tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10158707321724570162024-03-05T23:30:09.153-06:00Scrampin' MamaStamping... Scrapbooking... Cooking... Life...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12676494062578216098noreply@blogger.comBlogger577125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1015870732172457016.post-84523994424343162652014-11-25T00:13:00.000-06:002014-11-25T12:57:26.606-06:00Torn Inside Out… A little over a decade ago, I was completing my Bachelor of Business Administration degree at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. I needed some upper level electives to complete my credit requirement, and was browsing the course catalog for options.<br />
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I have always been drawn to people older than me. I spent a great deal of time with my great-grandparents, grandparents, and their friends as a child - more so than with people my own age - and as a result have always been able to chat easily with people of any age. As I read through the course catalog, I was drawn to a 300-level Psychology class called Adult Development and Aging. Psychology had also been a long time interest of mine, but as a non-traditional (adult) student, I knew myself well enough to know that I would not remain in school long enough to earn the requisite doctoral degree that is needed for so many careers in that field.<br />
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My major was Human Resource Management, and I felt this Psych class would compliment my degree. As soon as the semester began, I knew I was in the right place. The professor, Dr. Susan McFadden, was mesmerizing. I hung on every word, learning about aging, best practices of caring for the aged, and their dependency on our kindness as they move through the final years of life. I thought often of my grandmother who was still living, and the grandparents who had already passed, hoping I had shown them and their peers the sort of kindness and caring they so deserved.<br />
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Mid-way through the semester, Dr. McFadden announced that our class would be pairing with another group on campus for something called "The Polio Project". Our class would conduct interviews of older adults who had lived through the polio epidemic in the Fox Valley area of Wisconsin in the 1950's. The other class would catalog and archive the interviews. A sign up sheet was passed around the class with the names of 30 survivors listed on it. Some had contracted polio themselves and lived to tell of their experience. Others had close relatives who had the disease. All we knew were their names. The stories would come later.<br />
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When I received the list, I first scanned for names I knew. Believe it or not, I am actually shy when I first meet someone out of the blue like this. Remember, I would just be showing up at their door with a tape recorder and a set of questions. If any of my grandparents or great-grandparents' friends were on the list, I was jumping at the chance to speak with them.<br />
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Long story short: there were none.<br />
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Instead, I picked a lady who shared a family name. I've spoken on this blog in the past about my Aunt Betty. She was one of my great-grandpa's seven siblings, was a prominent fixture in my childhood, and struggled with Alzheimer's in old age as so many of their other siblings did. Betty's married name was Koch (pronounced "Cook") and there was a Koch on the list. I scribbled my name next to that of Jo Ann Koch and proceeded to set up an appointment with her in the week following.<br />
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Jo was (and still is) a lovely woman and she invited me into her home with open arms. She was quiet, and was very open about the fact that she was not used to discussing her polio story. The words flowed freely between us, but her pain was evident. She relayed the story of how her family of six became a family of four within the span of six days in August of 1955. First her sister Jeanie contracted polio and passed away. As her mother was returning from the hospital in Madison after Jeanie's death, she was unknowingly passed on the highway by an ambulance taking Jeanie's twin Georgie to the same hospital where he, too, would die only six days after his sister. Shortly thereafter, their oldest sibling Jack also contracted the disease, but he survived after a prolonged stay in Madison and many therapy sessions in Oshkosh.<br />
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I remember the story vividly. I remember sitting in a small sunroom in her home on a hard wooden chair as Jo spoke through tears, and relived these heart breaking moments of her childhood. She spoke about gamma-globulin (I remember stopping her to make sure I was spelling it correctly), a drug that she and other children had been given to prevent them from also contracting the disease. She spoke of her parents, of how the family moved through their loss.<br />
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I remember writing up my transcript and submitting it. I remember Dr. McFadden commenting on the story after the fact, about the heart break and the impact it had on her as well.<br />
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Time moved on, and I finished the class. One thing lead to another and graduation came and went. I have never stopped thinking of Jo and her siblings. They've never left my mind. Her home is not that far from mine and I've often thought of stopping over just to chat, but who does that these days? That small action that used to be second nature to so many now seems like a potential inconvenience to someone, doesn't it? When did that happen?<br />
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Needless to say, I never stopped over to visit. Life moved on. I completed my Bachelor's and then my Masters degree. We had babies. In 2006, as you know if you follow this blog, our son Henry passed away. Shortly thereafter, I ran into Jo at a local restaurant and she commented about the article that had been in the newspaper about our family and Henry's death. We chatted for awhile, promised to stay in touch, and went our separate ways. Last year I ran into Jo and her husband one more time. Butch, Jo's husband, proudly told me of a book his wife wrote about her life story, the death of her siblings, and the many ways polio had touched her life. I remember wanting to read it, but once again failed to follow through.<br />
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Fast forward to this past weekend when I was working a booth at a local craft fair with my <a href="http://www.faith.origamiowl.com/" target="_blank">Origami Owl</a> jewelry. Jo happened past my booth and asked, as she always does, if I was Sarah. I told her I thought of her often and that I would still like to purchase a copy of the book she had written. She went to the car and returned with a book complete with a personal inscription inside noting, among other things, that "our introduction has a meaning that is very special." I wholeheartedly agree.<br />
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We chatted a bit more and said our goodbyes. At the next break in customers, I sat down and started to flip through the book. So many newspaper clippings and photographs of her family filled the pages along with her words. I had to close the book as tears threatened to fall, and I relayed Jo's story to my mom who was sitting with me. I also told my mom that for as much as I would love to read the book, and was grateful to have it, I truly didn't know if I could get through it. Having lost a child myself, I find it nearly impossible to read about other children dying, no matter what the cause.<br />
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I put the book in my bag and didn't give it another thought until this morning when I picked it up around 8am to flip through the pages again and maybe read a few excerpt. I wanted to see if it was something I thought I could handle. Then I found myself starting at the beginning and before I knew it 40 pages had passed. Off and on, throughout the day, I tackled chapter after chapter. Much of the information was familiar to me - all things she had shared with me during my interview ten years ago. All things I had never forgotten. Somehow though, the stories were so much more personal and meaningful. I laughed. I cried. I mourned for this family with a different heart… the heart of someone now who has also buried a child.<br />
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There is a part in the book where Jo shares their 1955 family Christmas letter. She comments afterwards that no where in the letter did her mother mention the twin's deaths. I could relate instantly. It took me years before I was able to say the words dead or died in relation to my son. In some ways, it is still hard for me today. If I was talking about Henry in those early days, I would say things like, "since Henry's passing." Somehow, that hurt less and felt less permanent.<br />
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I also realized very early on in my reading that this gamma-globulin that Jo had told me about receiving was the earliest form of IVIG, the treatment my son Jack receives every four weeks at Childrens Hospital of Wisconsin. It is an artificial immune system of sorts… Once thought to help ward off polio, now used to help ward off every sort of disease in the immune compromised.<br />
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In addition to small coincidences like these, it occurred to me that Mrs. Wentland was someone I have looked up to without even knowing it. After losing Henry, I spent many days at the cemetery, just walking around. A bypasser would think I was wandering, lost in thought. What I was really doing was looking for survivors. I would walk the rows of the cemetery until I found the grave of a child. Then I would look to see how much longer the mother lived, and think silently that if she could do it… if she could live with that burden of grief… so could I. Mrs. Wentland survived three of her four children. Although grief touched her life in many ways, she continued to live and to love her family and move through the years after each loss with grace and dignity. She never forgot them. The grief was never far from her heart. But still she continued to work, and travel, and dance. She continued to live. This is what I aspire to do. Women like her are who I look to when the load of grief I carry seems to heavy. They survived by the grace of God, and I will too.<br />
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In closing, Jo speaks openly about her faith and the many ways it has helped and comforted her throughout the years. I have often said the same thing. I don't think it was coincidence that I chose her as my interviewee. I believe that our paths were meant to cross. That in some way, we each helped each other to heal just the tiniest bit. I will forever be grateful for this experience; for this introduction.<br />
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If you are interested in reading Jo's book, and I hope you are, you will find it available for purchase on Amazon {<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Torn-Inside-Out-Releasing-Grief/dp/1480141518" target="_blank">HERE</a>}.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6TeYLl-4nclHuEuhofEihLCLU5iyY4bjZpmtoHKvMSLlULKej3TLlKFk5-nrRLh-1iMzPbGVpYOcEY7itDhN_xF6bh92D_bDcn-ttPeYuZvaB_NPF-nTAmD6OX8Z_8Ch33hEQ8BuKy1Os/s1600/718FJubyD9L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6TeYLl-4nclHuEuhofEihLCLU5iyY4bjZpmtoHKvMSLlULKej3TLlKFk5-nrRLh-1iMzPbGVpYOcEY7itDhN_xF6bh92D_bDcn-ttPeYuZvaB_NPF-nTAmD6OX8Z_8Ch33hEQ8BuKy1Os/s1600/718FJubyD9L.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Torn Inside Out: Releasing Grief 40 Years Later by Jo Ann Wentland Koch</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12676494062578216098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1015870732172457016.post-60276172796245518382014-11-20T11:18:00.001-06:002014-11-20T11:18:36.934-06:00Origami Owl Does It Again! Origami Owl is an incredible deal in its own right, but the deal just got a little sweeter! For two days, while supplies last, Origami Owl is GIVING AWAY a FREE large silver locket, a limited edition snow globe charm, and a faceted ball chain with every $59.50 in retail purchases. Just enter your order at <a href="http://www.faith.origamiowl.com/">www.faith.origamiowl.com</a> and for every $59.50 you spend, you will have the option to add one of the free sets as well.<br />
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Now THAT is happy!<br />
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Don't delay - this special deal will only last for TWO DAYS. Like all good things it, too, must come to an end!<br />
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Questions? Email me at sairabee@yahoo.com and I'll get back to you asap!<br />
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#origamiowl #freegift #twodays #dontwait #hohoho<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12676494062578216098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1015870732172457016.post-68479439088253731122014-07-30T10:26:00.000-05:002014-07-30T10:26:56.890-05:00Origami Owl Warehouse Tour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.faith.origamiowl.com/" target="_blank">Origami Owl</a>'s company culture is like none other I've seen, and the opportunity to tour their warehouse and meet their employees only solidified my love for the company and their mission. </div>
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As a business student, I was bored by most of the companies we studied. IBM and Fed Ex.... snore fest. Places like <a href="http://www.kenblanchard.com/leadwithluv/video/southwest_video.html" target="_blank">Southwest Airlines</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tH9e4cGz1vI" target="_blank">Pike Place Fish Market</a> were different though. They expressed a genuine interest in their employees; in their wellbeing, and happiness. They focused on fun, and that focus was returned tenfold in the productiveness of their employees. The work place was more like home than a place employees longed to get away from. I was thrilled at last year's National Convention when I learned that our then newly hired Vice President of Corporate Culture, Yvette Torres-Dickson, was pulled from the ranks of Southwest Airlines. In fact, I think I cried. Major business student geek moment right there! </div>
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When I took the tour of our Origami Owl Warehouse last week, I was inspired by the amount of love in the building. Employees met us on the dock and formed lines on each side of our group to high five each designer as we walked in. There was a dance party. There was a LOT of hugging and smiling. These people had been giving these tours for two days straight - we were the last group - but they still managed to give us every bit as much energy as they did for the first tour.</div>
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The man standing on the chair here is Shawn Maxwell, one of our company's founders. His energy is infectious.... even after two twelve hour days. </div>
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This is where our third quarter hostess exclusive necklaces are assembled. The pieces are beautiful, and even more stunning in large quantities!</div>
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New designer kits getting ready to ship... have you received yours yet? <a href="https://faith.origamiowl.com/EnrollApproved.ashx" target="_blank">Joining Origami Owl</a> is one of the best decisions I've ever made. If you'd like more information on how a small $149 investment can change your life, too, drop me an email using the sidebar link to the right.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj21Hb1OA6DzCRHcZ1w1k-_HRUOu84Fagk106DLksfJodi7fTwfpLgvWGBLT2kthlHHmltJFQlbaIS_PDC-V1IUeC6JYG_6kdupN64N5X0NNSUp9rvpuS20es56HspCzF4J5btN-zVwZGLv/s1600/IMG_1707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj21Hb1OA6DzCRHcZ1w1k-_HRUOu84Fagk106DLksfJodi7fTwfpLgvWGBLT2kthlHHmltJFQlbaIS_PDC-V1IUeC6JYG_6kdupN64N5X0NNSUp9rvpuS20es56HspCzF4J5btN-zVwZGLv/s1600/IMG_1707.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Of course there is always time for a photo op! Here's a little shout out to Team Faith and the rest of the ladies on the tour. That's me in white at far left.</div>
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After our photo op, we moved through the warehouse with our tour guide. Boxes and boxes of product and packaging packed all around us. </div>
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Everywhere we looked, there were employees showing the love. Genuinely happy people, enjoying their time with us and with each other.</div>
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The jewelry aisles were overwhelming. So many pieces. So many things to look at. Here are some of our dangles, packaged and waiting to be picked for orders...</div>
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Every department and section marked clearly...</div>
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Employees picking orders...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgILBl8olWuh41wQUocvQi-dQEfzGcKyuCVgglIyL8iyyicPOSMzIVUR6jmDB0x-ElmmaWuZVNX8xARe7DIl_b7F8tjizy47oClFC7Jj2yrWvATfKVYwU2IuW1zbAM77a3PpgPJiJGVP8-0/s1600/IMG_1731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgILBl8olWuh41wQUocvQi-dQEfzGcKyuCVgglIyL8iyyicPOSMzIVUR6jmDB0x-ElmmaWuZVNX8xARe7DIl_b7F8tjizy47oClFC7Jj2yrWvATfKVYwU2IuW1zbAM77a3PpgPJiJGVP8-0/s1600/IMG_1731.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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More O2 love!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVrungEtnBc4Dlf26-hpOes2R1I8yzGxbVknzuZ1whZChW44zu5vYIeMVE3dPjeW9KASQZ3qyetkE4FpIaR2MpeSsyDbRrHvKUfz0RivAs4x00phuFgqTj4bkNsBmeVMFjMoPhD6wWPEpz/s1600/IMG_1761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVrungEtnBc4Dlf26-hpOes2R1I8yzGxbVknzuZ1whZChW44zu5vYIeMVE3dPjeW9KASQZ3qyetkE4FpIaR2MpeSsyDbRrHvKUfz0RivAs4x00phuFgqTj4bkNsBmeVMFjMoPhD6wWPEpz/s1600/IMG_1761.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Packages waiting to ship!</div>
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Stand on the owl prints, please! Another photo op! How do you like my mint Converse sneakers? Owlsome!</div>
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One final pic with our tour guides and we're on our way.</div>
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I won't bore you with all of the safety signs I took pics of (safety is a priority!) or the motivational quotes posted all over the warehouse (*swoon*) or even the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIFO" target="_blank">FIFO</a> sign that I snapped a pic of in another moment of business minded bliss. Suffice it to say, this girl was thoroughly impressed from both a designer standpoint and a business standpoint. </div>
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I asked my tour guide if Origami Owl had adopted the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZKiJejNRtw" target="_blank">Fish Philosophy</a>, because so much of the energy and culture I see here rings true of Fish. He had never heard of it. It's possible that he also thought I had lost my mind, but we won't talk about that. ;) </div>
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Fish Philosophy or not, Origami Owl is doing it right. I suspect business students will be watching videos about the Owl Philosophy in the not too distant future, too... </div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12676494062578216098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1015870732172457016.post-6717843250956562272014-07-29T11:04:00.001-05:002014-07-29T11:05:27.025-05:00On Meeting Cassidy StayI returned yesterday from Origami Owl's second annual National Convention. A few weeks prior to convention, our Origami Owl family was rocked with the news that one of our designers, Katie Stay, and her family, were the victims of a senseless act of violence. Katie, her husband, and four of her five children were killed. Cassidy Stay, her oldest daughter was the sole survivor.<br />
