tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77601100759245023432024-03-12T15:58:28.156-07:00Storehouse CraftsChristie Ottshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16574072557439409933noreply@blogger.comBlogger122125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7760110075924502343.post-53188913394088046032014-02-24T09:44:00.001-08:002014-02-24T09:44:39.782-08:00Adoption Update...So, the questions I get asked a lot are...."How is your adoption going?" or "Any news on your adoption?"<br />
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And really the truth is that there is rarely anything new to report. The process is long and the waiting is endless. As those of you who have done the journey can attest to...there's a lot of space where there is simply nothing to report.<br />
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We have been in our adoption process for 13 months now. It seems crazy to even say that because it feels even longer then that. Part of it is because Chris and I have dreamed about adopting since we first got married and even before we officially started our Cameroon process in January 2013, we had been talking and praying for months.<br />
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All that to say, our process has been long and we have much longer. Our home study process was trying to say the least. We changed jobs, moved houses, and invited someone to live with us all while doing our home study...needless to say this made the process much longer then normal.<br />
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Our home study is being processed here in Illinois. Then it will be sent to USCIS for approval. And THEN......THEN we get a referral!!! A referral is that small photo and scattered info sheet on the child that has been selected for you. And that, my friends, is when it all becomes real for this mama.<br />
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People ask if it's just so hard to wait. And yes, it's hard to feel like things take forever to move forward. But, my heart has not been connected to a specific child yet. There is no name or face or paper saying that she likes playing soccer on it. There's simply the dream of her. And when that picture is in my hand and beside my bed...that's when the waiting gets hard. That's when the tears come. That's when it feels endless and the ocean between us seems so big.<br />
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And that's when GRACE steps in. I'm excited to receive depths of God's grace that I've never known. It's my word for the year. GRACE. Abundant, undeserving, sufficient grace.<br />
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So, there you have it. The adoption update with really very little to report. HA!<br />
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We will be having fundraisers in the coming weeks and months! We need all the help we can get! I'll be selling things in my Instagram shop soon and we're partnering with <a href="http://www.raisingup1.com/" target="_blank">Raising Up 1</a> for an awesome fundraiser in March. We can't wait to see all the ways God provides and all the ways we can partner with Him to bring our daughter home.Christie Ottshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16574072557439409933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7760110075924502343.post-51828685782008748712013-10-24T14:33:00.001-07:002013-10-24T16:19:44.222-07:00Hope Spoken Link Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoO3tog8otVrlSvG6mZBOTx7oVfH12qfTOmauhqFH56Pje8S7vaQC6tekmx2hAf82Jm84iZF48RVYUl0GThmShuq-6-5kC4txiYTCV34m9loIsaxKkpLFc3gprLoHWheN6hSViqjDRkI3u/s640/blogger-image-349493983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoO3tog8otVrlSvG6mZBOTx7oVfH12qfTOmauhqFH56Pje8S7vaQC6tekmx2hAf82Jm84iZF48RVYUl0GThmShuq-6-5kC4txiYTCV34m9loIsaxKkpLFc3gprLoHWheN6hSViqjDRkI3u/s400/blogger-image-349493983.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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Well, hello there! My name is Christie Otts and I'm so excited for Hope Spoken! I can't wait to meet some lovely ladies and experience all that The Lord has for us!</div>
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Ok, how about a little "get to know ya"?</div>
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Let's see...</div>
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I'm a mama to three boys. We are currently adopting two girls from West Africa. I'm married to a preacher man. I'm passionate about justice and being an advocate for the voiceless.</div>
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I'm a born and raised Texas girl who moved up to the Chicago area about two years ago! </div>
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<i>You can take the gurl outta Texas....</i></div>
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Yep.</div>
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I'm a lover of all things thrifted and vintage. I love creating a bright, colorful home for my family! I love to bake...when I find the time. One of my favorite times each day is when I start dinner, the kids are playing outside, music is playing and I've got a glass of wine nearby. Perfection! Ha!</div>
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I'm so excited for Hope Spoken! Really I'm only nervous about the social part. Even though I love meeting new people, it can sometimes feel overwhelming meeting so many people at one time! Ha!!</div>
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I'm mostly excited! And I really am just looking forward to some focused time away to be with Jesus and to be encouraged. As a mom, these times are so few and far between, so when I get these times I really want to cherish them.</div>
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I'm hoping to leave fueled for the season ahead and envisioned for being the best mom, wife, servant, and friend that I can be through His grace.</div>
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Cannot wait to meet you! I'd love to chat before-hand!! Feel free to comment below and please follow me on IG @storehousecrafts!!! I'd love to get to know you!</div>
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Christie Ottshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16574072557439409933noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7760110075924502343.post-60020120561264560962013-04-09T11:26:00.003-07:002013-04-09T11:26:55.255-07:00Time for "Bread and Wine"!!!!<div style="text-align: center;">
This book releases today...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJtQOKY1KdNL0t5YIVuGIPViBc5sB-QYMS3fTHHudaqwAmoteJn8r12sDx1CO_lssUlTTCeToh6jWuAuPVj561hCRSJBlLCzvRpkThQVfyiqL7o36Lv8obHpVDfUyq20MSNiBfW9Om-PsH/s1600/bread&wine_cover_art.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJtQOKY1KdNL0t5YIVuGIPViBc5sB-QYMS3fTHHudaqwAmoteJn8r12sDx1CO_lssUlTTCeToh6jWuAuPVj561hCRSJBlLCzvRpkThQVfyiqL7o36Lv8obHpVDfUyq20MSNiBfW9Om-PsH/s640/bread&wine_cover_art.jpeg" width="440" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bread-Wine-Letter-Around-Recipes/dp/0310328179/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1365531266&sr=1-1&keywords=bread+and+wine" target="_blank">Bread and Wine</a></td></tr>
