tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42531930337662501512024-03-05T07:07:08.222-08:00Visser VarietyAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03270133038926627552noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4253193033766250151.post-87636292645133398982015-06-04T08:56:00.000-07:002015-06-04T08:56:59.724-07:00My Next Chapter in Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In a couple previous posts, I eluded to some changes coming for me and feel like now is the time to share. I graduated from school almost 3 years ago and felt like I was pretty comfortable with my job. I enjoy adventure and challenge and was feeling like there was something missing in my life. I needed something more. After much thought and prayer I am confident in my decision. <br />
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I joined the Army Reserves. <br />
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I started talking with a healthcare recruiter back in October and immediately started the paperwork needed so I could have my application ready to go before the annual board in November. Then, in the beginning of December I found out I had been selected as a med/surg nurse. I officially commissioned in February as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army Nurse Corps. This weekend will be my first battle assembly with my unit.<br />
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Joining the military has been something I thought about, just not seriously, for most of my life. Two of my uncles served in the Marines for 20+ years. In high school my thinking was more along the lines of I am going to college so I can't join the military. Then after college, the first time, I was newly married. Plus teaching wasn't something I could pursue if I wanted to go into active service. Reserves wasn't something I had really considered until the last year or so. The more I looked into it and considered it though, the more interested I became. I felt like if I didn't thoroughly purse this opportunity I would regret it later on.<br />
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I am excited but nervous. Do I really know what I am getting myself into? Not completely. But I am ready for something new in my life and looking forward to all the varied experiences I will receive. It will be a lot of work and won't always be easy but it is something I feel called to do. <br />
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Most of my family and friends now know that I have joined the reserves. Many think it sounds interesting. A few think it is a bad decision. Most would never imagine this as something I would do. I am someone with varied interests; often different interests than typically seen. I know this will be a good fit for me. Over time this will just become a part of who I am. <br />
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So, that is the next chapter in my life. What are your thoughts or experiences regarding the Army Reserves?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03270133038926627552noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4253193033766250151.post-90260316661565849822015-05-28T05:00:00.000-07:002015-05-28T05:00:01.307-07:0010 Things About Me<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Katie over at <a href="http://www.bowerpowerblog.com/" target="_blank">Bower Power</a> wrote a post introducing herself to her readers and invited others to join in. I thought it sounded like a great idea since I am a newer blogger and many won't know much about me. So, here goes...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. My husband Rob and I have been married for over 11 years. We were introduced by my sister and brother-in-law. He and I are opposites in many ways, but it seems to work out pretty good for us generally. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our wedding day December 20, 2003</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. I love the Lord with all my heart and seek His will daily!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. My first real job (babysitting doesn't count) was as a lifeguard at my college's pool. It was a pretty quiet pool. I was often on duty when the swim team practiced so I got to do my homework since they didn't really need a lifeguard. Plus, it was pretty decent money for a college job. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. Ever since I graduated from high school I have wanted to move out of Michigan. I love warmer weather and think I am a southern girl at heart. But, moving isn't going to happen so I am settling for traveling as much as possible. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5. I drive a Ford F250 diesel crew cab truck and I love it!! A truck had been my dream vehicle since high school. I have driven my truck for almost 10 years and can't imagine not driving a truck for my main vehicle. I also owned a Grand Prix for a few years that I drove back and forth to school and work because of the better fuel mileage but missed my truck when driving the car.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Me and my truck right after we got it.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6. Even though I'm in my 30's I still eat way too much candy. Some of my favorites are Swedish Fish, Airhead Bites, Mini Chewy Sweetarts, Reese's Pieces, and licorice. But in reality there isn't too much candy that I don't like.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In my fridge right now.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7. I love to read. Quite often I'm drawn to romance novels but I also read my fair share of Christian fiction and nonfiction. I've been reading a lot of military nonfiction lately.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Books I currently have checked out from the library.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8. Although not a real popular sport around here, I have been in love with the rodeo since high school. I love going to rodeos when they have them close enough to me. Unfortunately, that means I typically only see 1 or 2 a year. I even dreamed of working for the PBR when I was in college and will still watch it whenever I can on TV. Someday I am going to make it to Vegas to watch the PBR or NFR finals. I would love to try barrel racing someday as well.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I made sure we could see the college nation finals rodeo the year went<br />went on vacation to Montana and Wyoming. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also made sure we stopped to see the Cody Nite Rodeo that same vacation.<br />Good thing Rob doesn't mind watching rodeos too much.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">9. I am quiet and shy by nature and don't talk a lot when in newer surroundings. But, if I know you well and am comfortable I talk quite a bit. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10. I really don't like talking on the phone. I don't know why but it has never been something I enjoyed. I much prefer to email, text, or talk in person.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Sorry for some grainy pictures. I took pictures of pictures so the quality isn't great, but it works.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So that is 10 things about me. Now I want to learn more about you! You can post and link up or just put them right in the comments. </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03270133038926627552noreply@blogger.com1Holland, MI 49424, USA42.8564729 -86.114104542.6702184 -86.436827999999991 43.0427274 -85.791381tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4253193033766250151.post-18275923046007116352015-05-27T10:36:00.000-07:002015-05-27T10:36:21.110-07:00Farming Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My husband took the week off to hopefully get all of his corn planted. I thought I would ride with him a little bit this morning while he was discing one of the fields. </div>
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Mornings like today make me enjoy living on a farm. </div>
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Hope you're having a great Wednesday!!</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03270133038926627552noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4253193033766250151.post-20281097601787335452015-05-26T05:52:00.002-07:002015-05-26T05:52:58.433-07:00Rural Rush<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I hope everyone had a great holiday weekend! I am excited to be done with work until next Wednesday! Still trying to figure out what I am going to fill my week off with. Any ideas?<br />
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This past Friday I ran the Rural Rush for a Cure 5k this past Friday. It is a small 5k put on by my high school football team benefiting the American Cancer Society. It started 15 years ago after a player lost his battle with cancer and has been an annual event ever since. It takes place in farm country and is a mostly flat looped course. <br />
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The weather was perfect, low 60's, sunny, and calm. Plus I love evening races since I seem to feel most awake and energized at that time. I started off strong and felt that I was doing good but I wasn't timing myself so I didn't know how fast I was running. I had a great PR. I finished in 26:09 and couldn't be happier. <br />
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I placed first in my age group again and even got a $10 gift card to a local running store. These smaller races are great for boosting my confidence. But, I am looking forward to a running in a couple larger events yet this summer. Love how it feels to run with hundreds of other people also. My goal of running a 5k in under 25 minutes is still a ways off but I'm determined to continue pushing myself to see what I can accomplish. Any tips on running a faster 5k?<br />