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Origami Owl rallied around the family, spreading the word about this tremendous loss and through the help of Katie's mentor, loving sister designers coordinating tee-shirt fundraisers, and corporate initiatives to get the word out, we were able to add a significant amount of money to what was already being donated by others in the community and around the world.<br />
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Cassidy Stay was, and continues to be, on the hearts and minds of everyone in Origami Owl. When I was at convention, I heard rumors that Cassidy was actually there with us. I didn't know if it was fact or fiction, but I whispered a prayer for her nonetheless as I often have over the past few weeks. I prayed that if she was there, that some part of that experience would bring her a sliver of peace. When you are grieving, you cling to those slivers. You collect them, store them up, and fall back on them when times are the hardest.<br />
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Sunday morning, our hotel was abuzz with designers who were making their final arrangements to head home. Last minute hugs were being given. Shuttles rushing in and out taking friends to the airport or some other destination. I had booked another day at a nearby resort, so my travel companion and I opted to spend the morning at Mass at <a href="http://www.saintmarysbasilica.org/" target="_blank">an old Basilica</a> across the street from the hotel. While at Mass, I continued to pray for the Stay family, and for all of our designers who would be traveling that day.<br />
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On my way back to the hotel, I received a text message from my Senior Director, reminding me that she brought some motivational cd's for me, and that she was in line waiting for her shuttle pick up. When I returned to the hotel, I made a beeline for the pick up area in hopes of locating her before she departed. I peeked out the doors, but there were so many designers waiting that I had to go outside and into the midst of them to fully see who all was out there and whether or not my Senior Director was among them. After scanning the crowd and coming to the realization that she was no longer there, I turned to go back inside and came face to face with Cassidy Stay and her guardian.<br />
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In that moment, a million things rushed through my head. Is that really her? What to say…. do I say anything or nothing? What to do…. do I offer a hello or a hug or just a nod? Do I walk away as though I did not see her to give her space? It occurred to me in that moment that the things my minister told me the day we lost Henry were very true: People do not know how to act around the bereaved. Even though I consider myself a little better armed to handle a grief situation given my personal history, I still stood dumbfounded while this sweet girl stared at me wondering whether I was going to move out of her way or spend the day staring at her.<br />
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In the end, I opted for the hug. One thing I love about Origami Owl is that it's all about {LOVE}. Give love. Share love. Pass it on. I hugged her tightly and she hugged back just the same. I told her I was sorry for her loss. Safe words for anyone who is grieving. We chatted a bit, and I closed with, "God bless you," before releasing her and moving on my way.<br />
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Once my back was turned, I burst into tears at the thought of the weight of the grief she bears and the road before her. I am so grateful to know that she holds a strong faith in Jesus Christ. That she knows there is light, and that His light can alleviate the weight of this grief if she will let it (and I have faith that she will). I will continue to hold her and her family in prayer and am confident my Origami Owl family and so many others will do the same.<br />
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This is a quote from Harry Potter that Cassidy quoted when she first spoke after her hospital stay. If only one remembers to turn on the light. His light. Day by day, the weight of grief lessens.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12676494062578216098noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1015870732172457016.post-21676255281657619632014-07-09T11:40:00.001-05:002014-07-09T11:41:11.132-05:00Origami Owl - Getting StartedThe day I decided to join Origami Owl and start this journey, I told myself, "You're here to make money, not spend it." I can't even tell you the number of times I've had to remind myself of that simple truth since then. When you start a new business venture, it's so easy to want to make everything perfect. To have all new supplies and display pieces and oh my goodness, have you seen all of the OWLS out there?! Eeks!<br />
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There are few things in life that make me cringe more than hearing a new designer tell me she just received her $149 starter kit and already has over $500 invested in the company.<br />
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Wait, what?!<br />
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Please know that this is not necessary. Take a look at the photo below. This picture shows a simple but effective Jewelry Bar display that was staged by our corporate office at our first national convention. It uses all of the pieces included in the starter kit, and just a few extras to give it some height and texture.<br />
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This, my friends, is truly all you need to start your business.<br />
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If you have $500 to invest in your business, and I know some do, rather than buying the $149 starter kit and then investing $350 in your display, opt for the larger starter kit for $399 (giving you more product and business supplies) and continue to keep your display simple. Or, still get the $149 kit but use some of your funds to order from your launch party for yourself to give you more product selection.<br />
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The focal point of any good display should always be our jewelry. The bulk of your investment should be on your focal point.<br />
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Keep it simple.<br />
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Adapt to our Japanese Modern style…. less is more.<br />
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Think about the pieces you see in this photo. Outside of the starter kit, the jewelry tree in the background is likely the biggest expense on the table. Look for a necklace stand to hold your chains. Try to find something that can accommodate the 32" lengths without them dragging on the table, or find something you can use as a riser under it to give it some lift. I've seen lovely display pieces at Hancock Fabrics (theirs are taller than the ones I've seen anywhere else), and actually just purchased a two new chain displays for myself at a local going out of business sale. Total cost for me? $4 each for sturdy heavy duty display pieces that would have cost well beyond that if purchase from the supplier. There are deals to be had. There are coupons to be redeemed. Take some time to find them and save yourself some dollars that can then be applied elsewhere in life or reinvested into your business. </div>
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The Jewelry Bar sign gives additional height and color to this display. When I started out and did my first event, I invested in adding a few high quality product photos from our back office to foam core so that I could display them on easels on my table. The quality didn't meet what I expected, but it still cost me over $50 to have them made. </div>
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Learn from my mistakes. </div>
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A large 12x16 photo frame (Hobby Lobby, WalMart, Target, etc.) on sale that is matted to hold a smaller 8x10 photo does wonders for height and texture. For many months I used that to hold the Origami Owl sign that comes in the starter kit. I have also been known to purchase 8x10 acrylic sign holders at WalMart (same as the ones at Office Max and Staples, but a fraction of the cost) and use those to hold our hostess exclusive flyers or our starter kit flyers (cut down a bit on each side to fit). It's informative. It's colorful. It's effective. It's reasonably priced. </div>
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You can find flat white plates like those shown at IKEA and WalMart. Look for something with as little lip as possible on the edges to give the most display room possible. Plain white. The ones I bought at WalMart were about $1.49 each. I used them to display my lockets. Rather than a the domed cake platter full of cookies, consider displaying your take out menus (i.e. catalogs) upright in a clear square glass vase. Look for them in the do it yourself section of a local floral shop. Mine was less than $5. </div>
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Display busts are a bit of an investment, but no one says you need to start with a huge amount of them. Even now, two years into my business, I will only have 2-3 on my table at any one time. These can be purchased at Nile Corp. or Gems on Display. Look for linen busts. You might have the urge to get white or black flocked busts, but the price difference is subtle and the dollar or so more you pay for the linen is well worth the amount of time you'll save with a lint roller trying to get all of the dust out of those flocked busts. I would also encourage you to opt for the free standing 3D busts as opposed to the flat ones with the picture frame back that pops out. Those will fall apart with enough use. The lifespan of 1 of these busts pictured is equal to about 2-3 of those picture frame style busts. They might be a bit lower cost up front, but in the long run you may end up paying more. </div>
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Note that there is no table linen shown. I know instinct is to run out and buy something fabulous again, but if you're doing home parties you may not need it. I rarely use a table covering at home parties… I reserve that only for vendor events. If you do feel as though you need something, consider a turquoise flat sheet from WalMart. It's O2 blue (matches the color of the blue branded table cloth in our back office exactly) and retails for less than $10. Again, as you earn more, you can upgrade if you decide that you'd like to. </div>
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If you're thinking about joining Origami Owl, consider joining Team Faith with me. You'll find oodles more business hints and tips on our team page. We are a close knit group of designers from all over the USA brought together by the wonder of technology, and we'd love to have you join us! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12676494062578216098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1015870732172457016.post-16053892893085980782014-06-01T22:53:00.000-05:002014-06-02T08:56:27.578-05:00Anything Is PossibleJerry Seinfeld's, "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I'm_Telling_You_for_the_Last_Time" target="_blank">I'm Telling You For The Last Time</a>" CD/DVD is one of my all time favorite things in life. Yes, I have both the CD and the DVD. It had to happen. If there was a book, I would have bought that, too. One of the many things he laughs about in this routine is the fear people have of public speaking. He says:<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><i>“According to most studies, people's number one fear is public speaking. </i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><i>Number two is death. </i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><i>Death….. is number two. </i></span></div>
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<i><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">This means to the average person… if you go to a funeral, you're better off in the casket than doing the eulogy.”</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> </span></i></div>
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Funny, right?! And for many… truth.<br />
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I've never really had a fear of being in front of a crowd. I participated in many church events with my youth group that required me speaking or reading in front of hundreds. I've been singing my whole life with solos at various church and <a href="http://www.fb.com/oshkoshchoraliers" target="_blank">Oshkosh Choraliers Community Choir</a> functions, weddings, funerals, high school musicals… no problem. I've even delivered eulogies at the funerals of some of the most important people in my life. There is one situation that will bring me to my knees though, and that is to speak in front of a crowd about my boys. I can sing to you. I can talk to you about Jesus. Ask me to describe Henry's final days though or Jack's struggles, and odds are I'll be a basket case.<br />
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The great irony is that the more I talk about these things, the easier they slip out of my mouth. I will often share Henry's story at my <a href="http://www.faith.origamiowl.com/" target="_blank">Origami Owl Jewelry Bars</a> when I am speaking about how I discovered the company and their products. Tears will burn at the corners of my eyes, but I can get by without bursting into the, "full on ugly cry" that Oprah sometimes talks about.<br />
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Oddly enough, I actually seek out opportunities to share our story. Some would say I am a glutton for punishment and that I should know better, but the truth is that despite the pain, there is healing. Healing is what moves us forward, and I relish the chance to share our progress. Since the day Henry died, my prayer to God has always been, "Lord, let this mean something. Let this death not be in vain. Let someone else find peace through me. Let me use this experience to help others in some way." The only way my story will ever help someone else is if I share it freely. This is the very logic that lead to me accept the invitation to speak at a large <a href="http://www.chw.org/" target="_blank">Children's Hospital of Wisconsin</a> fundraising event that was held this weekend in Oshkosh.<br />
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The event was <a href="http://graybeardproductions.org/" target="_blank">Thunder in the Park</a> - an annual Classic Car Show and Motorcycle Show/Swap - one of the largest fundraising events for Children's Hospital in the Fox River Valley. We received a call a week ago asking if we would consider coming out to speak both Saturday and Sunday and, despite already having plans for the weekend, we found a way to make it work. Darrin would take Jack on Saturday while I was away at an out of town Jewelry Bar and I would take Jack on Sunday while Darrin was honoring another commitment.<br />
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"Easy peasy lemon squeezy," as my friend Lorie once said.<br />
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We had no instruction on what to say, and I had nothing prepared. Those that know me best will know that is not unusual. I find that speaking from my heart is what works best for me, and if I try to write it out ahead of time, I over think it.<br />
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We arrived at 1pm as agreed upon and were told that the band would be taking a break shortly and then we'd have our turn. Minutes ticked by and the band kept playing. 15, 20, 30, 45 minutes later and we were still waiting. The longer I waited, the more doubts I began to have. By this time I had run into some familiar faces, which is never a good sign for the waterworks - the more familiar faces, the more emotional I am when I talk. I began to have second thoughts. I tried to talk Jack into leaving. It was hot, we were hungry, and they had no idea when we'd go on stage. Jack was having no part of that whole "leaving" idea though. He wanted to see Doug (the event coordinator who bought him a tee-shirt the day before when he and Darrin visited the event) again. He wanted to get on stage. He wanted to talk in the microphone.<br />
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Finally, the band took a break and we were able to take the stage with <a href="http://www.robandlouise.com/" target="_blank">Rob and Louise</a> (who are very gracious, by the way - love them) of Rob and Louise in the Morning on 99.5 NASH FM. Another little boy in a wheel chair was on stage with us, but he didn't want to speak.<br />
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Louise invited Jack over and Jack asked if he could talk to the crowd… Maybe 100-200 people within earshot. <i>No fear of public speaking here, Seinfeld</i>. I was proud of him for wanting to speak, but also apprehensive because at barely six years old you never know what is going to come out of his mouth. It could be nonsense. It could be painfully embarrassing. It could be magic.<br />
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Louise handed Jack the mic. He cleared his throat and in his sweet little boy voice said, "Just give me a second…" I still wasn't sure where he was going with this, but then he started to talk. He told the audience about how he visits Children's Hospital every four weeks. About how it hurts when he gets poked with the needle in his hand but that he lets them poke him anyhow. He said he was brave because "Anything is Possible."<br />
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Aaaand that is where I lost it. To hear this sweet child… this child who likely does not even remember life before Children's Hospital (his appointments started at 21 months of age)… talk so frankly about his pain and his optimism. I have never been so proud.<br />
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As a homeschooling mama who was very active in extra-curriculars, I sometimes mourn the fact that Jack will likely not sing the Star Spangled Banner at a basketball or football game. That he might not participate in solo-ensemble festivals, or have the chance to perform in musicals like his mama did. My mom loved those moments when I was on stage. The pride on her face was evident. I have quietly longed to experience the same someday, and today I did in the most unlikely venue... In a park filled with motorcycles and the men and women who ride and/or love them. I watched them wipe their tears while my son spoke. I even watched as some of those who were seated stood and gave him a standing ovation when he said, "Anything is Possible."<br />
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Cuteness Overload: He later asked me, "A standing ovation is way better than a sitting ovation… isn't it, mama?" <grin><grin></grin></grin><br />
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He continued to talk briefly about his experiences at the hospital, and about how his grandma, who was also wiping away tears, sends an infusion present with him every week. Then he closed by thanking everyone for being there. So much wisdom and experience in this little man that God has given us to care for and nurture. What an amazing blessing he is to us and so many others.<br />
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Such a short message, but so powerful. Anything is possible. Don't give up. It might be uncomfortable, but in the long run, it's worth it.<br />
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I do not think the world has heard the last from Jack. His mountain is waiting, and he will move it one day.<br />
