFyIfZckGWr54ggNcyjBbYzdXWqz0m5Yb7CWeypYZgPw/s1600/conf+bingo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwuRYdXcy7z4oQEeddXUFuQ9v74c86kKIWARP1Mew_NjPxDDvyRm3fOjgg42Lily1H31szYsfrHqi37QxD0TQw3jgNOXVFyIfZckGWr54ggNcyjBbYzdXWqz0m5Yb7CWeypYZgPw/s400/conf+bingo.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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I loved Conference this year! It seemed like all the talks were meant for me... And we started some fun traditions this year: Conference boxes/cups and <a href="http://recipesviabeth.blogspot.com/2013/04/72-hr-kit-food.html">72 hr. food kits</a>. The kids helped decorate their own boxes, and helped color the tags for the Conference cups. I think having them involved in the process helped them to get ready for what could have been a long weekend... And I really do think that the activities were engaging enough without being too distractive. I plan on doing the same thing for each Conference, it worked so well!</div>
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Each box had the following:</div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">folder full of Conference related coloring/activity pages - one page per talk rule</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">snacks - one per session rule</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">new coloring pencils</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">pencil sharpener</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">pencil case</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">clipboard</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">glue stick</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">silly putty</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-VgKi3bIGXMjSF7X9EwOTq4HWVJrByz9sLmy77kJspr68IVECKmvW97_ttrBfKHpVE5vPLZE1CN0J852hX1u8MhyphenhyphenImpC8ddcQsc-a793oNjmH_i2zt1rmcusb4tLEWBEJrNbf2Q/s1600/conf+cups.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-VgKi3bIGXMjSF7X9EwOTq4HWVJrByz9sLmy77kJspr68IVECKmvW97_ttrBfKHpVE5vPLZE1CN0J852hX1u8MhyphenhyphenImpC8ddcQsc-a793oNjmH_i2zt1rmcusb4tLEWBEJrNbf2Q/s400/conf+cups.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Brad and I decided on five words we wanted the kids to focus on for the afternoon sessions. This year our words were: Atonement, repentance, baptism, reverence, and service. I blew up some <a href="http://ldslessonideas.wordpress.com/tag/conference-squares/">Conference squares</a>, cut out the words we wanted to use, had the kids color them, and then used double-sided tape to stick them to clothespins to attach to the cups. Each cup had a different treat inside, and you're allowed to eat a treat every time you hear a word. During the morning sessions, we played Conference bingo with stickers - I didn't want them getting high on sugar in the early morn ;)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheVmQfaTb_uebfa3lo9V9eY_zS1ln20aFks3JNowkcO3NcM6Hgw-QgdPnFYz0jaBWqVbuzq6_qD3qsjW9NN_l2nt6ck9h-yuVd6zBqt6bCFgSiYAXpxTzv8C6U6izLbUKaEx7Bjw/s1600/kit+mess.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheVmQfaTb_uebfa3lo9V9eY_zS1ln20aFks3JNowkcO3NcM6Hgw-QgdPnFYz0jaBWqVbuzq6_qD3qsjW9NN_l2nt6ck9h-yuVd6zBqt6bCFgSiYAXpxTzv8C6U6izLbUKaEx7Bjw/s400/kit+mess.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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We also used this weekend as an opportunity to put together our <a href="http://recipesviabeth.blogspot.com/2013/04/72-hr-kit-food.html">72 hr. food kits</a>. The plan is to rotate through them every Conference. So come October, we'll use Conference weekend to restock our supply while snacking on the items from April's kits. I'm really not the most organized person (ask my mom), but it does feel nice to get some things in order... And I'm excited for next Conference! *B</div>
{B}dreamyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257136520394629440noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34827548.post-16134976090639885082013-04-05T12:07:00.000-07:002013-04-08T12:12:38.232-07:00birthday boy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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{B}dreamyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257136520394629440noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34827548.post-64768624243642160472013-04-04T14:21:00.003-07:002013-04-04T14:22:10.039-07:00one<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I can not believe my <a href="http://summerscamp.blogspot.com/2012/04/welcome-welcome.html">baby</a> turns one tomorrow! And I can not believe how much he melts my heart. He could not have come at a better time; he was just what I needed. It was by far my most difficult pregnancy, and he was by far my most difficult baby. In all honesty, he came at one of the most difficult times in my life. But I learned a lot through it all, and I know I'm stronger in part because of him. He kept me going when all else seemed lost... And nowadays he is a complete joy! Once we figured out that he was basically starving and suffered from exhaustion, and once we addressed those needs appropriately, it was like a light switched on and he has not stopped shining since. I can always count on him to make me smile and lift my spirits. He has saved me since day one. *B</div>