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What fun things did you do this weekend?<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03270133038926627552noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4253193033766250151.post-23170907967191841702015-05-25T06:00:00.000-07:002015-05-25T06:00:00.769-07:00Happy Memorial Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hope everyone is having a great Memorial Day and enjoying the long weekend! It's great to have time to celebrate and hopefully spend some time outside. I am working today and also worked Saturday and Sunday but am looking forward to having the rest of the week off. No matter what your plans are for today, make sure to stop and remember what we are really celebrating today. Thank you to all who helped make America what it is today!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=memorial+day+photos&rlz=1C1TBGN_enUS554US554&espv=2&biw=1366&bih=667&tbm=isch&imgil=c5R-xW8iLRVOZM%253A%253BZ0sJPj248KCibM%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.springcreekfeed.net%25252Fevents%25252Fmemorial-day-2015-04-3406&source=iu&pf=m&fir=c5R-xW8iLRVOZM%253A%252CZ0sJPj248KCibM%252C_&usg=__dqyXQIEUKGAGmwuKbXpxLDmR7DM%3D&ved=0CDEQyjc&ei=2JJfVfzXBIqzoQT5moKIBA#imgrc=c5R-xW8iLRVOZM%253A%3BZ0sJPj248KCibM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.springcreekfeed.net%252Fwp-content%252Fuploads%252F2014%252F04%252FMemorial-Day-Images-2014-2.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.springcreekfeed.net%252Fevents%252Fmemorial-day-2015-04-3406%3B640%3B427" target="_blank">[source]</a></td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03270133038926627552noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4253193033766250151.post-68912873736157250162015-05-21T06:35:00.000-07:002015-05-21T06:35:57.193-07:00I Did It<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I just signed up and committed to my first ever half marathon! Super excited but nervous at the same time. </div>
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<a href="http://www.runningfoundation.com/Duo_at_The_Ledge.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="107" src="http://www.runningfoundation.com/sitebuilder/images/Duo_at_the_Ledge_LH3-600x163.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Duo at the Ledge is a small half marathon (just over 100 participants last year) that takes place on the 4th of July. Seems like a great way to start the day, literally. The race starts at 6:00 am but the excitement of the race should wake me enough since I am not usually a morning person. <br />
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Any training tips for running a half marathon? I ran 10 miles yesterday so I know I can go the distance but I would love to finish and feel like I did well. What's your favorite half marathon if you've ever run one?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03270133038926627552noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4253193033766250151.post-90334160088390404332015-05-20T08:30:00.000-07:002015-05-20T08:30:14.219-07:00May So Far<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Wow. I can't believe it is already the 20th of May. The month has flown by! So what have I been up to the last couple weeks? Let's see...<br />
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Two Saturday's ago I ran my first 10k ever. The weather was in the low 60's but humid and misted on an off. But overall I consider the race a great success. I finished in just under 58 minutes and was able to place 3rd in the 30-39 year old female age group. It was a rather hilly course but provided good scenery. I forgot to take any pictures and don't want to pay for the official ones. I have to get better at remembering the pictures. Do you take pictures at races if you are by yourself?<br />
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<a href="http://www.dewittracephms.com/files/img/web_20banner2-800x143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DeWitt Take a Breath for PH and Get Moving for MS Races" border="0" height="56" src="http://www.dewittracephms.com/files/img/web_20banner2-800x143.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Work has been keeping me busy. That's nothing new though. I am currently in a 4 day off stretch which I am really enjoying. Resting up for this weekend. I have to work Saturday, Sunday, and Monday so no exciting Memorial Day plans for me. Oh well, they are predicting rain here anyways.<br />
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This past weekend Rob and I finally decided to stain our deck after talking about it for the 3 years we have lived here. I now remember why I don't really like staining decks that much. SPINDLES. What a pain! Still want to add a second coat to a couple parts but overall the transformation is awesome. Such an improvement and well worth the many hours we spent pressure washing and staining. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahNcfB77hm85OF0A3S0x82NuVN4JInUndlHb03m3OyMCP2rOqayYV5hg_gH3ucb0EnMc14qsXHw5s9v4rKGtUtkEr3QIsDzhZfzPiwq69HIBdxBLXU1uEKDVKVAFspKXtrA9qo9Xav0A/s1600/2015-05-15+18.07.17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahNcfB77hm85OF0A3S0x82NuVN4JInUndlHb03m3OyMCP2rOqayYV5hg_gH3ucb0EnMc14qsXHw5s9v4rKGtUtkEr3QIsDzhZfzPiwq69HIBdxBLXU1uEKDVKVAFspKXtrA9qo9Xav0A/s320/2015-05-15+18.07.17.jpg" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rob is getting ready to wash the deck.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiK12gGw2SiZmzjgcPIr6Iz5bPlgC3RNLRjMlTqnx24E2B4bVYkFBSJVoiWujfKELiFFnsZTKsDPERJNKTKc6IKEYZLNennasfmeczk8X0RkKoUNG5weeVx7ceiGUS8I_F9i_fwR4KAdc/s1600/2015-05-15+18.07.34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiK12gGw2SiZmzjgcPIr6Iz5bPlgC3RNLRjMlTqnx24E2B4bVYkFBSJVoiWujfKELiFFnsZTKsDPERJNKTKc6IKEYZLNennasfmeczk8X0RkKoUNG5weeVx7ceiGUS8I_F9i_fwR4KAdc/s320/2015-05-15+18.07.34.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before pressure washing the deck off.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-Sd3pj7gDAL46ruirQ7ZDjCk8d9qTqcszQvKQdsWbeGQFgwGCh2Et5USbhQ2WhVsBpnHs1aLmUpU_bc8_tw8cvTrFMAb18vXHmGxJIHmQB3a0-4V4Gxo-FGzGLs71QiBo49dbEueL3A/s1600/2015-05-16+16.28.37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-Sd3pj7gDAL46ruirQ7ZDjCk8d9qTqcszQvKQdsWbeGQFgwGCh2Et5USbhQ2WhVsBpnHs1aLmUpU_bc8_tw8cvTrFMAb18vXHmGxJIHmQB3a0-4V4Gxo-FGzGLs71QiBo49dbEueL3A/s320/2015-05-16+16.28.37.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So much improvement after just the power washing.<br />Almost looks brand new or like it already has stain on it. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxbjj3cNFjKPj1eUcet44dBs_-iXMP65kgs1fX9Gov7Bhf2ebU1vSTscHBq6_uFhI4Eai-4GYw-XipVDPylVt7s5Nn-tqNHVTBczUVZ1UmoK-D7RIRRiD1ru-s34o-BzWDgAhBWJB9be4/s1600/2015-05-20+10.54.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxbjj3cNFjKPj1eUcet44dBs_-iXMP65kgs1fX9Gov7Bhf2ebU1vSTscHBq6_uFhI4Eai-4GYw-XipVDPylVt7s5Nn-tqNHVTBczUVZ1UmoK-D7RIRRiD1ru-s34o-BzWDgAhBWJB9be4/s320/2015-05-20+10.54.10.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Too shady but looks so much better.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg280VMJGPCrhEe-8KrnXPt3AyyP5Q01c44nOZScQB1dUhLQYTlaWcHnn7xIogkPHdd-Oyudob3ofJBhS3RR1HfsoMBJ6rQzE1M63hI9bqP_d9Vtj3gHIzey5xskUYeMni4KzTtfXttXOE/s1600/2015-05-20+10.54.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg280VMJGPCrhEe-8KrnXPt3AyyP5Q01c44nOZScQB1dUhLQYTlaWcHnn7xIogkPHdd-Oyudob3ofJBhS3RR1HfsoMBJ6rQzE1M63hI9bqP_d9Vtj3gHIzey5xskUYeMni4KzTtfXttXOE/s320/2015-05-20+10.54.16.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I really like how the color turned out.</td></tr>
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Now can we just get some consistently warm weather here so I can hang our hanging baskets to really make things look nice. There was a freeze warning here last night and it was only in the 40's during the day. But it could be worse, it could be snowing.<br />
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Currently I am watching my parents' dog Poppy while they are gone for a few days. She's a pretty calm dog for the most part. If only she liked my husband more. She tends to bark at him whenever he comes or goes from the house. Makes me miss having a dog, just not the dog hair.<br />
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Can you believe May is almost over? Any exciting plans for this weekend or Memorial Day?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03270133038926627552noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4253193033766250151.post-33403821019617517752015-05-18T18:08:00.000-07:002015-05-18T18:08:13.804-07:00Tis the SeasonIf my yard is any indication, it is planting season here in West Michigan. It has been a little too wet to get in the fields but my husband has been busy getting ready for when things dry out enough.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD1hlzhbOhp2en1DEJ2GiixGEeqY5ABuMGD2-GjGwl2SZjveLsfEsIpCHmlgM0Mqzs7QTrg5yzBdpIODMyOAu497lQVzlJ6ISGaZODd5vTZ8EU4waAwYh5sLqDenXGuKWOo8Ni167YlrY/s1600/2015-05-16+18.43.18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD1hlzhbOhp2en1DEJ2GiixGEeqY5ABuMGD2-GjGwl2SZjveLsfEsIpCHmlgM0Mqzs7QTrg5yzBdpIODMyOAu497lQVzlJ6ISGaZODd5vTZ8EU4waAwYh5sLqDenXGuKWOo8Ni167YlrY/s400/2015-05-16+18.43.18.jpg" width="370" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieZNyAt3FnSw27GJh_6Ghx9k4g04JpCfeguG4dvMPDvSuCVpVEWUPFZjXkruPK5SifJnXOQ_WXgNq8Q-G7uexbHQekjH8GRUVky8uDcr6OQhndiBvLDfHgPvCNzxQccbSP0tTdZjcCRyo/s1600/2015-05-16+18.43.59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="391" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieZNyAt3FnSw27GJh_6Ghx9k4g04JpCfeguG4dvMPDvSuCVpVEWUPFZjXkruPK5SifJnXOQ_WXgNq8Q-G7uexbHQekjH8GRUVky8uDcr6OQhndiBvLDfHgPvCNzxQccbSP0tTdZjcCRyo/s400/2015-05-16+18.43.59.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Stay tuned, I have a couple new posts planned for later this week.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03270133038926627552noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4253193033766250151.post-61258639972531080812015-05-06T19:45:00.003-07:002015-05-06T19:51:47.214-07:00Time FliesLike the saying goes, <i>time flies when you are having fun</i>. This seems to describe my life right now. I have been enjoying life and this past few weeks have gone by really quickly. So, what have I been up to?<br />