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God bless,Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12676494062578216098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1015870732172457016.post-23208106138175594762014-05-06T17:37:00.000-05:002014-05-06T17:37:46.584-05:00Origami Owl Landed In Puerto Rico!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hola Puerto Rico! Have you heard the news? The fastest growing Social Sales business in the country is on the Island and ready to launch your dreams into reality. Have you ever thought about doing something on the side to learn a little extra income? Are you looking for a full time work from home opportunity that is filled with fun, friendship, personal growth, and amazing income earning potential? Maybe you just like all things that sparkle and want a little discount on your own purchases?<br />
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Whatever the case may be, I encourage you to take a closer look at Origami Owl. The products are gorgeous, and the opportunity is out of this world. I would love to speak with you more about the business opportunity and would also like to invite you to attend on of the informational meetings we have scheduled in your area this May. You have nothing to lose by attending!<br />
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<span id="yui_3_13_0_1_1399351538086_30219" style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thursday, May 15, 2014: Ponce, PR</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Registration 6pm; Presentation 7-9pm</span></span></div>
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<b id="yui_3_13_0_1_1399351538086_30218"><span id="yui_3_13_0_1_1399351538086_30217" style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.hiltonponceresort.com/" target="_blank">Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort</a></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b id="yui_3_13_0_1_1399351538086_30216"><span id="yui_3_13_0_1_1399351538086_30215" style="color: #222222;">Address:</span></b><span id="yui_3_13_0_1_1399351538086_30191" style="color: #222222;"> 1150 Caribe Ave, Ponce, 00716, Puerto Rico</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b id="yui_3_13_0_1_1399351538086_30214"><span id="yui_3_13_0_1_1399351538086_30213" style="color: #222222;">Phone:</span></b><span style="color: #222222;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1015870732172457016" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #196ad4; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">+1 787-259-7676</a></span></span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_13_0_1_1399351538086_30195" style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Saturday, May 17, 2014: San Juan, PR</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Registration 10am; Presentation 11am-1pm; OR</span></span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_13_0_1_1399351538086_30211" style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Registration 3pm; Presentation 4-6pm</span></span></div>
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<b id="yui_3_13_0_1_1399351538086_30205"><span id="yui_3_13_0_1_1399351538086_30204" style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.sheratonpuertoricohotelcasino.com/" target="_blank">Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino</a></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="color: #222222;">Address:</span></b><span id="yui_3_13_0_1_1399351538086_30203" style="color: #222222;"> 200 Convention Blvd, San Juan, PR 00907</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="color: #222222;">Phone:</span></b><span id="yui_3_13_0_1_1399351538086_30209" style="color: #222222;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1015870732172457016" id="yui_3_13_0_1_1399351538086_30208" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: #196ad4; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">+1 787-993-3500</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1015870732172457016" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); color: #196ad4; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><br /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: normal;">Take a look at what Origami Owl has to offer. It could be just what you've been looking for. I can't even begin to tell you how blessed we are to have found this company. They have been a life saver for us in more ways than one as I continue to stay home with my son Jack and also earn a full time income with my business. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: normal;">If you just can't wait to get onboard, hop over to <a href="http://www.faith.origamiowl.com/">www.faith.origamiowl.com</a> and click Join. Enter mentor ID #5321 and you'll be on your way! Hoot, hoot! </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: normal;">Owlways and forever,</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12676494062578216098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1015870732172457016.post-46081088138652361552014-04-22T22:50:00.000-05:002014-04-22T22:51:07.651-05:00Loving the Locket Life!<a href="http://www.faith.origamiowl.com/" target="_blank">Origami Owl Living Lockets</a> has come to the forefront of life here in Wisconsin. These days, I am a full time mentor and Executive Team Leader with the company and if I am being totally honest, I am loving every single minute of it.<br />
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If you remember, I joined Origami Owl in the early fall of October 2012. I had originally requested a catalog that summer with the intent to build and purchase a locket in memory of <a href="http://scrampinmama.blogspot.com/search/label/Henry" target="_blank">Henry</a>, our oldest son who passed away in November 2009. As I started to write up my order, I realized that for only a little more money I could purchase a <a href="https://faith.origamiowl.com/en/EnrollApproved.ashx" target="_blank">starter kit</a> and maybe help other bereaved parents tell their stories through these amazing "scrapbooks you can wear." By October of 2012 I was active and booking parties left and right. </div>
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Today I mentor a team of nearly 150 designers from coast to coast and still am very active in the field. I average about 6 Jewelry Bars (i.e. home parties) per month as well as 2-4 events. In November I topped out at 27 Jewelry Bars in one month. It was pure craziness. I didn't know if I was coming or going, but I knew I was enjoying it every step of the way and at the end of the day, and that's what matters most. I was helping people tell their stories, I was helping my family by earning extra income - for the first time in my life earning more in one month than my husband did, and I was having fun doing it. What more could I ask for? </div>
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As I look forward to the rest of 2014, I very clearly see myself promoting to Director by year end. I have that goal set for myself by New Years Eve and am focused on it like a laser. I am also in talks with our local community college to start teaching a not-for-credit class on Network Marketing for other consultants from any company who are interested in learning more about this amazing field and how to make their businesses succeed. I love that I will be able to pay it forward in that way, among others. </div>
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Origami Owl has given me so many things - some tangible and some not. In February of this year I was able to take my mom on a all expense paid trip for two to the <a href="http://www.fiestamericanagrand.com/en/mx-los-cabos/hotel-grand-los-cabos" target="_blank">Fiesta Americana Resort</a> in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico after earning the company's first incentive trip. We were able to celebrate her 60th birthday in a way that would have never been possible otherwise. She is already looking forward to our annual convention this year where the company will reveal the location of their next trip. Mom isn't going to convention - she just really wants to know what trip I might take her on next year... Love that lady! She makes me smile. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-OvvxzRO26YsrUiBJ6vAQEP2qmbBn19_NHtimYyQru1d5HEZEHBjPgFd6LCOZzybZjXIoETwpvovWnHJ9dCMaH09vqz9d0zB1wPQ7oYUKVPovkq_gitnGMFznA7jFnlxbVYbF0ik6MyPL/s1600/IMG_1486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-OvvxzRO26YsrUiBJ6vAQEP2qmbBn19_NHtimYyQru1d5HEZEHBjPgFd6LCOZzybZjXIoETwpvovWnHJ9dCMaH09vqz9d0zB1wPQ7oYUKVPovkq_gitnGMFznA7jFnlxbVYbF0ik6MyPL/s1600/IMG_1486.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Mom and I at the welcome dinner in Cabo San Lucas. </i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVdmh4KBipxg-MTbVCQ9ai_uwPLdCA9rZrm0yfMvqL4kLHAjsmyF_AqZz2ebigYqsS0i3_XDhCPOcIDdm2O2bmfWoieRBZ-as00lSQvSRbX6CJOe99152O7BMjAWXOOZTfV8IA7ye0P6Ir/s1600/IMG_1554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVdmh4KBipxg-MTbVCQ9ai_uwPLdCA9rZrm0yfMvqL4kLHAjsmyF_AqZz2ebigYqsS0i3_XDhCPOcIDdm2O2bmfWoieRBZ-as00lSQvSRbX6CJOe99152O7BMjAWXOOZTfV8IA7ye0P6Ir/s1600/IMG_1554.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Here we are with Origami Owl's CEO Robin Crossman. </span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>The gorgeous view from our suite.</i></span></div>
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In addition to the trip, I've grown so much personally and professionally. My background in business was an asset going into this endeavor, but the patience and perseverance have been tried and gained each step of the way. It isn't always easy being part of a brand new company. There are stepping stones and stumbling blocks, but each one is a learning experience and I take them for all I can get out of them. Each one boosting me to the next. Each a little easier to work through than the last. Each well worth any effort expended. </div>
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If you have ever given a thought to joining a Network Marketing company and would like to experience the pure joy and positive energy that comes with being a member of the Origami Owl family, let's chat. I would love to welcome you to Team Faith. Drop me an email at sairabee at yahoo dot com or find me on Facebook <a href="http://www.fb.com/faith.origamiowl" target="_blank">{HERE}</a> and let me know what questions you have. I would love to see you achieve your dreams just as I am achieving mine. </div>
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God bless! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12676494062578216098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1015870732172457016.post-81108908346651288142013-04-10T13:42:00.002-05:002013-04-10T13:42:39.416-05:00Cinnamon French Toast Bake from Pillsbury<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I originally pinned this to my {<a href="http://pinterest.com/sairabee/nom-nom-nom-sweets/" target="_blank">NOM NOM NOM - SWEETS</a>} board on Pinterest a few months ago. There are so many things to pin on Pinterest, many of them fall by the wayside after the reach it to my board and never come to fruition, but I couldn't get this one off my mind. I've always been a sucker for cinnamon rolls - especially warm ones that are a little bit gooey. I had to try this. The kicker though, of course, is that pesky Weight Watchers plan I've been telling you about. This does not fit in. At all. I tried to calculate points but I swear to you when I entered all of the info and then submitted for a calculation, the response, "<i>LOL</i>" is all that came back. ;)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I decided to save it for a special occasion. Then it's ok, right? Well, no, probably not.... but I'm nothing if not realistic, and that realism tells me that eliminating indulgent sweets from my life entirely is not a path to success. It's a path to regrettable binge-fests. So I scheduled this baby for Easter breakfast and bought the calories... err... ingredients.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fast forward to Easter morning, and it was as if God spoke to me saying, "Sarah, you do not need those calories. You will not make that dish!" No lie. I woke up with an excited little boy and sat down to watch him search for Easter eggs and felt my entire back compress like an accordion, one vertebra at a time. I was paralyzed. I was in excruciating pain and unable to move. Aside from wondering how the crap I was going to get better, my first thought really was that it was a message from God. No lie... this is how my brain works. I appreciate the help from above, but perhaps next time he could make it so that the Pillsbury Grands are out of stock before I get to the store rather than immobilize me? I'm just sayin'. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I never did get the dish made on Easter. I didn't really get off the couch until Wednesday, actually. We ended up having this for supper last Friday night. Easter was over, but I had the ingredients on hand and had to use them up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I don't think I have ever in my life put so many calories or grams of sugar in one baked dish, but I forged on. I'm not really a huge sweet eater, so I wasn't sure I would like it. I thought it would be too sweet. Like, sickeningly sweet. Cinnamon rolls plus butter plus 3/4 c. of syrup (!!) PLUS the icing that comes with the rolls? I was scared. 5 eggs seems like a lot, but they have a LOT of sugar to balance out. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fortunately, I was scared for no reason at all. This dish was deeeeeelish!! Sweet, yes. But overly sweet? Not really. No more so than any other coffee cake or cinnamon roll you might have tried.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The bake cuts nicely into squares, and we served it up with sausage links and fresh fruit on the side. (Note that we serve on small kid-sized plates these days. That's one way to make sure your portions don't get out of hand.) We had a ton of leftovers and it reheated well, although the first serving is always the best. This dish could also be made ahead of time and then popped in the oven when it's time.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f5f4f1; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">1/4 cup melted butter</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f5f4f1; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">2 cans Pillsbury® Grands Cinnamon Rolls</span></div>
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5 eggs</div>
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1/2 cup heavy whipping cream</div>
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2 heaping teaspoons ground cinnamon</div>
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2 teaspoons vanilla</div>
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1 cup chopped pecans</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3/4 cup maple syrup (I really think you could drop this to a 1/2 cup without effecting the flavor)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Melt butter and pour into ungreased 13×9" pan. Separate cans of dough into 5 rolls reserving the icing for later use. Cut each roll into 8 pie shaped pieces and add to buttered baking dish.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Beat eggs in medium bowl. Add cream, cinnamon and vanilla and beat until well blended. Pour over cinnamon roll pieces.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Sprinkle with pecans and drizzle 3/4 cup syrup over the top. Bake at 375 for 20 to 28 minutes or until golden brown. I cooked mine for 20 mins and the center was VERY gooey. Too gooey. This cuts better and tastes better (even to someone who likes gooey rolls) if it is firm. I would recommend checking the center as it cooks and taking it out when the consistency at center matches that at the edges. Cool 15 minutes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Remove the covers from the icing and microwave on medium or 50% power for 10 to 15 seconds. (Should be thin enough to drizzle.) Drizzle icing over the top. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;">The recipe I pinned originally was found {<a href="http://ohmysugarhigh.com/cinnamon-french-toast-bake-from-pillsbury-recipe/" target="_blank">HERE</a>} on the aptly named Oh My Sugar High! site. They suggest sprinkling with powdered sugar and serving with syrup if desired. Not only did I not desire, I just don't think it's necessary. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I think my husband gave the best compliment..... "We never have to go to Cinnabon again!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Good thing, too, since the local one closed. We used to visit once a year to split a roll, and that's about how often this dish will make it into my rotation. It might be an Easter standby from now on. I mean, unless God has other plans.... </span></div>
</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12676494062578216098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1015870732172457016.post-35714259343540687552013-04-05T11:44:00.002-05:002013-04-05T11:44:57.559-05:00Weight Watchers Update For those who missed my <a href="http://scrampinmama.blogspot.com/2013/02/its-time-to-make-change-weight-watchers.html" target="_blank">original post about my Weight Watchers journey</a>, I joined (again, but after several years away) on February 16th, 2013 with a new determination to achieve the one thing in life I've ever wanted that has been seemingly unattainable: <b>my goal weight</b>.<br />
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I have struggled with obesity my entire life, though frankly I hate that word. Such negative connotations associated with it, but that's a post for a different day. This is probably my fourth time with Weight Watchers and my sixth or seventh "serious" attempt at weight loss. Every time I get going, I get thrown off by life events or long cold winters or really yummy breadsticks. It doesn't take much.... or at least it didn't. I've had a little epiphany in recent weeks though and I'm hoping it will help me stick to the program this time and reach my goal once and for all.<br />
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<u>What I've realized is this</u>:<br />
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1.) I really don't even enjoy the taste of most of the high calorie, high fat foods I eat.<br />
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2.) I am a stress eater.<br />
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They say knowing is half the battle, and I'm hoping that's true. If so, I'm halfway to success, right!? SO, now that I know these things... what do I do with that information? Well, for one I stop talking myself out of healthier options with words like, "but I don't like the taste of that." Because the God's honest truth is that I don't really think the taste of what I had been eating was that spectacular either. The fast food and delivery restaurants are convenient, but not nutritious and certain not gourmet. If time is tight I'd be just as content with a Weight Watchers/Healthy Choice/Lean Cuisine freezer meal, so why not choose that? And before you comment telling me all the reasons those aren't particularly healthy either... <i>I KNOW</i>. At this point they are winning the health argument because they are going head to head with things like stuffed crust meatlovers pizzas, cheesy bread, and ice cream. I'm considering the alternative. And, also, that's just an example. I actually don't eat that many freezer meals. Maybe three a month, if that.<br />
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The biggest factor in my weight loss success at this point has been portion control and tracking. I track everything. Every bite. If I'm not able to find point/calorie totals, I guess, and I always make sure to guess generously. I'd rather over-guess than under-guess.<br />
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I allow myself one evening of splurging (after weigh in... doesn't everyone?). If I'm craving anything with unreasonably high points, I save it for Thursday night. I count through the day up to weigh in time, but then I stop and let dinner and dessert be what they are and get back on track Friday morning. Oddly, the last two times I've allowed myself this free time on Thursday evening, I really haven't even enjoyed it. It might stop entirely or be reduced drastically in the coming weeks. We'll have to see.<br />