{B}dreamyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257136520394629440noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34827548.post-24812206782162259132013-04-03T09:56:00.003-07:002013-04-09T12:09:53.152-07:00backseat drivers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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{B}dreamyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257136520394629440noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34827548.post-62080810634484848392013-04-02T21:46:00.001-07:002013-04-09T12:08:27.643-07:00why we homeschool, part II<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have really enjoyed our afternoons lately. Before, when Will was in public school full-time, I felt like the afternoon blended into the evening. I'd wake the littles from their naps, rush to school and grab Will, then head home to finish homework and prep dinner. It was stressful for me, and for the kids. I felt like Will needed a decompressing period... And there just wasn't enough time in the day for it. As soon as Brad got home from work, we'd eat and get to spend a few moments together. But bedtime always seemed to sneak up on us and I felt like Will still hadn't reconnected/recharged from school. Nowadays our afternoons are much more peaceful, and we actually get to spend time together as a family. Home has become not only a place of learning, but also a place of restoration. *B </div>
{B}dreamyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257136520394629440noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34827548.post-31518906848068320152013-04-01T11:13:00.001-07:002013-04-01T11:24:07.777-07:00new beginnings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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It's been a rough week... But, I am grateful for Spring and what it represents. And I'm especially grateful for the Atonement that makes fresh starts possible, regardless the mess. *B</div>
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{B}dreamyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257136520394629440noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34827548.post-71972174571877152362013-03-27T18:35:00.001-07:002013-04-09T12:09:53.153-07:00Spring snow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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{B}dreamyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257136520394629440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34827548.post-29726255201777051902013-03-26T11:03:00.002-07:002013-04-09T12:08:27.640-07:00why we homeschool, part I<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/AVvXsEgI-otiTxCMx7TtpLgkgp737MTAOS4e8gn7XqGEILLK5RCV6liK4Ai9AjrRoMipKQEDt6o1RyqtduEiFQ421IJSNT0BmKTjar8XCw7cBtXNwYmR7nY7NIlri_4oFe-E0raCZPv8ug/s1600/school-chalkboard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI-otiTxCMx7TtpLgkgp737MTAOS4e8gn7XqGEILLK5RCV6liK4Ai9AjrRoMipKQEDt6o1RyqtduEiFQ421IJSNT0BmKTjar8XCw7cBtXNwYmR7nY7NIlri_4oFe-E0raCZPv8ug/s400/school-chalkboard.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[<a href="http://wgntv.com/2012/12/23/school-district-33-teachers-prepare-to-strike/">source</a>]</td></tr>
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I'm not necessarily anti-schooling, but I definitely think the public school system isn't for everyone... I feel like it's an institution that tries too often to fit square pegs into little round holes. And there is nothing worse than feeling like a bad mom with a troubled kid, especially when you know neither is true!</div>
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Will is on his third year of public school, and I've had to develop a thick skin. But it is so very hard to watch his confidence waver and watch him doubt his own self worth because he is incorrectly labeled by his superiors. Little boys are little boys, and accidents happen. Tolerance is practiced when convenient, simply because there's no time for it. And I don't blame the schools for trying! I know how hard it is teaching a primary class of five for two hours; I can't imagine what it would be like to be a full-time school teacher and I give them props for trying.</div>
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I remember when I was in school, being told that school was my REAL home... My mother calls it glorified babysitting But when your kids spend more time away from home, then you are allowing the babysitter to discipline your child the best they can. And sometimes their best isn't necessarily the best. *B</div>
{B}dreamyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257136520394629440noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34827548.post-18811490964677689572013-03-25T10:35:00.000-07:002013-03-26T10:35:54.223-07:00baby steps<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We love our silly little (climbing) walker! *B</div>