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Several weekends ago I helped judge cheerleading tryouts. Haven't really talked about cheerleading on my blog, but I cheered in high school and then I also cheered all 4 years while I attended Hope College. I even coached a high school team for a couple years after graduating from Hope. Cheerleading was a big part of my life for 10 years and I welcome the chance to get involved again whenever the opportunity arises.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPR-W-4NRGZCx5tMJlvboXxLUxuUL-9Q0IYwE3VGkGdUIKZzr5t8Ivyn263ZSeFTkU0OBAFsvkvdoray4NaPK1ogEcxQwRDkKn9Zqmi1l8-tdhyKL89gR3RHjvI96lUi65gH4aEXH1uQg/s1600/20150418_144827.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPR-W-4NRGZCx5tMJlvboXxLUxuUL-9Q0IYwE3VGkGdUIKZzr5t8Ivyn263ZSeFTkU0OBAFsvkvdoray4NaPK1ogEcxQwRDkKn9Zqmi1l8-tdhyKL89gR3RHjvI96lUi65gH4aEXH1uQg/s1600/20150418_144827.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
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When my coach requested help, I jumped on the chance to help out. It was great to go watch/judge many current and future Hope cheerleaders. But, boy do I feel old when I think about how graduated from college 11 years ago!! My skills might be a little rusty but I think I could jump back in pretty quickly.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihoNPCSUgm9TqKv2FEODRjQZQIaOoKPKPvZ63A5JnHit58rHxm_mNaQiVkjyv3a1ftIeg5ea98GcjBp9fu1PnYi5wJ1tPXnfecCbQR3C4Po4xOiMHIseGX9-iSz7kEv3zJx7VAYgBEY2E/s1600/20150418_144421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihoNPCSUgm9TqKv2FEODRjQZQIaOoKPKPvZ63A5JnHit58rHxm_mNaQiVkjyv3a1ftIeg5ea98GcjBp9fu1PnYi5wJ1tPXnfecCbQR3C4Po4xOiMHIseGX9-iSz7kEv3zJx7VAYgBEY2E/s1600/20150418_144421.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
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Two weekends ago a good friend had a birthday and his wife bought him a new gun. To celebrate, 6 of us went to the gun range to do some shooting. This was the first time I had ever shot a handgun. It was a lot of fun and I am looking forward to doing it again sometime. My husband would love to own a handgun of his own and I would like to get him one sometime, but boy they aren't cheap. Something else to save up for I guess.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilmIQGNhH5gP8sDYcnxy5IbvSyZS5azuqTrSOTMYzKOtBn_6smh5xyqi_4iIeOlJKAEk5yfJ2XQtlwE5nhFjwlukhQYJ_aB8rH1PZMy2CKjJmmx3imv7eOAU7JHRJxrhyphenhyphen13t53Xo-b1VE/s1600/20150425_184802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilmIQGNhH5gP8sDYcnxy5IbvSyZS5azuqTrSOTMYzKOtBn_6smh5xyqi_4iIeOlJKAEk5yfJ2XQtlwE5nhFjwlukhQYJ_aB8rH1PZMy2CKjJmmx3imv7eOAU7JHRJxrhyphenhyphen13t53Xo-b1VE/s1600/20150425_184802.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My husband loading the gun.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgEBZk1Nn7hybQHtuow4xtEB6t8-1hTgTk4SToQ0IBTFDatXHthtBaj0bHgQWNYaz6nj9lL6tqFKpgGLpaYRrrYT0DRJdtXabXeyzvSEC6VsKrcTh_DM3gIJ0zR7FRsRTSoPkJDPbTgnI/s1600/20150425_185155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgEBZk1Nn7hybQHtuow4xtEB6t8-1hTgTk4SToQ0IBTFDatXHthtBaj0bHgQWNYaz6nj9lL6tqFKpgGLpaYRrrYT0DRJdtXabXeyzvSEC6VsKrcTh_DM3gIJ0zR7FRsRTSoPkJDPbTgnI/s1600/20150425_185155.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looks like I kind of know what I'm doing.</td></tr>
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This past weekend I worked so I wasn't able to enjoy the warm West Michigan weather but the rest of this week is looking pretty good. Plus, it's Tulip Time here in Holland. If you haven't heard about this festival, Google it sometime. It's a fun celebration of the area's Dutch heritage. I'm a Dutch Dancer and enjoy the chance to dance (in wooden shoes) several times over the week. I've been dancing since I was a sophomore in high school and can't imagine not dancing each May.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7a0FuyDI-roYv00XS2vwRG13JOhPtimg2rDyn-S89DCBUvcEcLKQ6Qf9lThiC1uebulLwj8FvBex_E5GSTOUzd7F0oWe-OmyRVo81i0Si-7TwzQ9mErA2YecNUc6g59YI7K1zt2rT5_c/s1600/Dutch+Dance+2015+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7a0FuyDI-roYv00XS2vwRG13JOhPtimg2rDyn-S89DCBUvcEcLKQ6Qf9lThiC1uebulLwj8FvBex_E5GSTOUzd7F0oWe-OmyRVo81i0Si-7TwzQ9mErA2YecNUc6g59YI7K1zt2rT5_c/s1600/Dutch+Dance+2015+1.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dutch Dancing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPH0Rl9A0GgjnwOO_W6fAY3ZSi5Nrg2HdPUeklj3JBcxCgqBCCRI3cjwrGzcMm47GQ-ZfZqWRdT4TNAU4xmiuPdQJz4wWKcviMBldRmW-7vuLWVppxmpGoTeBulx1sG1mOa4qzqlQgi_M/s1600/image1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPH0Rl9A0GgjnwOO_W6fAY3ZSi5Nrg2HdPUeklj3JBcxCgqBCCRI3cjwrGzcMm47GQ-ZfZqWRdT4TNAU4xmiuPdQJz4wWKcviMBldRmW-7vuLWVppxmpGoTeBulx1sG1mOa4qzqlQgi_M/s1600/image1.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm in the mostly black costume <br />
on the far right.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'm a member of the education committee at my church and we had our annual appreciation dinner for all the volunteers on Sunday. I was at work but I was in charge of the table decorations. I helped set up for that this past week. Decorations are simple, but it was still fun to plan.<br />
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<br />
Other than that it's been mostly normal everyday activities. What have you been up to lately? Any fun plans coming up? I am just really excited for warmer weather so I can get outside more. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03270133038926627552noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4253193033766250151.post-73307524093569940412015-05-05T09:18:00.001-07:002015-05-05T09:18:35.301-07:00Never Have I Ever...<div>
<i><span style="color: #20124d;"><b>NEVER HAVE I EVER....</b></span></i></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Smoked. I haven't even tried a cigarette. I have no desire to either.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Ridden on a motorcycle. I know a few people who have bikes so maybe someday I will have a chance to tag along on a ride. I'm sure it would be fun, as long as done safely. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Gotten drunk or had a hangover. Typically I am okay with never having experienced these things, but every once in a while it would be nice to be able to relate to people when they talk about their experiences. Most people just assume I know what they are talking about and I usually just go along with it. But, I am not much of a drinker and I tend to be a rule follower and don't like to get too out of control, so drinking too much isn't generally that appealing to me. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Been to an all-inclusive resort. I am really hoping to be able to take this off the list in the next year though. Rob and I are hoping to go on vacation to Mexico or the Caribbean in early 2016. Any recommendations of where to go?</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Tried sushi. It just doesn't sound appealing and I'm a picky eater. Maybe if under the right circumstance I would be willing to try it. </li>
</ul>
<div>
What are some things that you have never done? Anything you wonder if I have done that is not on my list but think I should try, or maybe not try?</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03270133038926627552noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4253193033766250151.post-88756031788170832312015-04-19T11:16:00.000-07:002015-04-19T11:16:02.262-07:00Mountaineer Pi RunOn Saturday I ran my second 5K of the year. Couldn't have asked for better weather for this time of year! Upper 50's and sunny. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfNO4OdbhSlbSBOScu4E0ejNzE_vdPK76y-UeiOaf1bAyXFSaws3lLj_lj3lSHGS4q6cCjM5Px3nQNUPYScclKNj_aKD8UcgNnUXJcVz3QxBke_Nj8ulGP0_BOJTpt00Sa1w4nvVFLvh0/s1600/20150418_105642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfNO4OdbhSlbSBOScu4E0ejNzE_vdPK76y-UeiOaf1bAyXFSaws3lLj_lj3lSHGS4q6cCjM5Px3nQNUPYScclKNj_aKD8UcgNnUXJcVz3QxBke_Nj8ulGP0_BOJTpt00Sa1w4nvVFLvh0/s1600/20150418_105642.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bad picture of me from after the race. <br />I've got to have someone else take one sometime.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />I improved my time to 26:41 and managed to again place 1st in my age group! I'll call that a success. I took almost 45 seconds off my previous time. Would still love to get my average mile down to closer to 8 minutes though.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifGODTYiKw-dB4UC_PzUgCs-66VggW-Wp_HmEPe_iTp_iy9srwvvBuz65ui_H6A5pXxAQxgHuT44EGufkVJkXSOV2Ajntl3RvV7lzuhxPPmzcm2Qefo1gk_B-qDIiy6GN1b4QX17Z2gmM/s1600/2015-04-18+10.17.11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifGODTYiKw-dB4UC_PzUgCs-66VggW-Wp_HmEPe_iTp_iy9srwvvBuz65ui_H6A5pXxAQxgHuT44EGufkVJkXSOV2Ajntl3RvV7lzuhxPPmzcm2Qefo1gk_B-qDIiy6GN1b4QX17Z2gmM/s1600/2015-04-18+10.17.11.jpg" height="320" width="223" /></a></div>
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The Mountaineer Pi Run was held at an area Christian school and they had one of my favorite restaurant's provide pie for the runners. If nothing else, the butterscotch pie made the run worthwhile (although I was happy with how the race went also).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBqxdx1RK8cXERD-N3YIwzMYa1CSFQoF30CET85tGNHqn-v0v54Q8a-iosVeR8r1zwZdFg8TWwHqlD9U8WyiPxLPWsDGD_xUasNUJi2HF0puoCK6wQkTuu-MO9BnR6RQNkVmoSuC8t0ME/s1600/20150419_135252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBqxdx1RK8cXERD-N3YIwzMYa1CSFQoF30CET85tGNHqn-v0v54Q8a-iosVeR8r1zwZdFg8TWwHqlD9U8WyiPxLPWsDGD_xUasNUJi2HF0puoCK6wQkTuu-MO9BnR6RQNkVmoSuC8t0ME/s1600/20150419_135252.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fun medal I received for placing 1st in my age group.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The course was rather hilly which I still need to work on training for. All the roads near me are flat so I have to think of some other locations to run at that include elevation changes so that I can be prepared for future hilly courses.<br />
<br />