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I eat three meals a day and two snacks. My choices haven't always been the best... I'd like to do more clean eating... but I've come a LONG way and I always count whatever I'm putting in my mouth and so far, despite occasional Pop Tart and Eggo breakfasts, I've done well. Better than ever, actually. As of yesterday I'm down 18.8 lbs, and I'm pretty happy with that number. I could eat better. I could exercise more. I could try more healthy recipes. I could start some sort of squatting and tricep regimen so that my rump and arm flab dwindles proportionally to the rest of me (which sadly does not seem to be the case at the moment). Eventually I will find the time and/or willpower to do all of these things, but for now I am doing enough. Every day I do enough, and I always will.<br />
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No pressure.<br />
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Pressure equals stress, and stress equals bad choices in the food department.<br />
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Every week I update my weight loss story in one of my <a href="http://faith.origamiowl.com/index.cfm" target="_blank">Origami Owl</a> lockets. I love wearing it as a reminder of how far I have come, and particularly love the combo of <a href="http://faith.origamiowl.com/shop/product/?id=LK1010" target="_blank">this rose gold locket </a>with the <a href="http://faith.origamiowl.com/shop/product/?id=CH1805" target="_blank">olive accent stones</a>. I'm <a href="http://faith.origamiowl.com/shop/product/?id=CH4001" target="_blank">happy</a>. I have <a href="http://faith.origamiowl.com/shop/product/?id=CH5011" target="_blank">faith</a> I will continue on this journey. All is well. :)<br />
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Would you like to start a weigh loss locket to tell your story? Or do you have a different story to tell?</div>
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Start your locket {<a href="http://faith.origamiowl.com/shop/" target="_blank">here</a>}.</div>
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Would you like to host a Take Out Party and collect orders from friends to earn your locket for free? Email me at sairabee at yahoo dot com to get started. You don't have to live near me to do this either. This is possible anywhere in the country! </div>
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Would you like to join my team and help other people tell their story? There is a waitlist for new designers right now, but don't let that stop you. There was a waitlist when I signed up, too. It didn't slow me down at all. Email me at the address above and let's talk. I'd love to have you join me on this journey! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12676494062578216098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1015870732172457016.post-18314873571468782582013-03-18T23:44:00.002-05:002013-03-18T23:44:53.344-05:00Heaven Sent<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhomccJEMHu4NalrE7ITtqZHNNT4VNfHlSxwwKfFIfi3bYsS_OOgqE4swQoON9e-sd9NWJaVvmubvOj9kY27RxS9oA0mwJkz1e8-heR-0ILRcBtc4S-hUBJ2H08ddMRZKJsonQugZsfgBCF/s1600/babyowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhomccJEMHu4NalrE7ITtqZHNNT4VNfHlSxwwKfFIfi3bYsS_OOgqE4swQoON9e-sd9NWJaVvmubvOj9kY27RxS9oA0mwJkz1e8-heR-0ILRcBtc4S-hUBJ2H08ddMRZKJsonQugZsfgBCF/s640/babyowl.jpg" width="491" /></a></div>
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<br />Look at me! Stamping a card! I even placed an order last night over at <a href="https://www.iheartpapers.com/" target="_blank">i {heart} papers</a> for some new stamps and paper (not that I needed any, mind you). It felt good to be back in my crafting space again, but I am soooo out of practice with blogging my cards it took me forEVer to get this thing uploaded! Oye. </div>
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ANYHOW! I decided to participate in the <a href="http://flutterbywednesdays.blogspot.com/2013/03/flutter-by-wedesday-231.html" target="_blank">Flutter By Wednesday Challenge</a> this week and the challenge was to use something on the card with wings. Well, ok! I purchased this owl stamp at Hobby Lobby recently for use on my <a href="http://www.faith.origamiowl.com/" target="_blank">Origami Owl</a> correspondence, so I inked it up. Nothing like fresh rubber to get a girl back in the swing of things! ;) </div>
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While I was at it, I pulled up a sketch from my "<a href="http://pinterest.com/sairabee/things-are-a-little-sketchy/" target="_blank">Things Are A Little Sketchy</a>" pinboard over on Pinterest to use for inspiration as well. Speaking of Pinterest, on Sunday I hit some kind of milestone and pinned my 10,000th pin. Oh. Em. Gee. That's a lot of pins. It was hilarious, too, because I searched and searched for the perfect 10,000th pin. It had to be just right. In the end, I went with {<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/141441244519496633/" target="_blank">this one</a>}. </div>
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There's not too much time left for this week's <a href="http://flutterbywednesdays.blogspot.com/2013/03/flutter-by-wedesday-231.html" target="_blank">Flutter By Wednesday Challenge</a>, but you could still get something in tomorrow if you want to play along. </div>
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Stay tuned here for more posts soon with some semi-homemade cards and pics of Jack's upcoming birthday. It's hard to believe my boy is turning FIVE in a week! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12676494062578216098noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1015870732172457016.post-64203719097820568432013-02-27T10:13:00.004-06:002013-02-27T10:15:19.955-06:00It's Time To Make A Change - Weight Watchers Style!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have struggled with weight my entire life. I go up, I go down. And then back up. Each time I go down, I swear I will never go up again. Each time I go up I think, "Meh. I'll start again on Monday." Unfortunately, sometimes Monday doesn't come until a year or so later. </div>
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Three years ago I was in the best shape of my life, winning weight loss challenges and gearing up to start training for my first 5K... something I had always wanted to accomplish but never tried to do. (Side note: I highly recommend the Couch to 5K program for new runners! It was fantastic.) In July of 2010 I ran my first 5K, in August my second - a trail run, no less. In November of that year, I completed a 5 mile Turkey Trot. From there until now it has been a steady slide back down the hill as I watch all of my hard work and good intentions zip past me. Again.</div>
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My weight loss didn't work ... didn't stick ... because I didn't actually change me. I would manipulate the system - whatever system it was. For years back in the late 90's, my girlfriends and I would go to Weight Watchers and then go out for dinner at Applebee's. We'd choose weigh-in days close to the weekend so that we had the whole week to recover. We weren't drinkers, but more like weekday dieters. Kick it into gear on Monday and then starve until Thursday and take the weekend off. </div>
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This does not work. </div>
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(Shocker!)</div>
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In more recent years I have participated in weight loss challenges through a local fitness club. There I learned more practical information about eating healthy and losing for life. My husband and I placed in the top three for every challenge we participated in, but when the challenges ended eight weeks later, so did our dedication. </div>
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I have known for awhile now that I needed to make a change for the better. While that change comes easier for me with the accountability that weighing in with Weight Watchers brings, the biggest change needs to come from me. I need to dedicate myself to eating healthier, to exploring the world of healthy cooking with whole foods. To commit to activity and energy and exercise on a regular basis. Something I had done over the years, but never consistently. I only made temporary changes to accommodate whatever plan I was using at the time. </div>
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I messaged my friend - the same one I joined Weight Watchers with back in the 90's and early 2000's - and mentioned taking that step one more time. I just tossed it out as an option, still not convinced. She was willing so, like I've been doing with many things lately, I took that leap of faith one more time and we joined Weight Watchers one last time on Saturday, February 16, 2013. I committed myself to healthier choices, tracking, measuring, and living within my Points Plus Value limits all seven days of the week, not just Monday through Friday. My goal is to make healthy changes that I can live with permanently. To not do anything so drastic that I find myself longing for it to end.</div>
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Origami Owl recently partnered with Rascal Flatts to help promote change. Rascal Flatts has an amazing new single out (Changed - worth a listen, even if you aren't a country music fan) and we have designed a new limited edition tag to help commemorate this release. Along with this promotion, Origami Owl has issued a challenge to their designers... a challenge to change. And not only to change, but to tell our story of change. Be a force for good, as the company motto says. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqM5_-Qr2afmvD9BPQJRE1zz6C9Mhn1W_V4znN-LcDcV9h0k1CVl82lzyhH_81kPLZsVpl9CWQYCXXf4Zdr0a1mPeHJPJEs0JwqfWn9B3n55ScmA8k2lBIPojHZgHw1iWpML7KdVvO6wJ5/s1600/285517_10200270615980769_940573220_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqM5_-Qr2afmvD9BPQJRE1zz6C9Mhn1W_V4znN-LcDcV9h0k1CVl82lzyhH_81kPLZsVpl9CWQYCXXf4Zdr0a1mPeHJPJEs0JwqfWn9B3n55ScmA8k2lBIPojHZgHw1iWpML7KdVvO6wJ5/s1600/285517_10200270615980769_940573220_n.jpg" /></a></div>
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In my case, a force for good health. </div>
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This is my story; this is my change.</div>
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This past Saturday I went in for my first weigh-in and was pleasantly surprised to see all of the counting paid off. In my first week lost 7.5 lbs. I tracked and counted all seven days and while there was a bit of an adjustment at first as I went from mindless to thoughtful eating, it really hasn't been that bad. And what's more important, I *feel* a change happening inside me. A movement toward health as a lifestyle choice rather than a temporary means to an end. </div>
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I don't have a number for my goal weight. My goal is only to be healthy, and to keep my family healthy. The fact that I am losing weight along the journey is just icing on the low-fat cake, so to speak.</div>
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In addition to tracking, counting, and cooking/choosing healthier meals, I am also exercising again. It is frigid in Wisconsin, so I've been bringing out the DVD's, most recently Leslie Sansone's Walk At Home videos and a few Biggest Loser work outs. I have always loved aerobic videos, so this is going great. My biggest issue is finding the extra 45 minutes each day. I've always said that we find time for the things that matter to us though, and I have done just that. Even if I only finish one mile of the three mile walk, it's still a mile. I'm moving, and that's more than I could say for myself last week. </div>
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With Origami Owl, we say "Every locket tells a story." Here is the locket I am wearing this week and the story that goes with it. </div>
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A #7 for my 7 lb loss.</div>
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A footprint for the 13 miles I walked (at home) this week.</div>
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A snowflake for the exercise I got while shoveling. ;)</div>
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A star to represent the one given to me when I reached my 5 lb. Weight Watchers goal.</div>
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A key to unlock the future, a reminder that life is a gift from God and that I need to take care of this precious gift he has given me, and an inspire plate in hopes of inspiring others to do the same. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOAVWkxFr3VHTLYwZMrGXmRm-x2bcziV58_-zKU2K-EoG8YyGbAlw1k7AaeKnwKjHQffdViJiGYsw02lkz1qRSS0bIEIbIJxLD5pZzv8zkkjV9r3Cpro2mISt8KK_QwAedeR59cclFLGBv/s1600/Sarah+O2+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOAVWkxFr3VHTLYwZMrGXmRm-x2bcziV58_-zKU2K-EoG8YyGbAlw1k7AaeKnwKjHQffdViJiGYsw02lkz1qRSS0bIEIbIJxLD5pZzv8zkkjV9r3Cpro2mISt8KK_QwAedeR59cclFLGBv/s320/Sarah+O2+pic.jpg" width="246" /></a></div>
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My hope is that I'll remember to blog my progress as I go. Maybe it will serve a dual purpose by helping to motivate you while helping to keep me accountable. Maybe we can help each other. I also plan to change up my locket each week to keep a tally of my weight loss close to my heart and mind, always incorporating the number of lbs I've lost to date. I'll continue to share them as I reach various milestones or have other info to share. While I enjoy sharing my Origami Owl business with you, and I am thrilled beyond belief at how well this business has taken off for me and how it has blessed my family, this blog is about so much more than that and so am I.<br />
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In closing, here are some links for a few of the most inspirational healthy living books I've read, as well as links to the DVD's I exercised to this week and a few recipes we enjoyed.<br />
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<u>Fitness Books I Love: </u><br />
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<a href="http://scrampinmama.blogspot.com/2011/10/working-it-out.html" target="_blank">Working It Out by Abby Rike</a> - written by a former Biggest Loser contestant who is also a bereaved mother. This book spoke to me on many levels.<br />
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<a href="http://www.waterwithlemon.com/introduction.html" target="_blank">Water With Lemon by Zonya Focco</a> - the only book I've ever read about weight loss and healthy living that was written in the form of a novel. A fantastic, fast, read.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Reshaping-All-Motivation-Physical-Spiritual/dp/1433669730" target="_blank">Reshaping It All by Candance Cameron Bure</a> - a great story of faith and fitness.<br />
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<u>DVD's I used in week 1:</u><br />
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<a href="http://www.target.com/p/leslie-sansone-walk-at-home-walk-your-belly-flat-3-mile-walk/-/A-11448235?ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001&AFID=Google_PLA_df&LNM%7C11448235&CPNG=NoCPNG&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=11448235&kpid=11448235&LID=PA&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=11448235" target="_blank">Leslie Sansone Walk Your Belly Flat</a> - An easy three mile walk. Well... "easy" is relative. I think it's easy compared to some of the other dvd's I've done, but it's still a fast paced work-out. This is my go-to dvd this week. I think I logged 9 miles with it.<br />
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<a href="http://www.target.com/p/leslie-sansone-walk-at-home-5-mile-fat-burning-walk/-/A-11371229?ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001&AFID=Google_PLA_df&LNM%7C11371229&CPNG=NoCPNG&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=11371229&kpid=11371229&LID=PA&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=11371229" target="_blank">Leslie Sansone 5 Mile Fat Burning Walk</a> - I did this one day, a 2 mile walk. Much faster paced than the one above, and a fantastic workout.<br />
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<a href="http://www.magazines.com/biggest-loser-power-walk/313602-MO,default,pd.html?affiliate_id=20337&gclid=CMyerq3m1rUCFQSnnQodX0YADA" target="_blank">Biggest Loser Power Walk</a> - I used this one night for a two mile walk as well. I enjoy this video (mostly because I enjoy Bob Harper ;) ), but sometimes the talking between contestants gets under my skin during the second mile. The third mile requires some jumping jacks and more movement, so keep that in mind when choosing your workout clothes and... err... support. ;)<br />
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<a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/8044524?wmlspartner=wlpa&adid=22222222227000000000&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=&wl3=21486607510&wl4=&wl5=pla&veh=sem" target="_blank">Biggest Loser Cardio Max</a> - I did this one night as well. I'll be honest - it's not my favorite work out. The flexibility section is fantastic though, and the cardio gets the job done. I do like that the dvd lets you build your own workout and I selected a 45 minute routine of warm up, flexibility, cardio, and cool down.<br />
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<u>New recipes tried in week 1</u>:<br />
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This <a href="http://www.saving-makes-cents.com/2012/07/what-is-for-dinner/" target="_blank">chicken/potato/broccoli</a> combo I found on Pinterest. Granted it uses a ton of butter, but my thinking is that it's still healthier than the Large meat lovers pizza on stuffed crust that I might have otherwise opted for. I kept my portions small, and was pleased to see how many meals we got out of the dish by doing so. It was yummy, but had to cook 30 mins longer than noted in the link for the potatoes to be done.<br />
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<a href="http://skinnyms.com/skinny-breakfast-sausage/" target="_blank">Skinny Breakfast Sausage</a> - Very tasty! We had it for dinner with eggs and biscuits. I'm still using up some canned refrigerated biscuits that were purchased prior to my change, but at 4 pts per biscuit (I had one), they weren't too bad. Once we've finished what we have on hand I'll move to making my own biscuits when we want them for less preservatives and sodium.<br />
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<a href="http://www.justusfourblog.com/2012/04/pinterest-projects-frozen-yogurt-bites/" target="_blank">Frozen Yogurt Bites</a> - These didn't go so well. We tried to make them with Jack's favorite yogurt - Stoneyfield Farms Banilla. I had them freezing overnight and some of them still wouldn't set. Most of them ended up in the garbage. If you've had luck with this, let me know what your secret is.<br />
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This week, and for the rest of spring, we'll be switching to a Thursday night weigh-in to accommodate Soccer Saturday commitments, so this will be a short week for me. 7 lbs won't happen again... nor should it. Slow and steady is the way to go. I'll share again after this weeks weigh-in - hopefully with another, albeit smaller, loss!<br />
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God bless,Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12676494062578216098noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1015870732172457016.post-37017118692928321162013-02-25T09:32:00.005-06:002013-02-25T09:35:08.242-06:00True Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Have you had a chance to look through my <a href="http://www.faith.origamiowl.com/" target="_blank">Origami Owl</a> site? It has been four months since I joined this company as an Independent Designer and I am still loving every single minute of it. I have been with other direct sales companies in the past, but have never felt as at home and comfortable as I do with this company; and on this team (both the larger one above me and the fantastic one I am building myself). </div>