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{B}dreamyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257136520394629440noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34827548.post-3411750546004680362013-03-20T10:58:00.003-07:002013-04-09T12:08:27.641-07:00sweet is the work<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRm8BMisgghxWnB5A4XkZ54eqBD4B0CCdVY12iTIvOu48E1SQuP651vGmQIlOXHyarpxTZOH_R3ZaiHQXCu4zC4sFSLoYYdAP9XM1rGooFFwU7K4xP4z4gOO1LP91U24J1guTadw/s1600/sweet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRm8BMisgghxWnB5A4XkZ54eqBD4B0CCdVY12iTIvOu48E1SQuP651vGmQIlOXHyarpxTZOH_R3ZaiHQXCu4zC4sFSLoYYdAP9XM1rGooFFwU7K4xP4z4gOO1LP91U24J1guTadw/s400/sweet.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />{B}dreamyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257136520394629440noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34827548.post-88223804629486165362013-03-19T15:07:00.002-07:002013-04-09T12:08:27.644-07:00learn at home<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/AVvXsEhX0SvgQrb9gEbfgnP8rKrf4DgUpUlkyg6l38mItd0tfTr5wmcWmNqgv3o9JnwsSJqOTsBoVRCfT2EnuzsHZOp7pSkNzv5Zm5PHWVHFlfHL1T3iIYI3w_Pq-_hqruImW2MxDF4zOQ/s1600/homeschooling-resources.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX0SvgQrb9gEbfgnP8rKrf4DgUpUlkyg6l38mItd0tfTr5wmcWmNqgv3o9JnwsSJqOTsBoVRCfT2EnuzsHZOp7pSkNzv5Zm5PHWVHFlfHL1T3iIYI3w_Pq-_hqruImW2MxDF4zOQ/s400/homeschooling-resources.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[<a href="http://www.momscraftyspace.com/2010/06/upcycled-montessori-style-crayon-holder.html">source</a>]</td></tr>
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Yesterday marked our first official day of homeschooling. We've been struggling with public school since day one. I've felt a gentle tug to homeschool for a while now, and I've been putting it off for various reasons. Our current living situation is less than ideal, but I can't sit around and wait for perfection! I don't think the transition will be that difficult. We've been doing quasi-homeschooling ever since last summer anytime there's a break in school....</div>
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For now we're only homeschooling part-time. I send Will to school in the morning and then I pick him up after lunch/recess. He's a very social kid (extrovert), and he really needs to feel connected to the community. My original plan was to teach him the basics and send him to school for things like music, P.E. and library. But that just didn't work with our schedule (aka. Timmy's naps). And I'm ok with that, because I'd like to use this last trimester as an adjustment period, for both of us.</div>
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Depending on the grade level, and how involved I want/can be, I might end up enrolling him in public school for certain subjects, too. Or maybe an online or virtual classroom. I would love to be a part of a group so we can supplement our school days with field trips, etc. as well. I'm leaning towards Montessori-based learning, so the current plan is to intersperse required works with free time.</div>
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I honestly don't know how long we'll be homeschooling. I'm not going to commit to a specific time-frame. I'm just going to take this a year at a time, and we'll go from there. *B</div>
{B}dreamyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257136520394629440noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34827548.post-10789734124317949082013-03-18T10:08:00.000-07:002013-03-19T15:09:51.114-07:00it was the best of times, it was the worst of times<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx5BHdur42AiyQKzP6Xw0fst5Li9Dvc9SSsFyk44U0s5dbmGc4r8_ooKpO_I4OF9CmQ3HYiXDO8noM' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Some background: Will had asked prior to filming if he could sing a silly birthday song. I said no, because 1.) we already sang a silly birthday song in the car, and 2.) I hate how disruptive/distracting it is. Call me over-reactive, but I think it's borderline rude... I don't like how it detracts from the special occasion; whether you're at someone's birthday party, or on someone's doorstep singing Christmas carols. It's one thing to sing silly songs for fun, as a family or with your friends, but when it's time to perform I think it's only appropriate to sing appropriately.</div>
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And so, on Elsie's special day, Will chose to ignore my request and that's why you hear his name called out. And then he blew out her candle. And so, if you look up 3/11 on our calendar, you won't see "Elsie's birthday" written on it. Instead, you will notice William's handwriting, declaring it to be the "worse day of my life" - the day he lost his cupcake.</div>
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You have just witnessed my parenting in action. *B</div>
{B}dreamyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03257136520394629440noreply@blogger.com3