There currently aren't any other runs I'm signed up for but I am hoping to have my summer schedule finalized in the next week or so. I've got a list going of runs I'm interested in so hopefully soon I'll be able to add more to my calendar. Looking at doing my first 10K ever in early May. Super excited but definitely nervous.<br />
<br />
What is your favorite 5K if you are a runner? Any tips for my first 10K?<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03270133038926627552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4253193033766250151.post-50833933089261884022015-04-13T07:05:00.000-07:002015-04-13T07:05:14.108-07:00Lately<br />
<ul>
<li style="text-align: center;">I had to work this past Saturday and Sunday so I didn't really get to enjoy the great weekend weather. Every third weekend comes way too quickly. </li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: center;">This week the forecast shows the highs hopefully reaching the low 60's. Now if it can only be dry for a few days as well. It has been raining a fair amount recently which has greened things up nicely. But it's hard to enjoy the warmer temps when everything is wet. </li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: center;">On Saturday I am running the Mountaineer Pi 5K. Looking forward to running another 5K and also getting free pie from a local restaurant at the finish. Hoping they have my favorite butterscotch pie.</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://zionchristian.net/athletics/mountaineer-pi-run" target="_blank"><img alt="pirunmasthead2015" border="0" height="105" src="http://zionchristian.net/images/athletics/pirunmasthead2015.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: center;">I'm trying to line up a few more 5K's for the next couple months and also hoping to try out a 10K or two as well. Love the runner's high I feel when the race is finished!</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: center;">Rob and I camp every year with some of my good friends from high school and their families and I can't wait! Still trying to find a couple other times to go camping this summer as well. I'm behind on getting reservations and most of the state parks fill up on the weekends throughout the summer so we'll see what I can find. I love camping. Are any of you campers? If so, where do you like to camp?</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03270133038926627552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4253193033766250151.post-66690530525367493912015-04-08T18:10:00.000-07:002015-04-08T18:10:47.693-07:00LadybugsGenerally I think of ladybugs as cute little insects. Pretty harmless in the grand scheme of things so I typically leave them alone. Well, no more! At least when they are in my house. <br />
<br />
We have ladybugs everywhere in our house and I can't get rid of them. ANNOYING! I don't know if this is just a Midwest thing or if it is a problem all over the US. They have been around for the last couple months but seem to be getting worse the last few weeks. <br />
<br />
A couple here and there are tolerable but we have quite a few in our kitchen and a ridiculous amount in one of our upstairs bedrooms. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEG0eooKikiKTbZ1lAdB4BeHNAqFul5JnirlbsJooK1UuTlyIWMNAiE0tH9ohtO_w6JDISchwpFLPx0O0RXEIQe2w5rgRK7uIAXTtNk94QM0icBw-XoIvO9JEDKlUFySq8A5qU_k8-omc/s1600/2015-04-08+14.06.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEG0eooKikiKTbZ1lAdB4BeHNAqFul5JnirlbsJooK1UuTlyIWMNAiE0tH9ohtO_w6JDISchwpFLPx0O0RXEIQe2w5rgRK7uIAXTtNk94QM0icBw-XoIvO9JEDKlUFySq8A5qU_k8-omc/s1600/2015-04-08+14.06.01.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is a picture of one of the windows in the bedroom. The picture doesn't do the amount of ladybugs justice. Fortunately we don't use the bedroom upstairs for much or I don't know what I would do. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqUM4B62gNC0eYdLNhFIk9XHutxGb45G0nxAtvniOsYWzqLg_v0ejbuwojhxm9ags4_S9kL-KiJ3F20jLlUxYyztp6s0NADN8bKqQ6z1wB_5Aw2VgAqu_HodnaERL1vxTubbyrXwfzVOQ/s1600/2015-04-08+14.05.30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqUM4B62gNC0eYdLNhFIk9XHutxGb45G0nxAtvniOsYWzqLg_v0ejbuwojhxm9ags4_S9kL-KiJ3F20jLlUxYyztp6s0NADN8bKqQ6z1wB_5Aw2VgAqu_HodnaERL1vxTubbyrXwfzVOQ/s1600/2015-04-08+14.05.30.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I vacuum the ladybugs up in the house at least once a day, but it just doesn't last for long. This afternoon I vacuumed 177 ladybugs up from just the one bedroom! Unbelievable!<br />
<br />
I think I'm going to have to buy some insect spray that is safe for use inside the house because this has to stop. Do you have ladybugs or some other insect in your house? How do you get rid of them or prevent them all together?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03270133038926627552noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4253193033766250151.post-45857843189297266072015-04-05T04:00:00.000-07:002015-04-05T05:22:56.803-07:00Happy Easter!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Happy Easter! We're heading to church in the morning and then having </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
my family over for lunch. Hoping you are all able to spend some </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
time today with loved ones as well. </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://akadesign.ca/he-is-risen-easter-printable/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt5meFRSmwGKoJpGZ-GVY1cUdG78Q3ubDr8xJQFg4lDWnGAYQB5cysPPkJd9NIC2JSIBtiuHGp6lTrdEzE85isn1fGlic1_4IZlwyP0SwUivnjN3byF59i6JbNW9S7ekHV1mS_Kxysmrc/s1600/He-IS-Risen.jpg" height="640" width="512" /></a></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: magenta; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 27px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Christ has died, Christ has risen, and </span></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: magenta; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 27px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Christ will come again.</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="background-color: white; color: magenta; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 27px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 27px;">He is not here; he has risen! </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 27px;">Remember how he told you, </span></span></i></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 27px;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">while he was still with you in Galilee: </span></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 27px;">"The Son of Man </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 27px;">must be delivered into the hands of </span></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 27px;">sinful men, </span></i><i style="background-color: white; line-height: 27px;">be crucified and on the </i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 27px;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">third day raised again"</span></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 27px;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Luke 24: 6-7</span></i></span></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03270133038926627552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4253193033766250151.post-23476226231601208562015-03-29T20:30:00.000-07:002015-03-29T20:30:49.093-07:00Eagle 5KYesterday I ran my first 5K of the year, the Hudsonville Eagle 5K. It's a fairly small 5K with a lot of the local elementary kids participating in it. It was a pretty low-key way to start the race season. It was sunny but COLD, around 18 degrees, when we started. Thank goodness I had been running outside throughout the winter and was kind of use to running in the cold or it would have been uncomfortable. Several times throughout the run I thought to myself that I can't wait for summer races! I would much prefer to be warm over cold. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0m0XzSgZ4L4l5XuI94fWwuk2EMvtUUBh3lwGzR7xlVpEyuIDYfpCzRYDRpPNH2rS7jEE7VdVf3dVavvSaPfOaOvfd9Veeg9nv8GcGrhGzzfjzzQjtdgUdt20DCJ1mfC_aarlb11Wd0yw/s1600/2015-03-28+11.11.44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0m0XzSgZ4L4l5XuI94fWwuk2EMvtUUBh3lwGzR7xlVpEyuIDYfpCzRYDRpPNH2rS7jEE7VdVf3dVavvSaPfOaOvfd9Veeg9nv8GcGrhGzzfjzzQjtdgUdt20DCJ1mfC_aarlb11Wd0yw/s1600/2015-03-28+11.11.44.jpg" height="320" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All bundled up and ready <br />to run in the cold.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The course had a couple of hills which made me nervous since all the roads I run at home are flat. The hills weren't too bad but I do feel like I should probably find some locations to run near me that aren't completely flat to help with future races. <br />
<br />
I ended up running the 5K in 27:25. Not horrible, but not as fast as I was hoping. I should have picked up the speed on the last mile for sure but I had been "running" with someone else for most of the race and the pace seemed to be working pretty well so I didn't push it. Do you ever pick someone else to "run" with during races? Or, do you find it annoying if others start running next to you? Anyways, my time was fast enough to place 1st in my age group and 26th overall in the female division. That makes me feel a little better about my results.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIycqgfXVg7u_rBDLCg68kkwtQt5n0vr-rH-IsBz3Eb-3mQ0cvM-7sMeq_ElCg_PN9rc2Bl9xBBOw5j_HWM7C0j4Da5qv53Wp0tme5XcfXLOChPvc0nY3ukmx242cwF-_TW0W63hYDxrQ/s1600/2015-03-28+11.09.52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIycqgfXVg7u_rBDLCg68kkwtQt5n0vr-rH-IsBz3Eb-3mQ0cvM-7sMeq_ElCg_PN9rc2Bl9xBBOw5j_HWM7C0j4Da5qv53Wp0tme5XcfXLOChPvc0nY3ukmx242cwF-_TW0W63hYDxrQ/s1600/2015-03-28+11.09.52.jpg" height="250" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Race bib and small medal I received for <br />placing first in my age group.</td></tr>