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My little <a href="http://www.facebook.com/faith.origamiowl" target="_blank">Team FAITH</a> (named for the leap of faith I took when joining the company before ever seeing the product outside of a catalog) has grown by leaps and bounds in the past four months and now holds upwards of 25 designers. Twenty-five! I was blessed to promote from Designer to Leading Designer in January, and am on track for yet another promotion this month. None of this would be possible without the amazing ladies I "work" with and the equally amazing ladies and friends who have supported me by hosting shows and helping to spread the word about my business. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart! </div>
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I was doing some reading online this morning about network marketing and came across this 2005 article from Entrepreneur magazine. The article is titled, "<a href="http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/77700#" target="_blank">7 Tips For Network Marketing Success</a>" and talks about what to look for in a company. To summarize, the six key factors for choosing a direct sales company include stability, excellent products and service, the generosity of the pay plan, the integrity of the company, the momentum of the company, and finally the training and support available. I'm proud to be a part of a company that encompasses all six elements so completely.<br />
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If you have ever thought about getting into direct sales, and working towards earning a full time income from home, I invite you to consider <a href="http://www.faith.origamiowl.com/" target="_blank">Origami Owl</a>, and also consider joining us on Team Faith. The ladies on our team are spread from coast to coast with representation in Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, Montana, Utah, Colorado, Arkansas, Pennsylvania and here in Wisconsin. We also have ladies in Minnesota and Tennessee who are currently on the <a href="https://faith.origamiowl.com/wait/index.cfm" target="_blank">wait list</a> and more exited than ever to get their official invitations to join. We would love to have you with us! If you are looking for a positive, energetic, affirming and faith-based group of ladies with a strong structure in place and a mentor (Me!) dedicated to helping you develop and grow your business, look no further!<br />
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In four short months this journey has well exceeded every goal I set for my first year of business and then some. As always a little faith has taken me a long way in life, and for that I am truly grateful.<br />
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If you or anyone you know is interested in learning more, please message me through my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/faith.origamiowl" target="_blank">Facebook page</a> or click the link in the sidebar to the right of this post to email me directly.<br />
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God bless,Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12676494062578216098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1015870732172457016.post-44215680110910186602013-02-04T11:30:00.000-06:002013-02-25T09:34:36.042-06:00Lincoln, Life, and Loss <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My husband and I had the opportunity to have a little "us" time yesterday and decided to see the movie <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0443272/" target="_blank">Lincoln</a> at the local cinema. We had heard so much about the film - as I'm sure all of you have, too, and were looking forward to seeing it. I read some of the information about reactions to the film, and was aware that it centered around the former President's efforts to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thirteenth_Amendment_to_the_United_States_Constitution" target="_blank">abolish slavery</a>. I was prepared for a stellar performance by <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000358/" target="_blank">Daniel Day Lewis</a> and looked forward to seeing one of my all time favorite actesses (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000398/" target="_blank">Sally Field</a>) in action. I have always been fascinated by our First Ladies. Where our Presidents have had the ability to decide whether or not to run for office, it is their election that catapults their wives into the public eye whether they are ready for it or not. I have read several books about the stories of these women - in particular, Hillary Clinton, Nancy Reagan, Lady Bird Johnson, Jacqueline Kennedy, and of course Mary Todd Lincoln. Truth be known, I was more interested in seeing her role in this movie than his.<br />
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The movie, of course, was fantastic. It was a little drawn out on some of the political debating for my tastes, but my husband assures me it was very well written and very true to form for the men that were emphasized. We expected debates, and we got them. What I didn't expect... What completely took me off guard and hit me to the core, were the two scenes in which Mrs. Lincoln grieved over the loss of their son Willie.<br />
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Wallace_Lincoln" target="_blank">William Wallace Lincoln</a> died in February of 1862 at the age of 12 of an illness described as "most likely typhoid fever". The movie was set in January of 1865, making the Lincoln's three years bereaved at the time of the vote on the 13th Amendment. Almost exactly the amount of time that has passed since we lost Henry.<br />
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When Henry died in 2009, I was so lost. I didn't know how to live. How to keep breathing. Every breath I took was a physical effort. I had to remind myself to do it. There would be times when I would gasp for air because I would forget to inhale for a bit. It seems odd that something so ingrained would be forgotten, but it happened. As a semi-related side note, the song <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvHuW-5ezak" target="_blank">"No Air" by Jordin Sparks</a> is one of the songs that will bring me to tears and has since the first time I heard it after Henry's death for the exact reason described above.<br />
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I was determined to keep living my life for Jack's sake, but although my head was convinced, my heart wasn't sure I was up to the task. I looked for comfort in the most unlikely of places - the cemetery. After Henry's funeral, I found myself wandering around the cemetery, memorizing the names of the people he now took up residence with. I would try to piece together different family members of strangers and figure out how they met. I'd calculate the years between the death of a child and the death of his or her mother. Then I'd think, ok, she lived forty years past her son's death. If she can do it, so can I. I found one woman who had buried three sons and was still living. I wanted to call her and ask her how she managed, but even in my grief state I realized that might be a little too stalker-ish. How would I even start that conversation? "Ma'am, you don't know me, but I found your stone at the cemetery..." Umm, no.<br />
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At this point, needing more information (or inspiration) than just dates and life spans, I turned to the celebrity bereaved. For better or worse, the lives of those in the public spotlight are kind of an open book for anyone to read, and I took advantage of that. The first person that came to mind given my life long fascination with our First Ladies, was Mary Todd Lincoln. I started reading book after book about her life and her children's deaths (three of her four sons died at age 18 or younger). I read about her grief and about her life after their deaths. Although she handled her grief much differently than I hoped to, my heart still went out to her and I've often wondered if her insanity that came with later life was simply a defense mechanism to save her broken heart after burying three children and a husband.<br />
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Yesterday, when the movie turned away from politics and slavery and turned toward the very real emotions of a bereaved mother, I was inconsolable. Thankfully there were very few people in the theatre at this late date so I didn't make too much of a spectacle of myself. Each time Willie was mentioned, I cried. If Mary cried, I cried. I also cried when the votes were tallied for the 13th Amendment, though for very different reasons (by then I was on a roll with the tears and they flowed easily). I find that I am much more emotional since Henry's death. Even the mention of a loss of a child or a child who has passed can bring my soul to its knees. Seeing a woman - or the portrayal of a woman - who I looked to for inspiration, in the midst of her pain was heart wrenching. And then to watch her compounded grief when she lost her husband so unexpectedly... I have no words. None. It was just too much for me.<br />
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It is often said that time heals all wounds. I disagree. Time does nothing more than put distance between you and the epicenter of your pain. It puts a bandaid on your wound. You feel better, but at any moment a turn in life can rip that bandaid off and there you are with that open wound again, just as painful as ever. Thankfully, each time the bandaid is removed and the wound re-opened, you become more adept at first aid and can more easily transition back out of grief to that more comfortable state where life and emotions seem somewhat under control.<br />
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Where breathing comes naturally.<br />
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Lincoln is a fantastic movie. My husband and I both enjoyed it and the acting was superb. I encourage everyone to see the movie and allow themselves to be engulfed with such an important man and moment in our nation's history. I only ask that when you do, you also allow yourselves a moment to grieve with the Lincoln's and raise a prayer for this family that gave so much to our country despite their personal heart aches.<br />
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On the off chance that anyone else seeks out fellow bereaved parents for inspiration in their own grief journey, I encourage you to also look to the lives of:<br />
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Bill Cosby (Ennis, age 27), John and Elizabeth Edwards (Wade), Joe Biden (Naomi, infant), John Travolta and Kelly Preston (Jett, age 16), Sylvester Stallone (Sage, age 36), Marie Osmond (Michael, age 18), Eric Clapton (Connor, age 4), Kirk Douglas (Eric, age 46), Barbara Eden (Matthew, age 35), Carol Burnett (Carrie), Mike Tyson (Exodus, age 4), Vince Neil of Motley Crüe (Skylar, age 4), Dr. Dre (Andre, age 20).<br />
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In addition to President Lincoln, at least 23 other Presidents have buried children during their lifetime, including Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, and John Kennedy, just to name a few.<br />
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Some day I would like to create a blog post detailing all of these individuals and their stories, but that is a post for another day. In closing, I will say to my bereaved readers that if you are looking for modern day inspiration in hopes of life after loss, look to former Biggest Loser contestant <a href="http://scrampinmama.blogspot.com/2011/10/working-it-out.html" target="_blank">Abby Rike</a> or the now deceased <a href="http://www.biography.com/people/elizabeth-edwards-442558" target="_blank">Mrs. Elizabeth Edwards</a>. Elizabeth was very active with The Compassionate Friends and very open about her grief journey.<br />
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This morning, while watching Good Morning America, I saw footage of Robin Roberts returning to her home in New Orleans after her surgery and I heard her say, "My mama always said, 'Make your mess your message.'" It should come as no surprise that I got tears in my eyes. Abby and Elizabeth have done just that, and I hope to follow in their footsteps and do the same.<br />
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God bless,<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12676494062578216098noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1015870732172457016.post-56136887807964979392013-01-19T09:46:00.001-06:002013-01-19T09:46:15.946-06:00Dream More by Dolly Parton <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have been very convicted in recent months about reading. I love to read. I read quickly, and have no excuses for not reading more. I spend countless hours online with various projects and at least one game, but fail to make time for one of my biggest loves. Sometime in December, I decided that one of my resolutions for 2013 would be to read more. One per month is totally doable, right? That's what I thought. My hope is to read far more than 12 books this year, but I'll be happy with that number. I set a goal for myself to read one book a month - any book, whether novel or biography, long or short. Just READ! Of course I read nightly with my son, but somehow it isn't the same. Not only do I miss the deeper plots, but I also miss the journey that comes along with a good story. I also want to make time to read during the day, in hopes of showing my son that sometimes it's ok to just sit down with a good book for awhile. Activities don't always have to be high energy. He has down times when he watches a show (though he's really not a fan of tv and movies, thankfully) and maybe during those times if he looks over and sees mama reading, it will make an impact on a deeper level.<br />
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At Christmas one of my closest friends bought me this book, <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/dream-more-by-dolly-parton?keyword=dream+more+by+dolly+parton&store=allproducts" target="_blank">Dolly Parton's Dream More</a>. We are both long time Dolly fans, and he knew I'd love it. The book is short - short enough to read in one day if you have that kind of focus (I used to, I'm trying to get it back). In the book, Dolly talks about the <a href="http://www.utk.edu/commencement/spring09/videos/dolly.shtml" target="_blank">commencement speech she gave at the University of Tennessee</a> and the thoughts and feeling she had leading up to it. She talks about the dreams she has had in her life, and how she has moved past the naysayers in her life. I took inspiration from the book and can easily apply her thoughts and suggestions to both my personal life (distance yourself from the people who only drag you down) and my professional life (never give up on your dreams, and keep learning).<br />
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She talked about caring more and giving back. About being the best person you can be, and loving God and doing right, but keeping your sense of humor along the way. It spoke to me on many levels, and I'm grateful to have had the chance to read it as my first book for 2013. It helped me to get in the right mindset for a positive 2013 and gave me some inspiration for ways to grow and build my new direct sales business with <a href="http://www.faith.origamiowl.com/" target="_blank">Origami Owl</a>. It probably spoke to me in ways she never could have even imagined, but isn't that the way writing goes? You never know which words will hit home or what story the reader will relate them to.<br />
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I recommend this book to any women who love Dolly, who are interested in knowing more of her story (she talks about the background for her <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1zJzr-kWsI" target="_blank">Coat Of Many Colors</a> song in detail, for instance, which is another source for inspiration and makes a fantastic message in the anti-bullying movement). I'd also recommend this for anyone starting out on a new venture, who is maybe questioning their dreams or their goals. It's a short read and well worth the time, even if it takes you the better part of a month like it did me. *grin* In my defense, I read it in two sittings. Those sittings just happened to be two or three weeks apart! Some day I'll get back to my old "chapter a day" mentality, but it may take time.<br />
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What's next? Well, I'm thinking it's time to finish the <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/u/Hunger-Games/379003414" target="_blank">Hunger Games</a> series. I read the first one just before the movie came out. I bought the other two at the same time, but never continued the series (despite LOVING it). How does that happen? I don't even know. I should have no problem zipping through those two books though. Maybe I'll finish them BOTH by the end of February! Wheeeee!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12676494062578216098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1015870732172457016.post-73506334149369490952013-01-18T00:03:00.002-06:002013-01-19T09:48:27.323-06:00Les Miserables and General William J. PalmerThis is a long post. Possibly the longest blog post I've ever written. I assure you though, every word is worth it as I describe my encounter with a little piece of history. Please read on...<br />
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About five years ago I was a new stay at home mom looking for ways to fill the days with my little Henry. One of the things I did in those days was visit the library. Often. I sifted through books while he slept beside me in the car carrier or the stroller, hummed songs from the CD's I'd flip through, and show him bright pictures from all of the children's books that our local library held. One day, I saw a sign for a used book sale and decided to return for the event.<br />
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Used book sales at our library are not uncommon. As books are donated to the library, it is determined whether they will be put into circulation or used in the sale to help raise funds for the establishment. I'm sure books, movies, and music are also pulled out of circulation to be sold once they have become less popular and no longer warrant the valuable shelf space they once held. The finds at these sales are like those at any other tag sale - completely random and potentially treasure filled. As the old saying goes, one man's trash is another man's treasure, right? As a long time rummager and thrift/antique sale shopper I relished the opportunity to browse the collection and the possibility to bring home an item or two for our family while simultaneously supporting the library that had been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.<br />
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I remember sifting through the cd's that day, picking up a few for myself and a few for a friend who is an avid music collector. I moved through the fiction and true crime books to the game manuals, as if I'd have any clue which of these manuals my husband could use in his gaming hobby. I believe I may have even called him to tell him of what I thought was an excellent discovery, only to be told no... wrong. He appreciates my efforts, but encourages me to spend my thrifting moments looking for things for myself as the varied worlds of gaming and the accessories they require are admittedly beyond my level of comprehension (and interest. Shhh! *wink*).<br />