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My goal for the next 5K I run is to be under 27 minutes and my ultimate goal for the year is to run the 5K in under 25 minutes. I know that is quite a bit of time to shave off but I can already run two miles in 16 minutes so I just need to work on pushing myself more during runs and also to build up my endurance by going on more longer runs. I'm hoping to also add in a couple 10Ks this summer also. If I can manage I would also love to try a half marathon but that may be pushing it. Anyone have a favorite training plan they follow? <br />
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If anyone is still reading this post, sorry for the rather long and likely boring recap of my first 5K of the season. I am just really excited to see how the year goes since I have been so much more committed to running and working out these past 6 months than I have been in many years. Races are addicting and I can't wait till I run my next one!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03270133038926627552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4253193033766250151.post-62253499054035958342015-03-25T12:04:00.000-07:002015-03-25T12:04:32.753-07:00What I'm Loving Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Wanted to write a quick post, but as normal, I'm just not sure what to write about. So, I thought I would write a bit about what I'm loving right now. <div>
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*I'm loving how it is staying light out longer. It is light out till around 7:30 pm currently. I just love these longer days and enjoy being able to go outside after dinner for a quick run if I want.</div>
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*I'm loving some of the new spring/summer clothing pieces that are out in stores. I bought a few cute things that I can't wait to wear, it just needs to get warmer now. </div>
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<a href="http://www.kohls.com/product/prd-1998070/rewind-crochet-lace-shortie-shorts-juniors.jsp?color=Icy%20Mint" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" src="http://media.kohls.com.edgesuite.net/is/image/kohls/1998070_Icy_Mint?wid=500&hei=500&op_sharpen=1" title="Lace Shorts from Kohls" width="200" /></a></div>
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I bought these super cute shorts from Kohl's the other day and can't wait to wear them!</div>
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*I'm loving that my husband and I are getting away for a quick overnight trip to Indianapolis for my birthday. We don't have anything major planned but it will be nice for it to just be the two of us. Hoping to have a relaxing 48 hours. Looking forward to getting a piece of cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory.</div>
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<a href="http://www.thecheesecakefactory.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Hershey's® Chocolate Bar Cheesecake" height="150" src="http://www.thecheesecakefactory.com/assets/images/Menu-Import/CCF_HersheysCheesecake.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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So, what are you loving??</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03270133038926627552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4253193033766250151.post-35717105087603354902015-03-19T13:13:00.000-07:002015-03-19T13:13:40.216-07:00Life LatelyI really want to try to update this blog more often but am never sure what to write about. I feel like my life is pretty boring typically. I am going to try to be more intentional though in writing about everyday things and documenting my life with pictures. I rarely take pictures but feel this is also something I am going to work on, even if I just use my camera phone.<br />
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So, what has been going on in my life? It is finally getting warmer here after a loooong winter. I am trying to get out and run more often. I ran throughout the winter but am hoping to increase my mileage now that the weather is improving. I have a goal to run several 5Ks, a couple 10Ks, and hopefully a half marathon this fall. By running throughout the winter I am actually able to run 5 miles pretty comfortably at this early point in the year. Normally I have to start completely from scratch since I stop running completely once it gets below the 50 degrees. (I'm a wimp in the cold). I'll write more about my race plans in the future - just need to nail my work schedule down so I can get races on the calendar. <br />
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I am a nurse and transferred to a hospital that is closer to home this past October. I cut about 30 minutes off my commute which is awesome. Plus, I was able to keep the seniority I had earned since I stayed within the same organization. Overall it is going well and I really enjoy my coworkers. It's still not my dream job but I am getting a lot of great experience as I continue looking for a job that fits my interests better. <br />
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There is one other big change coming that I am really excited about but I'll write about that once a couple of details are nailed down. <br />
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What's going on in your life? Do you ever feel like nothing exciting happens in your life, or is it just me? Any must do races that I should add to my list for the future? Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03270133038926627552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4253193033766250151.post-66347007798995969242014-12-29T07:28:00.000-08:002014-12-29T07:28:22.463-08:00Happy HolidaysI've been a bad blogger and haven't posted in months. Thought about posting many times but haven't. Hoping to pick the blogging back up on a more regular basis. I've got an exciting change coming and can't wait to share more with you. For today I'll leave you our 2014 Christmas Card.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03270133038926627552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4253193033766250151.post-345747519065317622014-05-13T09:55:00.000-07:002014-05-13T09:56:11.318-07:00House Tour: Master Bathroom Before and AfterSince you saw some glimpses of the master bathroom when touring our bedroom, I figured I might as well continue into this room for the next part of the tour. When we bought this house it had 4 bedrooms, 2 upstairs and 2 on the main floor. It was nice to have 4 bedrooms but we decided we wanted a master bathroom more. Plus, it would work out perfectly since the 2 bedrooms on the main floor were right next to each other. Additionally, the bathroom we had to use at that time was down the hall and through the dining room and kitchen. No real convenient and you didn't really want to have to walk through half the house in your towel after taking a shower. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwrZQNfQGMqOEdk8dJ9q_5DR2SSW3O3R-CQYCkNFSeSl9Oi75IRaxa3d4trfjARTJ4WGJGCds-7nrhk91OzxbhhtOHPiyT_7QwIghuY0djOdvC3dOyiCZ45u4nAx2cB1VHTSZ5tYzhiB0/s1600/DSC00524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwrZQNfQGMqOEdk8dJ9q_5DR2SSW3O3R-CQYCkNFSeSl9Oi75IRaxa3d4trfjARTJ4WGJGCds-7nrhk91OzxbhhtOHPiyT_7QwIghuY0djOdvC3dOyiCZ45u4nAx2cB1VHTSZ5tYzhiB0/s1600/DSC00524.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Former bedroom.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTk5FV7ihYCYaHZ2JLq4I-MhTozA8M6sz-Wv2MOAcWJUub_33e7R5ktcqGhWb8nXlu-QNOErq6qxn75_JaMXebMhinU7QGTM8nNKAs-P9sdJNnVF2mJd6z8MpmWGIglgZcQ5ldRQcBts/s1600/DSC00489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTk5FV7ihYCYaHZ2JLq4I-MhTozA8M6sz-Wv2MOAcWJUub_33e7R5ktcqGhWb8nXlu-QNOErq6qxn75_JaMXebMhinU7QGTM8nNKAs-P9sdJNnVF2mJd6z8MpmWGIglgZcQ5ldRQcBts/s1600/DSC00489.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The window on the left is the window you see <br />
between the vanity and shower in our master bathroom.</td></tr>
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After discussing a couple different configurations, we settled on one that created an entrance from our bedroom to the bathroom but that also created a walk-in closet for miscellaneous things that would be accessed through the hall next to our bedroom. We talked about creating a large walk-in closet that you could get at through the bathroom but we decided we didn't need more closet space for our clothes since we both had decent sized closets already. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4q12HZft8G72dl1HYfqKVB_nGZZb0AvAw2d_Rdzmf9ivo4ygjcduKH6KnamxSg7FYs6ODoGlEIrqeWBBdzyK1QfxvAE3DOLCaWZ7aZR-sYr29aL0GdeG7EWHiHjYiuG9QMNcNmV2dJAo/s1600/DSC01081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4q12HZft8G72dl1HYfqKVB_nGZZb0AvAw2d_Rdzmf9ivo4ygjcduKH6KnamxSg7FYs6ODoGlEIrqeWBBdzyK1QfxvAE3DOLCaWZ7aZR-sYr29aL0GdeG7EWHiHjYiuG9QMNcNmV2dJAo/s1600/DSC01081.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New walk-in closet.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaYa75-OeUx5lh1AJN2dZC1vlKxbXS45qhDoTqxYovvNVMcaSmH6IHyjvlxivUM5sty0IAjIYVxoldVuS-h-I7ks9qsaui1GeydteHg3PAHuD266XUMbGG4MCxMS19Qo0Ff9ukAWj29eQ/s1600/DSC01082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaYa75-OeUx5lh1AJN2dZC1vlKxbXS45qhDoTqxYovvNVMcaSmH6IHyjvlxivUM5sty0IAjIYVxoldVuS-h-I7ks9qsaui1GeydteHg3PAHuD266XUMbGG4MCxMS19Qo0Ff9ukAWj29eQ/s1600/DSC01082.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can't beat all the new storage we have.</td></tr>
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When planning the bathroom out, I knew that the one thing I wanted was a large tub with jets. I love to soak in the tub and knew this would be my chance. I also wanted to fit in a vanity area where I could sit and do my hair and makeup. Not everyone would find a vanity useful, but I use it everyday and love having a separate area away from the sink and Rob's stuff. Over the years I have gotten use to sitting down when getting ready so this works out perfect for me. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuGfOEAw0SK6md5DAIciidtjAxYKUvaVXTC9LnqYa6_LFrj16fBPbOTe92iLzfRAdeHaCwP7yAto5t2ilQUrfBUMjYi4hXgsecaFF1OWXwnXjDx_sJv5ovp4xqsmFtS1gtomXfAjhMTSQ/s1600/DSC01090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuGfOEAw0SK6md5DAIciidtjAxYKUvaVXTC9LnqYa6_LFrj16fBPbOTe92iLzfRAdeHaCwP7yAto5t2ilQUrfBUMjYi4hXgsecaFF1OWXwnXjDx_sJv5ovp4xqsmFtS1gtomXfAjhMTSQ/s1600/DSC01090.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking into the bathroom from our bedroom.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyRA5lm54gsDOAh2pj4uzQ9SHsMycb4yZdlCAOZtuYzdlnv8C7TieRhRAQSBge9fToRKIFGrbtv_x4DfxgOJQbrU2OYvyDRGCoEy2dFpAlcR5mB1vMHQWntEKNY8LeEG7H1tllJha27Ys/s1600/DSC01091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyRA5lm54gsDOAh2pj4uzQ9SHsMycb4yZdlCAOZtuYzdlnv8C7TieRhRAQSBge9fToRKIFGrbtv_x4DfxgOJQbrU2OYvyDRGCoEy2dFpAlcR5mB1vMHQWntEKNY8LeEG7H1tllJha27Ys/s1600/DSC01091.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shower, toilet, and sink side</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNmxdqtQ7kHs1BHpoW51doIrYar_UqVbGW-xrrTtXlWPKcSQ_MlRR-CuYtvnSIkope7vq8NEhZ-7UvnThVjFP8KuT3urZ6g2fURAIWm55qR5O6eJxyAksexoMpsZqo1h2t4pxmfEnKZTE/s1600/DSC01095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNmxdqtQ7kHs1BHpoW51doIrYar_UqVbGW-xrrTtXlWPKcSQ_MlRR-CuYtvnSIkope7vq8NEhZ-7UvnThVjFP8KuT3urZ6g2fURAIWm55qR5O6eJxyAksexoMpsZqo1h2t4pxmfEnKZTE/s1600/DSC01095.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sink area with added storage.</td></tr>
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We ended up going with only one sink partially due to available space but also because the two of us rarely get ready at the same time. At our old house we had 2 sinks but we both still always used the same one. We also added a walk in shower. I really wanted a tiled shower but due to money and ease of cleaning we ended up with the one piece acrylic shower. Maybe some day we will upgrade but for now, the shower works well for us. I did talk Rob into upgrading to granite counters. I love them and they look so nice. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix673Uar8wKB6ZuZagzr7vfLB-9s8KGvSqSNFzG6D6iwYVcFWUfj8P674GLE_RzkVAKk77nCy_205z8yhhmfi33OnIOQ6jRwG7VRPQru0Ogud8U0zPlO-IOm1NjY4BgY8F4YHFJSY44MI/s1600/DSC01092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix673Uar8wKB6ZuZagzr7vfLB-9s8KGvSqSNFzG6D6iwYVcFWUfj8P674GLE_RzkVAKk77nCy_205z8yhhmfi33OnIOQ6jRwG7VRPQru0Ogud8U0zPlO-IOm1NjY4BgY8F4YHFJSY44MI/s1600/DSC01092.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love my tub!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit76ZazJC73X_-9vEiTkh_pZO6zXiP5-VM2KurBSy3RHCESEyim5R6G8jSSDfw0HYuEzYwGC8UeYER4Xx-S7zjIyf57cl9VBkY5HIKSV6LS19Y8btLTxEJVrhe8mAumRYgnWQFFOEpeXU/s1600/DSC01094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit76ZazJC73X_-9vEiTkh_pZO6zXiP5-VM2KurBSy3RHCESEyim5R6G8jSSDfw0HYuEzYwGC8UeYER4Xx-S7zjIyf57cl9VBkY5HIKSV6LS19Y8btLTxEJVrhe8mAumRYgnWQFFOEpeXU/s1600/DSC01094.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The vanity area that I use daily.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0mFCmRjSROimyy-vbPQa6szRhF8WN0CLUSulWnHzVPMqV24yuz4sXPkqCHrJn0ZY_faQv6mtGdm_Wyu9qhyphenhyphen1fNAoXBl0pFNQRGr0G-v253X2FLJVPiyumL5v46U9Iq1qWbJyXCY98wd4/s1600/DSC01093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0mFCmRjSROimyy-vbPQa6szRhF8WN0CLUSulWnHzVPMqV24yuz4sXPkqCHrJn0ZY_faQv6mtGdm_Wyu9qhyphenhyphen1fNAoXBl0pFNQRGr0G-v253X2FLJVPiyumL5v46U9Iq1qWbJyXCY98wd4/s1600/DSC01093.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of tub and vanity.</td></tr>
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I don't necessarily love how the mirror and light look together by my vanity area but I'm not sure what to do to fix it. I'm thinking that some day I need a larger mirror. Suggestions? Do you have a master bathroom or are you glad you don't have an extra bathroom to clean? What's your favorite feature or what have you always dreamed about including. A master bathroom definitely isn't a necessity but is sure is a feature I have grown to love! <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03270133038926627552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4253193033766250151.post-28954598116194691252014-05-11T15:19:00.000-07:002014-05-11T15:19:13.691-07:00T25 Weeks 1 and 2I am done with my second week of <a href="http://www.beachbodycoach.com/meredithvisser" target="_blank">Focus T25</a> and am really starting to love this program! You can't beat the fact that the workouts are only 2 minutes. Seriously, everyone can find 25 minutes somewhere in their day. Plus the 25 minute workouts are no joke. Holy moly do I sweat a lot during the workouts. There is no doubt in my mind that I have gotten a great workout when I am done. <br />
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So what are my overall impressions of the program after 2 weeks? For the most part I really love this program and can see doing another round of the program when I finish the first one. I get a really great workout in in a short time which is something I really appreciate. I can tell I am getting stronger and in better shape. <br />
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<img alt="I'm talking to a few people who are quite frankly, overwhelmed with starting a daily routine. There is no timeline. Truly. Fitness is a lifelong journey. Take it one day at a time....you will get there!" height="320" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/d9/8f/9c/d98f9cd3987fa8f9c6d6156c6ac63b94.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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This program is not joke. The first couple days of doing it I could hardly keep up and had to modify numerous times. I am still modifying at times but is has gotten easier. I appreciate that there are modifiers for all the moves because you would need to be in great shape to not need a modifier at some point. You are doing some move for the whole 25 minutes and never have a break so often doing a modifier gives me the little "break" I need so I can keep going. <br />
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Speaking of breaks, I do miss having a break or two during the workout. I can see where they don't have time to give you a break if they want to get the workout in in only 25 minutes but there aren't many people who can keep up with Shaun T the whole time. I just do as best as I can and know that every time gets better. <br />
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<img alt="My next Challenge group starts May 12th. Send me a friend request and Message me at www.Facebook.com/lynda.suttles for free coaching. Join www.teamleanlife.com today." height="320" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/8e/8d/88/8e8d88427fc7323255cd446c688f08ca.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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Although this program isn't "dancy" there are still moves that really make me feel uncoordinated. some of the moves take some practice and the first time you do a workout you will spend a good bit of it watching Shaun T thinking what the heck are you doing? But, I can tell you it gets better . I'm not quite as frustrated this second week although there are still some moments that frustrations tries to overwhelm me but I just tell myself to do what I can, it will get better. <br />
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I can say that I do miss using weights. I really like lifting and am excited about getting to the beta phase in a few weeks where weights will be incorporated in some. Regardless of what program I do after <a href="http://www.beachbodycoach.com/meredithvisser" target="_blank">Focus T25</a> gets done, I know weights will be involved in some way. I just enjoy lifting too much to leave them out for too long. <br />
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<img alt="I have not quit FOCUS T25! This workout program is doable and I am working toward results in 25 minutes a day!! I'd love to encourage you through a T25 program!!" height="320" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/b2/e0/2e/b2e02e54c74a4086d02ad58a519f15d6.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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I can't wait to see the results I get when this program is over. I know they are going to be great! I still have some work to do with my eating habits, but I am getting better. It is a process but I am committed to making the change. How are your workouts going? Do you want help finding a program that fits in with your time and interests. I would love to help find the program that is right for you! Let me know if you are interested in joining me in my<a href="http://www.beachbodycoach.com/meredithvisser" target="_blank"> T25 </a>journey. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03270133038926627552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4253193033766250151.post-55197190948744175382014-05-07T13:42:00.000-07:002014-05-07T13:42:06.685-07:00House Tour: Master Bedroom Before and After<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Welcome back to the house tour. I was going to show you the living room next but realized I somehow managed to have not taken any "after" pictures of the room when I took all the others. Hopefully I will take some this weekend since we are having family over and everything will be neat and clean for Mother's Day.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Master bedroom before.</td></tr>
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So, in the meantime we'll move to the master bedroom. This room started out like your average bedroom. It had brown berber carpet, although it looks lighter in the pictures. The walls were kind of a burnt orange color and the draper were a brown and white check. Overall, not a bad look just kind of dark. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRrUX2HBuUwUNLsTnToFX0yFkScNLbazkqFAWlmX-vfkmhFLQTae0f33S3DW_Sf_Y6cpV7lNHT97_cQSCD1t106dPYgFr0r5UhVYLXdTDR2zcddUUBdLWZ8VM3kS7R39DSSPRzkyLLdOE/s1600/CAM00004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRrUX2HBuUwUNLsTnToFX0yFkScNLbazkqFAWlmX-vfkmhFLQTae0f33S3DW_Sf_Y6cpV7lNHT97_cQSCD1t106dPYgFr0r5UhVYLXdTDR2zcddUUBdLWZ8VM3kS7R39DSSPRzkyLLdOE/s1600/CAM00004.jpg" height="320" width="237" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When we pulled up the carpet we found a partially <br />painted floor. They must have had a rug in the middle for a <br />while with the blue painted plywood at one point.</td></tr>