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It was then as I was turning to leave that I saw an old copy of the book Les Miserables on a high shelf and paused to take a closer look. I was first introduced to "Les Mis" during my freshman year of high school. I was a member of the Treble Choir, and during open periods I would occasionally visit the choir room to do homework or visit with others. A Senior by the name of Andy Pick had the full London Cast recording of the musical on cassette (am I dating myself here?) and would play it repeatedly during these open periods. I fell in love with the music and the story, and by mid-year was begging him to make a copy for me. He reluctantly obliged (who wants to do ANY favors for a freshman!?) and I played those cassettes non-stop for the better part of the next three years. In no time at all, I had memorized the entire score and could easily sing along, word for word. It helped that I stayed in choir throughout high school and into adulthood and have often sang pieces and medleys from the show with these groups. Next came the Liam Neeson version of the movie (which I later caught on PBS). I was hooked. Victor Hugo spoke to my heart. When I fell in love for the first time, that music was there. When we broke up, it was also there. In hindsight I have a good laugh at how seriously I thought I understood each and every lyric as a teenager and how I believed they applied to the varied ins and outs of a day in the life of a teenage girl. I was so naïve, but that is how childhood should be, I suppose.<br />
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Given my history with the musical and the music and the message, you can imagine how excited I was to find this book at the library's used book sale. To say I was thrilled doesn't even begin to explain things. The book was situated with some other old books that were selling for quite a bit of money as far as used books go, so I was sure it would be out of my price range. I nearly walked away, but decided to take a peek and I was pleasantly surprised to find something in the range of about $3.00 listed as the price on a slip inside the front cover.<br />
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SOLD!<br />
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In addition to the price slip inside the front cover, I noticed there was also a typeset name plate noting that the book was from the "Private Library of William J. Palmer" with the date May 25, 1895 handwritten below it. I loved the thought that someone had handled this book over a century earlier, but didn't give the previous owner much thought beyond that general feeling of nostalgia. I remember that I brought the book home and did a quick Google search to try to determine a true value. Not because I necessarily wanted to turn a profit, but rather because I wanted to know what exactly it was I had found. I never found an exact match for the novel I held in my hand, but other similarly bound copies from roughly the same time period were selling for about $10-50. I slipped the book on the top shelf of one of the built-ins next to the fireplace and didn't give it another thought.<br />
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Fast forward to December 30th, 2012. My husband I and I were fortunate enough to get out of the house for the afternoon and take in a show. It was a no brainer for me that I'd see Les Mis as close to the release date as possible, but my husband who was never crazy about musical theatre was a tougher sell. The conversation went something like this:<br />
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Him: What should we see?<br />
Me: Les Miserables! I *need* to see it. Do you mind?<br />
Him: Ummm.... It's a musical.<br />
Me: It is, but it's about the French Revolution!<br />
Him: Really?! Ok!<br />
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Ladies, I do not condone this sort of manipulation to get what you want in life. But honestly, when you are married to a guy who is a European History buff and loves watching movies having to do with any sort of conflict or uprising throughout history, you play that to your advantage. No lies were told. The show is set during the revolution. There are battles. There's an uprising. Guns are fired. The barricade! It's all there. There is just some singing and some love thrown in, too. *grin*<br />
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Somewhere around the 90 minute mark, he leaned over to me in the theatre and whispered, "I thought you said this was about the French Revolution?!" To which I replied, "It totally is! That part is at the end." His response? "The END? I thought *this* was the end!" And then my inner self fell into a giggle fit, but I kept my composure on the outside. The things we do for love. Him for the love of me, me for the love of Les Mis, in this case. *grin*<br />
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A few days later, on January 2, 2013, our friends Julie and Ryan were visiting and we were talking about the movie and our thoughts about the film and how it compared to the stage production. I asked Julie, an avid reader, if she had ever read the story Victor Hugo wrote. She had not, and I noted that I hadn't either but that I had an old copy up on the shelf that I picked up several years earlier at one of the library's used book sales. Everyone was intrigued, so I pulled it down and handed it to Julie to look at. She paged through the book, reading passages as she went, and we commented on how different even those short snippets were from the story we knew and loved. As she was paging through the book, she mentioned that she had found a bookmark. I had never really looked through the book myself, but this wasn't surprising to me. I assumed it was a bookmark advertising the library's next sale, or some other flier from the library but as is true in most cases, my assumptions were wrong.<br />
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The bookmark Julie found was printed on a thin strip of white (now yellowed) ribbon and had been collected from the Soldiers and Sailors Association Reunion that had been held in Michigan in September of 1896. We were intrigued, and did a quick Google search to see what, if anything, the book might be worth now that the movie was out and receiving all the buzz of Hollywood. No exact matches for the edition were found, but other copies from the same time period were listed for anywhere between $15 and $5000. Of course everyone is excited when they see a number like $5000!<br />
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What?! No! Seriously? $5000?!<br />
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If you had a mic on the room at that moment, those are probably the only words you would have heard. *grin*<br />
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I have bought and sold enough items online though to know that just because a seller is<i> asking </i>$5000 does not mean an item is actually <i>worth</i> $5000. Nor, for that matter, that you will ever necessarily find a buyer to pay that amount even if - by some stroke of luck - it is appraised that high. I mentioned the nameplate in the front of the book and we talked a bit more about it before I moved it to my desk. Now that we had found that Soldiers and Sailors bookmark, the genealogist in me was itching to find out if I could learn more about the previous owner. He must have been a soldier (or a sailor). Had he been famous? Was there any information about him? I was hoping for information about who he fought for, maybe which battles... I figured he had to have had at least a little money to his name to afford this book complete with nameplate and the means with with to keep it in good condition. The words "From the Private Library of..." suggested to me that it was one of several, so maybe I'd come up with a match somehow. I am a fan of historical research, particularly familial research, and was ready for a good bit of digging to find a few possibilities, never thinking that I'd find a definite exact match. Maybe my little used book sale find meant something to someone? Maybe it <i>was</i> valuable. Thoughts turned to the debt we still juggle from the printing of <a href="http://scrampinmama.blogspot.com/2012/11/childrens-books-for-cause-please-share.html" target="_blank">Henry's bedtime stories</a> and what a chunk the sale of this book could do to it...<br />
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Later that night after Jack was in bed, I sat down at my desk and turned to Google for some answers. I was looking through the book again and found a second ribbon - this one red - that read "Special Favours". It looked very much like the sort of ribbon that you see on floral arrangements at funerals. In fact, at first I thought that's what it was. But what an odd sentiment to put on funeral flowers, right? I set it aside. I had other things on my mind. I started to type "William J. Palmer Soldier" into the search window, and by the time I got to the third "l," Google was autofilling the search box with all kinds of matches from Colorado. I followed links to a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Jackson_Palmer" target="_blank">Wiki article</a> an <a href="http://teachersites.schoolworld.com/webpages/ASchulzki/files/palmer%20-%20spy%20soldier%20statesman.pdf" target="_blank">academic paper</a> and a fabulous <a href="http://www.historynet.com/william-j-palmer-forgotten-union-general-of-americas-civil-war.htm" target="_blank">article</a> from Civil War Times magazine (if you read any of these three, let it be that one) and began to read and learn about this General from Colorado by way of Delaware that had the potential to change the course of history.<br />
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The hair on the back of my neck stood up as I read about his studies in Europe (+1 for plausible ownership - this General was clearly educated), his life after the war in the building of the rail road (+1 for plausible ownership - this General obviously had the means with which to maintain a private library) and his fierce stance in the abolitionist movement to free slaves (+1 for plausible ownership - Are you familiar with Les Mis? Come on! It is the music of a people who will not be slaves again!!! HELLO!). I was/am a tad excited, in case you're having trouble reading emotion in my words. *wink*<br />
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By the time I was done reading everything I could find on the internet, I was 99.9% certain I was holding a book that at one time belonged to a Civil War General, who also happened to be the founder of Colorado Springs, CO. General Palmer made his home in Colorado Springs near the base of the Garden of the Gods. I have <i>been</i> to the Garden of the Gods! I have walked where this man walked... and now I am likely holding his book.<br />
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I was awestruck.<br />
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But... Umm... Now what?<br />
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It occurred to me that I had no idea what to do with the information or where to go next. I sat the book aside once more and called our local Public Museum in the morning. I explained my situation and described the book and the ribbons found inside. The archivist was wonderful, and suggested some websites that I hadn't found in my own searches to determine the value of the book, and then also suggested contacting a museum in Colorado for more information. I set about visiting the links he mentioned but came up with the same results - no exact matches and a variety of prices from low to the $4000 range.<br />
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It was then that I called the <a href="http://www.cspm.org/" target="_blank">Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum</a> and asked to speak to the archivist. I left a voice mail and waited. Then I realized I forgot to mention a few things and called again to leave another message but this time she answered. Don't you hate when you call someone fully intending to leave a message and then they answer? You may be laughing, but it's true. I stammered and explained myself and she was very sweet. I don't think she knew quite what to expect but when I said, "I believe I have General Palmer's copy of Les Miserables," (or some words similar to that) she gasped audibly. Leah went on to explain her excitement over this find because so many of the General's books that had been recovered had to do with science and engineering and rail road. Very few were pertaining to cultural arts. If I didn't know better, I'd swear she had tears in her eyes by the end of the conversation and before hanging up she said, "you just made my whole year!" *big grin* Seriously, the sweetest lady you'll ever talk to. I reminded her that it was only January 2nd, but she said it didn't matter. *more grins*<br />
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Leah couldn't give me a quote on the price of the book, but was able to provide the name of a man in Colorado Springs who could and also asked if I would consider donating the book to the museum to be part of the William J. Palmer collection there. She continued saying that she would love to see the hand writing in the book and could likely tell me whose writing it was if I would be interested in such information. I offered to send her photographs and we said our goodbyes.<br />
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I still had no idea what the book was worth, though both Leah and the archivist in Oshkosh alluded to the fact that those folks asking $4000 and up for their similar copies were very ambitious in their pricing. My thoughts at this point though turned from, "how much is this worth," to an overwhelming feeling that the book just needed to go home to Colorado Springs.<br />
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The following week I received a message from Leah confirming that the written date in the book was indeed written by General William J. Palmer. *goosebumps* I replied the following day to let her know of our decision to donate the book and asked but one request: if perhaps we could make this story known, and donate it in Henry's name, so as to bring attention to the <a href="http://www.adventuresofhenry.com/" target="_blank">Adventures of Henry</a> children's book series we are selling to raise money for Children's Hospital of Wisconsin and the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America. We spoke a few more times after that, and though I'm not going to share all the details of our conversations as some included personal information on both our parts that I am not comfortable sharing in a public forum like this, I will say this: There is a reason I found this book. There is a reason it sat on my shelf for five years and further a reason that our paths crossed. I couldn't be happier with our decision to donate the book back to General Palmer's collection at CSPM. That is where it belongs.<br />
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I have spoken with a handful of news anchors and journalists in the past few days and while I have related our story and my desire to have it benefit others by way of Henry's stories, much of the focus of these interviews and news clips has been on the Les Mis book. I get that. It's a new movie, it has Oscar buzz, it's what people want to hear about. As I told Leah today, I can only put so much out there into the universe. If people pick up on it, great. If not, life goes on. I'm sad that so far Henry's story hasn't been incorporated, but I do understand that his books are not the focus here.<br />
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I wonder tonight if Victor Hugo realizes how many lives he has touched through the ages? I am but one fan. There have been countless others. To this day the words of Les Miserables move me. Words like, "even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise" are a part of my heart in ways I can't even describe. Losing a child is truly the darkest night. Waking the next day to the love and laughter of yet another child proves to me that God is still merciful and good. The sun still rises. Another quote I reflect on often from the musical when thinking about Henry and my grief journey is from Jean Valjean. "I gave my soul to God I know, I made that bargain long ago. He gave me hope when hope was gone, he gave me strength to journey on."<br />
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I hope that in reading this or the other stories that have been printed and aired about it, something is taken away. If not a knowledge of my boy, then at least an appreciation for history and the many ways the stories and people of the past still touch our lives and lead our paths together today. Think about that for a minute. Perhaps something you are doing today will influence someone else 150 years from now. It boggles the mind if you let it.<br />
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I'll be buying a new copy of Les Miserables. I've read <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/3208463-les-mis-rables" target="_blank">too many quotes</a> from the book now... I need to read it all. Even if I do jokingly compare the size of Les Mis to that of the Bible, and don't read at a fraction of the speed I once did, some day I will finish it. It is too dear to my heart to ignore.<br />
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<i>Certain thoughts are prayers. </i></div>
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<i>There are moments when, </i></div>
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<i>whatever be the attitude of the body, </i></div>
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<i>the soul is on its knees. ~Victor Hugo</i></div>
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<!--3-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12676494062578216098noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1015870732172457016.post-70403729555774994182012-12-28T09:33:00.004-06:002013-01-19T09:49:28.129-06:00See's Original Chocolate Chip Cookies<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1TUamwRYDR65CNGdbWJACFZu5xf3GZ4srlDRjdkMB_Z6W5H59CPt45Ds1u4zpPvHk83AK95omNbRy7gOI6e1Rwms4RadRGahHDpX-PJwhPtcM-7xZNbLAuHIKiuOdfkDH2oX63MLFG2z_/s640/blogger-image--1289981053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1TUamwRYDR65CNGdbWJACFZu5xf3GZ4srlDRjdkMB_Z6W5H59CPt45Ds1u4zpPvHk83AK95omNbRy7gOI6e1Rwms4RadRGahHDpX-PJwhPtcM-7xZNbLAuHIKiuOdfkDH2oX63MLFG2z_/s640/blogger-image--1289981053.jpg" /></a></div>
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If there is one thing I love, it's chocolate chip cookies. I grew up on the<a href="http://www.verybestbaking.com/recipes/18476/original-nestl%C3%89-toll-house-chocolate-chip-cookies/detail.aspx" target="_blank"> traditional Nestle Toll House variety</a>, but have always wondered if there was something else out there... something better. I've been collecting recipes on <a href="http://pinterest.com/sairabee/nom-nom-nom-sweets/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> and trying different chips in search of the *best* chocolate chip cookie. This year, I decided to buy a bag of chips from my new favorite chocolatier: <a href="http://www.sees.com/" target="_blank">See's Candies</a>. </div>
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I love their chocolates, their lollipops, their truffles. To be honest, I've yet to find anything I *don't* like from See's, so it seemed like a safe bet. The chips were a bit pricy at $5.75/lb., but can we really put a price on culinary perfection? Nooooo... *wink* </div>
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I couldn't believe how BIG the chips were. In fact, "big" is an understatement... these suckers are HUGE. Ginormous. Each chip is about the size of a nickel, maybe a bit bigger. Just seeing the size of the chip was the beginning of the end for me. I like a traditional sized chip. In recent years, my grandma started making her Nestle Tollhouse Cookies with their chocolate chunks rather than their chips and I even thought those were too big. BUT, I paid nearly $6 for these babies, so I wasn't going to let size deter me. I pressed on... </div>
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I followed the See's Original Chocolate Chip Recipe on the bag (see below) and baked off a batch, fully prepared for heavenly chocolate chip cookie bliss, but I never quite achieved that state of sugar induced nirvana I was hoping for. The chips were hard to mix into the dough because they were so large. I ended up with some cookies that only had one chip and others that had several. They baked out very flat, but to their credit never got hard or crunchy (a serious pet peeve!). In short, I was disappointed. I wouldn't buy them again. In my honest opinion, Nestle wins this battle in a landslide. </div>
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Here's the recipe if anyone would like to try it. I'm tempted to try it with the Nestle chips just for shiggles, but we'll see if it ever happens. </div>
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1 c. Butter - cream well</div>
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1 c. Light Brown Sugar</div>
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Add gradually to above: </div>
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1 c. Sugar</div>
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Beat into the above:</div>
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2 Eggs</div>
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1 1/2 t. Vanilla</div>
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Mix together, add to above, blending well:</div>
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2 1/4 c. Flour</div>
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1/2 t. Salt</div>
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1 t. Baking Soda</div>
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1 c. Chopped Walnuts (I omitted. I have a serious aversion to nuts in cookies.)</div>
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2 c. See's Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips</div>
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Drop by teaspoonfuls onto a greased cookie sheet. Bake @ 375˚ F 8-10 minutes. Yield @ 4 dozen cookies. </div>
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There is also a recipe on the back of the bag for See's Gooey Brownies. I've been lamenting the fact that I didn't try those instead. I probably would have liked them better, even though I'm not really a brownie fan in general (but seriously, a GOOEY brownie? Who can resist that? Although honestly, since trying the<a href="http://www.bakerella.com/thaaank-you-betty/" target="_blank"> Chocolate Cookie Dough Brownies</a> that Bakerella posted a few years back I've never tried another brownie recipe. When you find something you love you just stick with it! </div>
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Maybe there is a lesson to be learned here. If I love Nestle so much, why do I keep looking for something better? </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12676494062578216098noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1015870732172457016.post-56265037460730552602012-12-06T23:32:00.000-06:002012-12-06T23:35:16.468-06:00Memorial Christmas Ornaments A few weeks ago we received a post card from our family cemetery letting us know that they would be placing memorial Christmas trees in their chapel area and we were invited to bring ornaments in memory of our loved ones. We are blessed to have known many people who were laid to rest at this cemetery and I truly wanted to make ornaments for every single one of them, but that just wasn't practical. Instead, I chose a select few. We (my mom and I) didn't want to spend a fortune on the ornaments because no where on the invitation did it say whether or not we'd be able to retrieve them at the end of the season.<br />
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We bought plain, solid colored balls (a box of 8 for $4.95!) and headed to my craft room where we used paint pens, punches, and ribbon to personalize them. Each ornament got a double ribbon tie at the top, a name, and a hang tag. On the front of the hang tag was our loved ones full name and as much of the birth and death information as we had available to us, and on the back of each tag was a short personal message from us to them in heaven. <br />
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In addition to that box of 8 ornaments, I also purchased two separately. There was a lady at a local craft fair would painted names on ornaments for $5, so I bought one for our son Henry in orange (his favorite color) and added an orange ribbon and a paw print ribbon, keeping with his love of animals.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj50Lhc7AamheJWXt5g1sVQ2ON5sHKsWOPMg6qE72oFIt9HVGUd9UTNHpV4A5WgCKe5asJk5Tlcnm-dLmVSbSCUqL3Kci53QRzj2ArTQ6UwjMYWPPaXhsFPwg7U2157lpsbU_2hOA0WEGP7/s1600/photo-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj50Lhc7AamheJWXt5g1sVQ2ON5sHKsWOPMg6qE72oFIt9HVGUd9UTNHpV4A5WgCKe5asJk5Tlcnm-dLmVSbSCUqL3Kci53QRzj2ArTQ6UwjMYWPPaXhsFPwg7U2157lpsbU_2hOA0WEGP7/s320/photo-2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I also found a snowflake at Hobby Lobby that I just couldn't resist for my goddaughter Kejerah, who died at two months old of SIDS. I couldn't write a name on the snowflake, so I just hung the tag from the bottom and attached a small burgundy stitched ribbon at the top. Simple, but perfect. It was a snowy night, the night Kejerah died, and I always think of her when it snows even now. I'm sure I always will.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlWHUSh7xTEul6irq6SoSVeVJl564c9rz-rPx5T1TO4yhnmc8v2tFcrkE4IZiZnbxGgmFU6DyboEiUIiepXLxWI7XnW1y-7QOvbfC2F5L7f3bZKLsNA8cETWSAl4I4nolud74arfRpM2T/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlWHUSh7xTEul6irq6SoSVeVJl564c9rz-rPx5T1TO4yhnmc8v2tFcrkE4IZiZnbxGgmFU6DyboEiUIiepXLxWI7XnW1y-7QOvbfC2F5L7f3bZKLsNA8cETWSAl4I4nolud74arfRpM2T/s320/photo.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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And here is the set of 8. We really weren't sure what to expect in terms of what other people would be doing. It was nice looking through the trees (as much as we could with a four year old in tow). There were shaped ornaments with no words whatsoever, and others that had names and dates on them. A huge variety. We may reuse these next year, but we may also swap them out for more meaningful ones for each individual person. A flamingo for my grandma (she HATED lawn flamingos... it got to be a standing joke between the two of us that we'd buy each other flamingo stuff when we saw it. :)), maybe a fish for my grandpa, the master fisherman. A daisy for Cheryl, our cousin whose life ended far too soon after a courageous battle with cancer, a cardinal for Aunt Ferne, the most recent relative to join our heavenly family less than a month ago.... We'll have to wait and see what we find. Or, maybe we will keep using these but add on for other friends and relatives we didn't cover this year. Time will tell.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG3nx3WexdgZojCzHpAolAQIWRLz2TV3a4_AsleYd9Dzx93Sqct04Hso8Q_276YkVkCgh7cPbIFdl9JVeYEeQcx_2ZI4xlnmcv_Mn6F-L2gn9KwWp3QdHLIW3nwXjJMh0887rwbEVhEC0V/s1600/photo-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG3nx3WexdgZojCzHpAolAQIWRLz2TV3a4_AsleYd9Dzx93Sqct04Hso8Q_276YkVkCgh7cPbIFdl9JVeYEeQcx_2ZI4xlnmcv_Mn6F-L2gn9KwWp3QdHLIW3nwXjJMh0887rwbEVhEC0V/s320/photo-1.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i>In loving memory, this Christmas and always, of Henry, Kejerah, (Great) Grandma (Bessie) Hank (yes, we called her by grandpa's first name... weird, I know.), Aunt Ferne, Grandpa (Eugene or "Eug"), Grandma (Wilma), (cousin) Cheryl, (Great) Grandpa Hank (Henry's namesake), (Godfather) Rick, and Aunt Mamie.</i></div>
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<i>May you rest in peace. </i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12676494062578216098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1015870732172457016.post-77463439180731412722012-12-04T23:24:00.001-06:002012-12-06T23:47:06.890-06:00Origami Owl Living LocketsEveryone has a story to tell...<br />
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You've heard me tell my story over the years, a story of creativity and love, grief and hope, and most importantly, a story of family. <a href="http://www.faith.origamiowl.com/" target="_blank">Origami Owl</a> is a fairly new company that specializes in customizable jewelry including what they call <a href="http://faith.origamiowl.com/how-to-build/" target="_blank">Living Lockets</a>, which allow you to tell your story in a way no other jewelry ever has. Think of it as a sort of scrapbook you can wear.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrNuKH18tm2lP4OOoA1t6KFyPTnUkYW7PfhcrUqBgskLVlGYFQ2RUuOK7UdBSyYMAwvxgUoxTNuMDASXYdbvuZWJ25XB2mw0VG2kgvgsxQ18r3efm8ctwsEcmxDX7OTqXTTfEpU_rQFP7g/s1600/Origami-Owl-Pic-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrNuKH18tm2lP4OOoA1t6KFyPTnUkYW7PfhcrUqBgskLVlGYFQ2RUuOK7UdBSyYMAwvxgUoxTNuMDASXYdbvuZWJ25XB2mw0VG2kgvgsxQ18r3efm8ctwsEcmxDX7OTqXTTfEpU_rQFP7g/s1600/Origami-Owl-Pic-11.jpg" /></a></div>
As Steph at <a href="http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/" target="_blank">Six Sisters' Stuff</a> (love that blog!) so eloquently wrote, yours "might be a story of survival, a story of faith, a celebration of family, a special memory, or a realization of a life dream. Whether you've welcomed a new member to your family through adoption, become a grandma, suffered the loss of a family member or friend, returned from a dream vacation, or just want to share your hobbies, interests, or team spirit, <a href="http://www.faith.origamiowl.com/" target="_blank">Origami Owl</a> can help you create a locket to help you share your story with others."<br />
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The beautiful thing about these lockets is that they are never final. The lockets are held shut with a strong magnetic closure and the charms and plates inside can be changed as frequently as you like. I am currently wearing two snowflakes with some red and crystal birthstones in mine (silently willing a white Christmas for Northeast Wisconsin!), but have changed it twice within the last week to reflect my love of the Green Bay Packers (2 green birthstones, 2 gold birthstones, football charm, "G", and "B") and the memory of my son Henry ("faith" plate, angel charm, birthstone). The possibilities are truly endless, and I love that.<br />
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I am beyond thrilled to announce that as of late October, I am an independent designer with <a href="http://www.faith.origamiowl.com/" target="_blank">Origami Owl</a>. I would be more than happy to help you create a locket that is meaningful for yourself or for a gift. The holiday season is fast approaching, but there is still time to order for Christmas delivery! Orders placed by 10am CST on the following days will arrive in time for Christmas: December 13 for ground shipping, December 17th for three day shipping, December 18th for two day shipping, or December 19th for overnight shipping.<br />
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In addition to the Living Lockets, Origami Owl also has a new "<a href="http://faith.origamiowl.com/tagged/" target="_blank">tagged</a>" line of pendents that are made to inspire and affirm life. In my own personal collection you will find tagged items that slide together on a chain to say, "I have faith". I've spoken on this blog about the death of my three year old son Henry, and this is a reminder to me and a proclamation to the world that I will see him again and we will be together for eternity. I am also exceptionally fond of the "I am" and "Enough" tags. What a wonderful gift they would make for a young lady who is struggling to find her identity and dodge peer pressure! Sometimes those words are exactly what a person needs to hear in this day and age of media and feeling we need to live up to other people's standards: You are enough.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ2wV_tRnYiBlQP_4fCJa3p3lQTD8kxuEWP3cZ91BP-0s12vKlLQLr1rdmy6EmCM7yRtfENTdWnm4nchxz49tNgfcyB4UcuCePMLhbRws1DEi2ndYQUo6vQ_UkLlLvnZEqmVdf1Hc7AbhW/s1600/374794_10151252266399933_369606890_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ2wV_tRnYiBlQP_4fCJa3p3lQTD8kxuEWP3cZ91BP-0s12vKlLQLr1rdmy6EmCM7yRtfENTdWnm4nchxz49tNgfcyB4UcuCePMLhbRws1DEi2ndYQUo6vQ_UkLlLvnZEqmVdf1Hc7AbhW/s1600/374794_10151252266399933_369606890_n.jpg" /></a></div>
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Please take a moment to click through to my <a href="http://www.faith.origamiowl.com/" target="_blank">Origami Owl</a> webpage and take a peek. Maybe you are looking for a new opportunity to earn a little spending cash for yourself or even a new career. This company is new and fresh and at the ground level. We're just bursting at the seams and I'd love to have you along for the ride of a lifetime! We have a great team and a great mentoring system in place (even if you're on the other side of the country - trust me! I know first hand!). If you'd like to be a part of it, please look at the sidebar on my blog for links to email me for more info, or just do what I did and click the "Join My Team" button over there to sign up sight unseen! (I really did. True story.)<br />
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You can also stay up to date with the company and any specials or new product announcements by "liking" my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/faith.origamiowl" target="_blank">Origami Owl Facebook Page</a>. I will also be posting O2 related news on my blog occasionally along with my continued posts about cooking, creating, and life in general. Maybe we'll even have a giveaway in the new year!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu3x6Ak_OTncTxlZErWzXs1BY1UalShSyCCaYsoXNC1iH7He-91pZyUU0OUYBYX9QaXg6xqAXpAeWZPxvzTqWk_GViuMlidBcI_4_jECQ5W1Ry96ASCvlhz7k510jfJfSlHD0gXb3IqCrp/s1600/bf8da995574cf48bfacec37384a7df32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu3x6Ak_OTncTxlZErWzXs1BY1UalShSyCCaYsoXNC1iH7He-91pZyUU0OUYBYX9QaXg6xqAXpAeWZPxvzTqWk_GViuMlidBcI_4_jECQ5W1Ry96ASCvlhz7k510jfJfSlHD0gXb3IqCrp/s1600/bf8da995574cf48bfacec37384a7df32.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">I am an Origami Owl independent designer located in Northeast Wisconsin - specifically, Oshkosh, Wisconsin - in the heart of the Fox River Valley. I'd be happy to answer any questions you might have about the Origami Owl products or business opportunity! Interested in hosting a jewelry bar or catalog show? Awesome! You can earn free jewelry with very little effort - it's well worth your time! It's a great company, and I'm thrilled to be a part of it. Let me know how I can help you.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12676494062578216098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1015870732172457016.post-58295935668682256232012-11-15T16:43:00.002-06:002012-11-16T11:35:36.041-06:00Reflections: Infusion DayI'm typing this as I sit at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin with Jack, passing the time as I listen to the pump that is delivering his monthly IVIG treatment into his veins. Jack is busy watching a Baby Einstein DVD of all things, and I'm left to think.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">Next week marks the three year anniversary of our first infusion. It was the day before Thanksgiving when we got the call alerting us of Jack's immune deficiency and informing us that we had to come to Milwaukee immediately and spend the night while Jack received his first treatment. Imagine our horror, not even three weeks after burying our oldest son (whose cause of death and autopsy results had not even been made known to us yet), to learn that our other son also had a potentially life ending disease. I was numb. I never wanted to set foot in this hospital again, but I had no choice. In a matter of hours I would be walking that same skywalk that I walked out three weeks earlier to a car that still held two car seats though only one of them would ever hold a child again. I cried as I turned off the highway and saw the building come into focus. I cried as we walked the skywalk to the desk clerk who told us which room we were being admitted to, and then again when we passed the large bank of windows that looked over the helipad where Henry's little body was resuscitated the night of November 1. Needless to say, it was a difficult trip. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">We learned at that visit that Jack had Bruton's x-linked agammaglobulinemia, and that these visits would be required every three to four weeks to build up and maintain a sort of false immunity in him. Though they would no longer require overnight stays, they would still be all day endeavors and required a good number more visits to Children's Hospital than any parent ever hopes to make. I felt sorry for Jack, who would have to endure these treatments and pokes for the rest of his life. I felt sorry for my husband, as I saw the emotional strain this placed on him and, I'll admit it, I felt sorry for myself. I didn't ask for this. I didn't *want* this. This is not what we signed up for when we decided to have children and start a family.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">All of these visits though - I'm estimating about 40 so far, as we started coming every three weeks and then switched to every four weeks - have given me perspective. I am not alone. I am confident that every patient and patient family that walks through those doors wishes they didn't have to. I've also learned that despite how devastating our situation is, it could still be worse. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">Today's treatment is winding down, and I will walk out that same skywalk as we return to the car. I still think of Henry, and mourn that loss every day as I will until the day I draw my final breath, but I know that he is with me both now and always and there will be no tears today. I don't feel the overwhelming sense of loss anymore when I walk through these hallways. I feel hope, comfort, kindness, and empathy. Time has eased nothing, but the perspective God has granted me these last three years has afforded me the opportunity to adjust the weight of grief and make carrying that weight a little less burdensome. For that, I am grateful. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12676494062578216098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1015870732172457016.post-43151701609009568712012-11-12T22:10:00.001-06:002012-11-12T22:10:17.646-06:00Children's Books For A Cause... Please Share!!As you likely know if you've been following this blog for any length of time, my husband and I lost our son Henry three years ago to an undiagnosed immune deficiency disorder. In short, Henry woke up sick on Friday morning, October 30th, 2009, and closed his eyes for the last time three days later, aged three years and four months old. He was an amazing little boy, so vibrant and happy, always smiling, and he loved animals. "Aminals," as he called them, were his life. Every day I would take him and his brother Jack to the little zoo in town and walk around the circle. Sometimes we would go twice a day, because he loved it that much. He was always very concerned about the animals. If boys three times his age were being mean to the animals, Henry had no problem telling them so. "Be good to the 'aminals'!" was his mantra, and I heard it more than once in his short life.<br />
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At night my husband, Darrin, and I would share bedtime duties. Henry had a three part routine that required first Mama, then Papa, and then Mama again one last time. During "Papa time," Henry would describe the animals he saw that day and their antics, and he and Darrin would conjure up bedtime stories about the animals, always interjecting Henry into the stories to remind others to treat them with kindness and respect. Henry always saved the day. </div>
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After his passing, we decided to publish these bedtime stories in memory of him, and created the Adventures of Henry book series. We published our first book, Timmy The Goat, two years ago and have since published two more - Mikayla the Wolf and Sam the Snake; all based on stories my boy created with his Papa. The books feature animals who share their names with other children (and at least one adult) battling rare diseases, and in the back of each book there are pages dedicated to these people and the conditions that affect their lives. Among the children featured is our other son, Jack, who shares the same immune deficiency that claimed Henry's life: x-linked agammaglobulinemia. The books also include "Teachable Topics" about the various locations and animals that are mentioned in each book to help parents further educate their children about some of the animals and places our Henry enjoyed learning about. The books are geared toward elementary aged children, and the reviews we've received from friends, family, and strangers - adults and children alike - have been excellent. Not just for the stories and the message behind them, but also for the quality of the books themselves. </div>