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I knew I wanted to include board and batten somewhere in our house and our bedroom made the most sense to me. Rob really didn't like the idea of gluing/nailing anything to the wall but I convinced him that it would look good and that if/when we ever took it down we would just pay someone to fix the wall. I love the results and really think it adds some nice detail to the room. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love the board and batten with the turquoise wall coloring.</td></tr>
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I also love that having the board and batten on the lower part of the wall allows us to paint the upper part a brighter color and not have it look too overwhelming. The white and turquoise really brightens the room up a lot. I absolutely love how bright the room looks now in comparison to when we first moved in. I also bought a new bedding set which goes great with the turquoise and also ties in well with the green bedspread we already had. The new lighter carpeting is much softer and should hide any dirt well also. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJBb4FE3S6qqp7J0xHEdRy07Gvi4b9LNvP28f35KCnRgpgWk3mPnFvSqzunYYVP6Z_yKgfom3hktaEZJxYib3U6PUasyOZfTVvqNEC0BNWxTqMgYN5DGRE5VW-gyEdOOzzyL_duEziqM/s1600/DSC01088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJBb4FE3S6qqp7J0xHEdRy07Gvi4b9LNvP28f35KCnRgpgWk3mPnFvSqzunYYVP6Z_yKgfom3hktaEZJxYib3U6PUasyOZfTVvqNEC0BNWxTqMgYN5DGRE5VW-gyEdOOzzyL_duEziqM/s1600/DSC01088.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We both have small walk in closets.</td></tr>
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Basically we just did cosmetic fixes to the bedroom but it is an awesome transformation just the same. I have thought about painting our furniture but don't know what color I would paint it. Any thoughts? Or should I just leave it? </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjTtlJjw_hdnTLzdLcPGOMhHZnyLjsVYlME5DD2axQXWW1Zfy_jwbfzeBQ3u7qCIVOC3yAd_CuYlcObdSMEI1uSvF_VCffoHfaP3sQeJVB3QhQmvskn3-qBcaXhpAwTyf6t1jwuit5APw/s1600/DSC01086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjTtlJjw_hdnTLzdLcPGOMhHZnyLjsVYlME5DD2axQXWW1Zfy_jwbfzeBQ3u7qCIVOC3yAd_CuYlcObdSMEI1uSvF_VCffoHfaP3sQeJVB3QhQmvskn3-qBcaXhpAwTyf6t1jwuit5APw/s1600/DSC01086.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love how much room we have in our bedroom.</td></tr>
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One thing you can't tell from the before pictures is that we added a new door opening in our bedroom. This door leads to the master bathroom that we created out of a fourth bedroom! Love it!! Stay tuned for this transformation next. What's your favorite part of your master bedroom?</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxVvwPkPG7Wv1MdhvhvAgt4x6BD-vaUlNmo-baAII27GNVfy-kd0gclsepLKntTdXMiWyLT_jEblGa_gv90CKoPYq8eR8qlh3p2ztdJzDJseRWoWQda5VjX_EFQsDov9ZMG5qSiyaVW4k/s1600/DSC01087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxVvwPkPG7Wv1MdhvhvAgt4x6BD-vaUlNmo-baAII27GNVfy-kd0gclsepLKntTdXMiWyLT_jEblGa_gv90CKoPYq8eR8qlh3p2ztdJzDJseRWoWQda5VjX_EFQsDov9ZMG5qSiyaVW4k/s1600/DSC01087.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New doorway into the master bathroom.</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03270133038926627552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4253193033766250151.post-49744027896793220812014-05-05T18:51:00.000-07:002014-05-05T18:51:34.130-07:00House Tour: Dining Room Before and After<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our dining room is next to our kitchen and this is the first time I haven't had an eat in kitchen. This took a bit to get use to for me, but now I really like the room although I would still love to have room for a table in our kitchen too. At least we have a counter that we can eat at. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dining room before.</td></tr>
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Anyways, on to the tour of the dining room before and after remodeling. When we first bought the house, the dining room was a decent size but had a small nook off it that was really wasted space. The nook was about 4'x8' and had been used as a toy room or place to put a piano in years past. I knew immediately upon seeing it that I wanted to get rid of the wall separating these two areas. Of course that's easier said then done. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wall separating nook and dining room. <br />Taken from the dining room looking toward the master bedroom.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nook next to dining room before we <br />removed the wall.</td></tr>
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My brother in law took care of adding the needed support and we were able to make the nook disappear and really open up the dining room. What a difference it made! In addition, when removing the wall, we were also able to remove a chimney since we put in a new HVAC system and no longer needed the chimney to vent the system. This allowed us to open the space up even more. What a lot of work and oh the mess it created! I don't miss living in the mess one bit, it was so hard to keep anything clean during the renovation. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chimney before being removed.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYM2V1NXY4zVuRfAiBeO7p8vVaIXZazx689BZZlv-mnpZO2XYUT17mgqJErMx9NT4IWkhnyA23FjAqgSbdX9sDM2f_z7XaaGXu0tU9TmBt-fOhyphenhyphenkH5i3xxNOqHYiA23elLW2P757RkCq0/s1600/DSC00557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYM2V1NXY4zVuRfAiBeO7p8vVaIXZazx689BZZlv-mnpZO2XYUT17mgqJErMx9NT4IWkhnyA23FjAqgSbdX9sDM2f_z7XaaGXu0tU9TmBt-fOhyphenhyphenkH5i3xxNOqHYiA23elLW2P757RkCq0/s1600/DSC00557.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wall separating the dining room and nook area <br />during the removal process.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the dining room through the wall that was removed.</td></tr>
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Are you ready for the amazing results?!!! I can't believe the changes, but I love them!! So bright and open. This has to be one of my favorite rooms now. I love the natural light it receives since we really don't get a lot of that in this house. We still have a lot of extra space, even with the table and buffet.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hkjOdwH9FfaQHgfKe1CtAWNQuAGOQsRnjdYfYUhz2ac2dxy9JOXnBXpKvJJ9U1gP9S0eW3PW4O8_aOICofem92meENjuJB7Q31tm-AbzDkxm_lCAuwoozS3nCL3DgMwxm63ibYeDAZ0/s1600/DSC01099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hkjOdwH9FfaQHgfKe1CtAWNQuAGOQsRnjdYfYUhz2ac2dxy9JOXnBXpKvJJ9U1gP9S0eW3PW4O8_aOICofem92meENjuJB7Q31tm-AbzDkxm_lCAuwoozS3nCL3DgMwxm63ibYeDAZ0/s1600/DSC01099.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dining room looking toward the kitchen.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPqMDEoDjkUINWbp3bbjCYDEa0tnfjtaiTxbr4OwqnQwG30fej90GneJVwPBi1tYShrwZmfyObFA_GPYfjuNFN_0BqidBHJ4F_ovF0UilF0mJ_dWHGNaqNnOb_42pdNnEK8dsSiBu4y68/s1600/DSC01100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPqMDEoDjkUINWbp3bbjCYDEa0tnfjtaiTxbr4OwqnQwG30fej90GneJVwPBi1tYShrwZmfyObFA_GPYfjuNFN_0BqidBHJ4F_ovF0UilF0mJ_dWHGNaqNnOb_42pdNnEK8dsSiBu4y68/s1600/DSC01100.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking towards where the wall and nook area use to be. <br />So much more space!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIg7P0088CvlVAFWAykbKFzAPGlm-Lq5pRni5OqIR4_06WIAOa8hkg8-lDxiiU0XpXk_cWcjN-eh00JKZoysiyG_gfJNuj7yLZV0wHqqHYqow70IGqmP0r3NKN-XzgVLZp19kJkpQzF34/s1600/DSC01098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIg7P0088CvlVAFWAykbKFzAPGlm-Lq5pRni5OqIR4_06WIAOa8hkg8-lDxiiU0XpXk_cWcjN-eh00JKZoysiyG_gfJNuj7yLZV0wHqqHYqow70IGqmP0r3NKN-XzgVLZp19kJkpQzF34/s1600/DSC01098.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close-up of the buffet my husband and I built, <br />placed in what use to be the nook area.</td></tr>
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<br />Do you have a separate dining area away from the kitchen? Do you use the room often? Rob and I eat in our dining room several times a week for dinner and the space works great for us.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03270133038926627552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4253193033766250151.post-13976093528610699492014-05-01T18:17:00.000-07:002014-05-01T18:17:37.291-07:00House Tour: Kitchen Before and AfterWe moved into our house about two and a half years ago. It's an old farmhouse built back in 1890. Over the years, it has been added on to at least 3 times and has been updated some. However much of the house hadn't seen any major updates in at least 10-15 years. The house was livable, but I was constantly thinking about all the changes I would like to make. We lived in the house a couple months and then decided we might as well start tearing things apart. Well like almost all remodels (at least the ones I've been a part of), we ended up doing way more than initially planned. It the end we remodeled/updated all but two rooms. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqSnrTf7WNu08RaAxm99Dz0BJZpod6vYbXdDg-oV2zxcfEU818LUdW2CD4WcBaaSqPqePXOg2gwrTRQgnciUtb49n8g0z16tK2ZoPPSrNO0iGS-ishyphenhyphenFMm1hg8LHoEpW7VTb2wrv1UAFc/s1600/DSC00500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqSnrTf7WNu08RaAxm99Dz0BJZpod6vYbXdDg-oV2zxcfEU818LUdW2CD4WcBaaSqPqePXOg2gwrTRQgnciUtb49n8g0z16tK2ZoPPSrNO0iGS-ishyphenhyphenFMm1hg8LHoEpW7VTb2wrv1UAFc/s1600/DSC00500.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dark cupboards with outdated hardware.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Originally, we weren't going to touch the kitchen. We have plans to add a garage, mudroom, and laundry in around 5 years and at that time we planned on doing a complete overhaul of the kitchen as well. So, we didn't want to spend any money on the kitchen if we didn't have to. But, after living with the kitchen for about 6 months I couldn't stand it any longer. Plus half the house was already torn apart so whats one more room. Right?!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxI8NRI7pxhP9CqojF9G29Cd-V_16cS5ii7E-FsPL4QtT82SOzwFBtMjnlHlZjZyytrm3wK54whh0Sp4gc6h6kcbZwSbGw_7Oc1cQ9AFKIRZxJj56ogzu-Z1e3ckKME4XqLOyhWcAAdtc/s1600/DSC00525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxI8NRI7pxhP9CqojF9G29Cd-V_16cS5ii7E-FsPL4QtT82SOzwFBtMjnlHlZjZyytrm3wK54whh0Sp4gc6h6kcbZwSbGw_7Oc1cQ9AFKIRZxJj56ogzu-Z1e3ckKME4XqLOyhWcAAdtc/s1600/DSC00525.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dark green wallpaper with a southwestern looking border.</td></tr>