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Our intent in publishing these books was threefold: to honor Henry, to help raise awareness for rare diseases, and to raise money for the organizations that help the children who are afflicted by them. Profits from the sales of these books will be donated to organizations like <a href="http://www.chw.org/" target="_blank">Children's Hospital of Wisconsin</a>, and the <a href="http://www.ccfa.org/" target="_blank">Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America</a>, who work persistently every day to find cures and treatments for these kids and so many other children like them. </div>
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What is breaking my heart is that after nearly two years of diligent book sales, we have yet to become profitable. We attend book fairs and vendor events at every opportunity and are blessed to be able to sell our books in several local retail outlets in addition to our own website. Yet each month we pay out upwards of $300+ dollars in storage, publishing, and vendor event costs. At $15 a book, we are still far from being able to hand a check over to these organizations in Henry's name and bring some closure to his death by helping others on his behalf. Vendor events are unpredictable, and we never know going into one exactly how many books will sell. Some days we are closer to zero, and some days we are closer to one hundred. Darrin and I sell the books ourselves, so our time is limited to the weekends he is not in school (he has returned to college for a masters degree in biotechnology in hopes of finding a cure for our son, Jack) as one of us has to stay home with Jack while the other is out selling books. It makes for slow going. </div>
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This is where I am praying you can help. I'm wondering if you could do me the favor of sharing this blog post. Share it on your blog, via email, or with specific friends you know who are well connected or also have social media platforms on which to spread the message far and wide. We have approximately 4000 books left in stock between all three titles and every one of them would make a fantastic Christmas gift for the children on your gift list (or their teacher or daycare provider!) this holiday season. An inventory of 4000 books is nothing for large retailers, but for one local bereaved Mama and Papa, it might as well be the weight of the world.<br />
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Can you please help us find homes for these books this Christmas?<br />
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I told my husband I was determined to sell all of them by Christmas, but I can't make that happen without a little help from my friends... and their friends, too! Even if we could put a massive dent in the stock it would help us to have a more manageable inventory that we could then relocate to our home and thereby stop paying our monthly storage fees, eliminating one profit-eating expense. And if you're wondering, we need to sell about half of that inventory - approximately 2000 books - before we are profitable and can start sending checks out to these organizations in Henry's name. I sooo can not wait for that day to come!! </div>
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We aren't in this to make money for ourselves, that was never our intent. We simply want to give something back to a medical community that has helped us navigate our way through hell and back (from the death of one child and the almost simultaneous diagnosis of the other), all in the name of one of the sweetest little blue-eyed blonde-haired boys you could ever know. </div>
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<u><span style="font-size: large;">These are our books</span></u>: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG_-MxGJiVWlxtlKDLH6z4Tkpo-sEIuIPm2ZCe1ZkTteZsiiZ0tVQCi8HG3Uf22H-8Dirq71Q00b68mzwycsIQ_17PA4GvUUdL0AK0VnxuzAA06DgIkI4K5vd2ywszE0W5luvpS7lCUrzL/s1600/12953256105661520748937.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG_-MxGJiVWlxtlKDLH6z4Tkpo-sEIuIPm2ZCe1ZkTteZsiiZ0tVQCi8HG3Uf22H-8Dirq71Q00b68mzwycsIQ_17PA4GvUUdL0AK0VnxuzAA06DgIkI4K5vd2ywszE0W5luvpS7lCUrzL/s1600/12953256105661520748937.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEtroM8N2mHxZBo2Fhcumh5GBlv16m4VXyEl5qhoQqEWsEH7nhEVt0MFXsVi3V9735zQ1q8R-6hZSzOFR-Qv7dAeCwIJkkkKPyIhXG6ncRbdQm7H3WUf91hFBxQ_umg0IgU3hCLCEXPOQf/s1600/1295326121028207176647.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEtroM8N2mHxZBo2Fhcumh5GBlv16m4VXyEl5qhoQqEWsEH7nhEVt0MFXsVi3V9735zQ1q8R-6hZSzOFR-Qv7dAeCwIJkkkKPyIhXG6ncRbdQm7H3WUf91hFBxQ_umg0IgU3hCLCEXPOQf/s1600/1295326121028207176647.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<i><br /></i><u><span style="font-size: large;">Here are some specifics about them</span></u>: <i><br /></i><br />
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<li>Title 1<i>: Timmy the Goat: Spelunking Adventure</i> </li>
<li>Title 2<i>: Mikayla the Wolf: Awakening at Yellowstone</i></li>
<li>Title 3<i>: Sam the Snake: Refuge at Bureau Creek</i></li>
<li>Cost $15.00 each </li>
<li>8" x 8" in size</li>
<li>Fully illustrated in color by local (NE Wisconsin) sisters Sonja and Eve Funnell</li>
<li>Approximately 48 pages in length</li>
<li>Available for purchase at <a href="http://shop.adventuresofhenry.com/Adventures-of-Henry-Series_c2.htm" target="_blank">www.shop.adventuresofhenry.com</a> </li>
<li><b>FREE SHIPPING on all US orders through December 31, 2012 to help move inventory!!</b></li>
<li>Gift wrapping is available if requested (note at payment, or message us at our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/adventuresofhenrybookseries" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>)</li>
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If you don't have a child in your life to buy for, consider purchasing one or more books to donate (there is a donation option listed at the website above). We can send donated books to you, to a donation location of your choice, or deliver them to Children's Hospital of Wisconsin for distribution to the various clinics and patients as hospital staff sees fit. </div>
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Thank you so much for reading this, and for helping spread the word in any way possible. You will never know how much that means to us.</div>
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For blog posts about my grief process as a bereaved mother, Henry's life and death, and photos of our boy, please click {<a href="http://scrampinmama.blogspot.com/search/label/Henry" target="_blank">HERE</a>}, or click the "Henry" label on the sidebar.</div>
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God bless you and your family, </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12676494062578216098noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1015870732172457016.post-79310381209808790022012-09-25T19:09:00.001-05:002012-09-25T19:09:37.578-05:00Chicken Can-CanThis is one of the easiest recipes I've ever tried. As much as I enjoy recipes that are truly made from scratch, some times it's nice to have something like that that you can just whip together in an instant with a few things from the pantry. It's warm and creamy and tasty. What more can you ask for? Oh, and it also bears a striking resemblance to the Cream of Chicken Noodle Soup that Campbell's used to sell (1. Why did they stop? 2. Can you tell I was a Campbell's Soup kid? This is the second post in two days that mentions the brand. Love that stuff! Homestyle Chicken Noodle is my all time favorite. I could eat it at every meal to this day. Nom.)<br />
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Anywho... here's the recipe that grandma clipped from an old issue of Taste of Home Magazine:<br />
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1 can (12 oz.) evaporated milk<br />
1 can (10-3/4 oz.) condensed cream of celery soup, undiluted<br />
1 can (10-3/4 oz.) condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted<br />
1 can (10-3/4 oz.) condensed chicken noodle soup, undiluted<br />
1/4 c. all-purpose flour<br />
1 can (10 oz.) chunk white chicken, drained<br />
1 can (5 oz.) chow mein noodles (note: I would not use these again the next time)<br />
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In a large skillet, combine the first five ingredients. Bring to a boil. Cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Add the chicken; heat through. Serve over chow mein noodles or substitute with any noodle of your choice.<br />
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When I made this, I used the chow mein noodles the recipe called for - partly because I like them, and partly because I had half a bag in the cupboard leftover from some chop suey we had a few weeks back. I was not a fan of the taste combo here at all. Not even a little bit. Ptooey. BUT, the creamy chicken stuff was super good on its own, and it totally reminded me of that old Campbell's soup. Next time I make this, I'll be using some type of noodle that resembles those in the chicken noodle soup. Something straight, thick, and flat. Maybe some of those home made noodles you see in specialty shops. That would be perfection.<br />
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I will probably also use "real" chicken rather than canned chicken. The canned chicken tasted fine and worked great and was über easy, but it kinda skeeves me out and I'm not sure why. Next time I'll probably use some shredded chicken breasts (I like to boil chicken breasts with onion and then shred them in my Kitchen Aid Mixer. One of the many things Pinterest has taught me.) rather than the canned stuff.<br />
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The days are getting shorter and the temps are dropping up here in NE Wisconsin. It's the perfect time to whip up some of this comfort food...<br />
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Enjoy!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12676494062578216098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1015870732172457016.post-86368413752420756302012-09-24T13:27:00.003-05:002012-09-24T13:27:44.106-05:00Beef Barley SoupThis isn't one of grandma's recipes, but it's still new to me so I thought I'd share it here. I was looking for some comfort food, and wanted something easy to throw together in the crock pot and found this in one of my <a href="http://www1.gooseberrypatch.com/gooseberry/marketplace.nsf/v.pages/cookbook_country_cookbooks_kids_recipes_child_childrens_cooking_appetizers_beverages_drinks_breads_breakfasts_candies_sweets_canning_condiments_cookies_desserts_main_meals_salads_sandwiches_sides_snacks_soups?opendocument&linkloc=topnav" target="_blank">Gooseberry Patch</a> cookbooks (love those books!). It's in the "Slow Cooker Recipes" book on page 109 if you have a collection yourself. :)<br />
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Overall, it was a hit. Both my 4 year old son AND my husband enjoyed it so I'd call that a success. The only commentary from the hubsy was that it was a little bland, and I concur. I think the recipe has plenty of salt between the actual salt and what is contained in the bouillon, but it could use a little cracked pepper to zip it up a bit. I don't like spice, but it has to have a little something to give it some oomph.<br />
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Here's the recipe:<br />
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2 c. carrots, peeled and thinly sliced (I just sliced up some baby carrots we had on hand)<br />
1 c. celery, thinly sliced<br />
3/4 c. green pepper, diced (I omitted)<br />
1 c. onion, diced (I just used one whole onion, didn't measure)<br />
1 lb. stew beef, cubed<br />
1/2 c. pearl barley, uncooked<br />
1/4 c. fresh parsley, chopped<br />
3 cubes beef bouillon<br />
2 T. catsup<br />
1 t. salt<br />
3/4 t. dried basil<br />
5 c. water (maybe next time I'll substitute in some beef broth here?)<br />
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Layer vegetables, beef and barley in a slow cooker; add seasonings. Pour water over all; do not stir. Cover and cook on low setting for 9 to 11 hours. Makes 4-6 servings.<br />
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I would definitely make this soup again, but with a few minor adjustments (pepper, beef broth). I had enough for four bowls and was able to freeze two meals worth to boot, so I'd say that's a win. There's nothing better than just being able to whip some home made soup out of the freezer for supper at the end of a long day!<br />
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Enjoy, and let me know if you try it!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12676494062578216098noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1015870732172457016.post-10000307382833274712012-08-14T09:31:00.000-05:002012-08-14T09:31:05.599-05:00Tater Tot Taco Salad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Did you know that <a href="http://www.oreida.com/products/mini-tots.aspx" target="_blank">mini tater tots</a> existed? I had no idea. I saw them on the ingredient list and thought I was in for another wild goose hunt for random ingredients, but they were right there in the freezer section next to their larger counterparts. Huh. Who knew. Unfortunately, I fear this will lead to more purchases of the little buggers just because tater tots rock. And anything that rocks is always ten times better in a tiny poppable size, isn't it? It is. <br />
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This is another recipe from grandma's stash, and I chose to try it partly because I've been yearning for all things taco and partly because I had every single ingredient except for the tots in my fridge or freezer. Or so I thought. Turns out I was wrong. My shredded lettuce, which I swear looked just fine in the morning, was all brown and wilty by dinner time, and apparently I forgot that I ate that tomato with some cottage cheese on top (NOM!) for lunch the day before. Whoops. So, our tater tot taco salad experience was sort of lackluster, but it was still good enough to have me wanting to make it again. I think that says a lot right there. <br />
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Here's the recipe:<br />
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2 c. frozen tater tots<br />
1/2 lb. ground beef<br />
2 T. taco seasoning<br />
1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese<br />
1/4 c. sliced or stuffed ripe olives<br />
1 c. shredded lettuce<br />
2 T. taco sauce<br />
1/4 c. sour cream<br />
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Bake tater tots according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Stir in taco seasoning. Divide tater tots between two serving plates or bowls. Top with taco mixture, cheese, olives, lettuce, taco sauce and sour cream. <br />
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Yield: 2 servings. <br />
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What I liked about this recipe: It was SIMPLE. I love simple. It was also fast and yummy and didn't make a huge mess in my kitchen. All the things I look for in dinner recipes! I also love that it makes only 2 servings, but is easily doubled or even tripled. <br />
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What I didn't like: Well, mostly the fact that I realized too late that I didn't have everything I thought I did on hand. Otherwise, no complaints at all! <br />
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Be sure to let me know if you try it, and stay tuned. I think there will be a breakfast casserole coming up soon... Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12676494062578216098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1015870732172457016.post-39673130130048432472012-08-10T20:00:00.001-05:002012-08-10T20:01:01.088-05:00Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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See! I told you I had more recipes to share! My mom brought me a boatload of ripe bananas, and I decided that , rather than yet another banana bread, I'd try something new. I found this gem in grandma's recipe stash and set to work.<br />
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Now, let me tell you this was a first for me. There was a day when I wouldn't even clip or attempt a recipe if it had more than, say, five ingredients. It just seemed like way too much work. But, I'm happy to say I have matured as a baker since those days and therefore this was feasible. Tedious, but feasible. :)<br />
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Here's the recipe for you:<br />
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2/3 c. shortening<br />
1 1/2 c. sugar<br />
2 eggs, separated<br />
2 c. mashed bananas (about 4 medium)<br />
1 c. milk (I used skim. You know, to keep it low cal. LOL.)<br />
3 c. all-purpose flour<br />
1 1/4 t. baking powder<br />
1 1/4 t. baking soda<br />
1/2 t. salt<br />
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CREAM CHEESE FROSTING:<br />
1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened<br />
1/4 c. butter, softened<br />
4 c. confectioners' sugar<br />
1 tsp. vanilla extract<br />
Dash salt<br />
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1. In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add bananas and milk; mix just until combined. Combine the flour, banking powder, baking soda and salt. Add to the creamed mixture; beat for 2 minutes.<br />
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2. In another bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Fold into batter. Pour into a greased 9 x 13 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.<br />
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3. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add the confectioners' sugar, vanilla and salt; beat until smooth. Spread over cake. Store in the refrigerator.<br />
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Yield: 15 servings<br />
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What I liked about this recipe: It was DELISH! I was seriously concerned that the frosting would be too sweet (as it is by itself), but when coupled with the cake it was a perfect combination. The cake itself was very dense and very filling, almost like a carrot cake would be. I also appreciate the new alternative for over ripe bananas!<br />
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What I didn't like: It took For. Ev. Er. to cook. I checked it at 30 mins, and then again every five minutes thereafter. I didn't add up the entire time, but I was probably around 50 minutes of total bake time and my toothpick was still coming out with a little bit of batter on it. The edges were starting to get a little too brown for my liking, so I pulled it out even though it was still a tiny bit doughy, and it turned out fine. I have no idea whose oven could cook this in 30 minutes though, because the top was barely even set in that amount of time. But, I guess if you make it it's best to err on the side of caution and start checking at 30 or 35 mins like the original recipe suggests. It could also be because I didn't measure my bananas, and instead just used 4 medium (as the recipe comparison suggests) sized ones. Maybe I had over 2 cups in there, but it couldn't have been that much over. Who knows. Bottom line though is that it turned out and was divine. The other small issue I had was that the frosting recipe makes a boatload of frosting. Probably more than you need. I slathered it all on though - hate to be wasteful, you know! :)<br />
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So, there you have it! Let me know how it turns out (and what your final cook time was) if you decide to try it! And stay tuned for that Tater Tot Taco Salad recipe! That was a super fast dinner if ever I saw one. Just my style!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12676494062578216098noreply@blogger.com0