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<br />The kitchen really doesn't get much natural light and it had dark wallpaper and cabinets. It just wan't a room I enjoyed spending time in and definitely wasn't my style. So after searching the web and looking at numerous pins from Pinterest, I came up with a plan that I thought would be relatively quick and cheap. What was I thinking? Is it even possible for a remodel to go quickly, cheaply, and smoothly? What I thought would take 1-2 weeks and only a couple hundred dollars ended up taking closer to two months and way more money. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmaoQjcm1Tk4QImy43A1feVhXKuwp-nVX1e-jB2c4ZFs4BN9SQ9L9iVezr1pJaEAMk26YSP8p1ltmJrIdPsaYfWa6iistQpe1AJpCpRUXPpHlhlvaWqGDAWZ4S-1BcR30_LNCPlWYlWt0/s1600/DSC00499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmaoQjcm1Tk4QImy43A1feVhXKuwp-nVX1e-jB2c4ZFs4BN9SQ9L9iVezr1pJaEAMk26YSP8p1ltmJrIdPsaYfWa6iistQpe1AJpCpRUXPpHlhlvaWqGDAWZ4S-1BcR30_LNCPlWYlWt0/s1600/DSC00499.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The floor had seen better days.</td></tr>
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I ended up putting wallpaper on top of other wallpaper to save money and time. I know it's not the right method but I'm pretty sure all the plaster would have come off if I had tried to take the other two or three layers of wallpaper off. It works for now. We also ended up getting new counter tops since my original plan of doing a fake granite treatment wasn't going to work. Why not add a dishwasher too while we were at it? Sure, I lost a couple cupboards in the process but it's definitely worth it. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbHvH10W5e1c0HuWes6bLRYcqrjt6l-b4mBSPPZfZ_AGoy0TGLUAfGjjwrMAG5XU2K0gIWVBPii6re4q-mVTUYB_KotYjmaBS16QlkW5FVwEagr3DpWiZznPnia7ituDqw4knDqq7lC-U/s1600/DSC01107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbHvH10W5e1c0HuWes6bLRYcqrjt6l-b4mBSPPZfZ_AGoy0TGLUAfGjjwrMAG5XU2K0gIWVBPii6re4q-mVTUYB_KotYjmaBS16QlkW5FVwEagr3DpWiZznPnia7ituDqw4knDqq7lC-U/s1600/DSC01107.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We added a dishwasher to the peninsula.</td></tr>
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<br />
I convinced my husband to put up some beadboard on the wall to help update the look of the kitchen as well as help reduce the amount of wallpaper we would need. This was our first time having to put up beadboard and it wasn't really something that went easily, but we learned a lot I don't think Rob and I will ever do it again ourselves though. It wasn't that hard, there were just so many things we had to cut the beadboard to fit around and we needed to be really precise. After painting the walls and cupboards white I couldn't stand the off white floor either so we put down the peel and stick vinyl tiles. I love how they look and they are so easy to take care of and hide dirt well. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdh9BRlNKWOH8kE807IM1uA7LwrIi8PjXwe7knLDVmSBsUlzJHBuEjRUX_W011SDKw6gIpHQSJ5xGqU2g0POWfVoPnQ3Xj5npD_I7fXRmwRNsEq-wADW0IyYntPO4w8YR_EiG1QaGfi1w/s1600/DSC01106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdh9BRlNKWOH8kE807IM1uA7LwrIi8PjXwe7knLDVmSBsUlzJHBuEjRUX_W011SDKw6gIpHQSJ5xGqU2g0POWfVoPnQ3Xj5npD_I7fXRmwRNsEq-wADW0IyYntPO4w8YR_EiG1QaGfi1w/s1600/DSC01106.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So much brighter and more inviting!</td></tr>
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Regardless of the process and money it took, I love the results! Sure, it's not my dream kitchen but it is way brighter and more enjoyable to spend time in. It is much more my personality and is something I can easily live with till the time we do a compete overhaul. Plus, I am getting a better idea of how I like having white cabinets so I know if that is the route I want to go when we actually buy new ones. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWmlNXwgAGxWF8WyctfLS_ZU73KBIvry6JH6MUFXVh-hzZOpI_-wM7-Zpj-Be85HO16D6tKvijSaEuoVkZJYlufSnvBOGR1W6R12okbk9isSJazFozxM_O01lrMFtC7VOY_uRp7vCOJYs/s1600/DSC01110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWmlNXwgAGxWF8WyctfLS_ZU73KBIvry6JH6MUFXVh-hzZOpI_-wM7-Zpj-Be85HO16D6tKvijSaEuoVkZJYlufSnvBOGR1W6R12okbk9isSJazFozxM_O01lrMFtC7VOY_uRp7vCOJYs/s1600/DSC01110.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I really like how the counters and floor turned out.</td></tr>
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What do you love most about your kitchen? I love getting new ideas and planning out what I would want in my dream kitchen someday. Have you ever had a remodel go awry or ended up doing way more than originally planned? Next up on our house tour will be the dining room, one of the best updates happened here!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03270133038926627552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4253193033766250151.post-76772615440514669272014-04-28T09:34:00.001-07:002014-04-28T09:34:42.785-07:00Recent HappeningsSorry about not posting at all this past week. I was busy getting the house clean and finishing several projects around home as well. Yesterday the family that we bought the house from came over to see all the remodeling we had done over the last two years so I wanted everything to be as nice as it could be. Stay tuned, I plan on doing a house tour in the near future.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNNg0N8zin31IRYJLIiRPl23HgLw4MXsHiQyAf9EQe1p4W7hh9pcwiK0fAuH1PL-N_fAZy5RCLIIYfmq_G5QEvYdY-LBv4y3P2tYQjcLwkCeZMHlCyZ7gsm-S5Qb5VAW07Ro7BIyG9BPs/s1600/DSC00388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNNg0N8zin31IRYJLIiRPl23HgLw4MXsHiQyAf9EQe1p4W7hh9pcwiK0fAuH1PL-N_fAZy5RCLIIYfmq_G5QEvYdY-LBv4y3P2tYQjcLwkCeZMHlCyZ7gsm-S5Qb5VAW07Ro7BIyG9BPs/s1600/DSC00388.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our house. Join me later this week for a peek inside!</td></tr>
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In other news, today is the day I am starting<a href="http://www.beachbodycoach.com/meredithvisser" target="_blank"> Focus T25</a>! Super excited to see the results this program will bring me. I tried a couple of the workouts last week and think they are going to be great. Nonstop action for the whole 25 minutes. Great workouts! <br />
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<a href="http://www.beachbodycoach.com/meredithvisser" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.beachbodycoach.com/uploads/fckeditor/mdbody/File/downloads/toolkit/t_25/1331_T25_TBB_COO_FB_Badge_180x263_banner.jpg" /></a></div>
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Instead of following the<a href="http://www.beachbodycoach.com/meredithvisser" target="_blank"> T25</a> nutrition plan, I decided to stick with the <a href="http://www.beachbodycoach.com/meredithvisser" target="_blank">21 Day Fix</a> eating plan since I really like it and think it is easy to follow. <a href="http://www.beachbodycoach.com/meredithvisser" target="_blank">Focus T25</a> provides a good nutrition plan but the one from the <a href="http://www.beachbodycoach.com/meredithvisser" target="_blank">21 Day Fix </a>just seems more user friendly to me. As I have been doing, I've posted my meal plan for the week below. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SFTrtEEFZHM/U16AhNoOlrI/AAAAAAAAAGw/9fDHSsmSPmk/s1600/DSC01131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SFTrtEEFZHM/U16AhNoOlrI/AAAAAAAAAGw/9fDHSsmSPmk/s1600/DSC01131.JPG" height="152" width="320" /></a></div>
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If the clean eating chicken salad turns out, I will try to post the recipe and pictures later. Do you have any great clean eating recipes you can share with me? I am always looking for new recipes to try and would love to add in some more variety to my meal plan.<br />
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How is your exercise and clean eating going? Do you need any help or accountability? I would love to help with eating plans or exercise accountability. Let me know if you want to join me on the journey to becoming healthier and happier. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03270133038926627552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4253193033766250151.post-53724359005673448452014-04-20T07:00:00.000-07:002014-04-20T18:20:09.177-07:00Happy Easter!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eWqoeiSK-9U/U1Mb_bCwLRI/AAAAAAAAAGI/uC2IOMef5j0/s1600/He-IS-Risen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eWqoeiSK-9U/U1Mb_bCwLRI/AAAAAAAAAGI/uC2IOMef5j0/s1600/He-IS-Risen.jpg" height="640" width="512" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">He</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> is not here; </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">He</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> has </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">RISEN</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> just as </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">He</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> said. </span></span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i> <span style="color: #351c75;">Matthew 28:6</span></i></span><br />
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Find your own printable copy of this chalkboard art at http://akadesign.ca/he-is-risen-easter-printable/Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03270133038926627552noreply@blogger.com0