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I have been a fan of Shauna Niequist ever since I read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bittersweet-Thoughts-Change-Grace-Learning/dp/0310328160/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1365530978&sr=8-1&keywords=bittersweet" target="_blank">Bittersweet</a>.</div>
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I'm a fan of writers that are real, honest, and open.</div>
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Writers that when I finish their book I feel like we could have dinner together,</div>
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grab a glass of wine and talk like friends.</div>
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You know that feeling? Or am I the only one? HA!</div>
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If I finish a book and don't feel like I know the person who wrote it...</div>
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TOSS...I'm a lover of stories, real stories, people's raw and real stories.</div>
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And Shauna does this so well! I think she might be one of the best today.</div>
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So, needless to say...I loved this book.</div>
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It's about sharing life with others, letting people into the heart of your home,</div>
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opening the doors of you soul and bearing it all.</div>
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Bread and Wine is stories and recipes.</div>
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But, more then that it's about finding community around the table.</div>
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Nourishing your spirit and your body.</div>
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I love this! Because Jesus throughout scriptures married the two.</div>
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Sitting at a table he told stories, sitting on a hillside he broke bread</div>
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and made a miracle, sitting in an upper room he gave</div>
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the first communion.</div>
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I very deeply feel that the two are connected.</div>
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That gathering people to your table will allow them to feel safe,</div>
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allow them to be themselves.</div>
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And magic moments can happen there.</div>
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I'm challenged after reading this book to open my table.</div>
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To my neighbor, to my church friends, to my leaders,</div>
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even to my own children.</div>
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To make our time eating together as meaningful and connected </div>
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as possible.</div>
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Practically, I just bought this...</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Promise-Box-Our-Daily-Bread-Scriptures/dp/B000WLMKX2/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1365531508&sr=1-1&keywords=daily+bread+box" target="_blank">Amazon</a></td></tr>
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It's a box of daily scriptures...promises from the Word of God.</div>
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We're going to read one at dinner, talk about it</div>
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(which will be about two minutes for my squirmy boys!)</div>
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and we'll pray.</div>
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We'll ask about the highlight and lowlight of the day.</div>
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And we'll be done.</div>
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Right now, that's all my little ones can handle. HA!</div>
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But, the habit will be there.</div>
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We share, we pray, we feed on the Word.</div>
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And my prayer is that when they are 15 the table will be a place</div>
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they linger at, that feels like home to them.</div>
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A place where hearts are shared and uncovered.</div>
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A place to find nourishment.</div>
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So, there ya go!</div>
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Read the book.</div>
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Gather people around your table.</div>
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And try the recipes!!!</div>
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They are so good! I made the dark chocolate toffee...</div>
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and it was amazing!!!</div>
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A little sea salt on top...mmmmmm.</div>
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I wish I has some now!!</div>
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So thankful to get to preview this book and share my thoughts on it!</div>
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It is released today!! Go get it!</div>
Christie Ottshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16574072557439409933noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7760110075924502343.post-49763440311429376892013-04-03T12:21:00.000-07:002013-04-03T12:21:12.226-07:00Inching along...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We are inching along...in our adoption process. </div>
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Sometimes it feels so far away.</div>
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And some days I'm okay with that...to be honest.</div>
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I've got three little ones right here, right now, that need me.</div>
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I've got a husband who needs me.</div>
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My plate feels full.</div>
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Right now I fill out paper work and get fingerprinted</div>
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and log countless hours of online training.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>My heart wonders. My heart dreams.</b></span></div>
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But, there are no little ones in a picture by my bed yet.</div>
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There are no letters to write to them, no room to prepare for them.</div>
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My grace right now is for what is before me.</div>
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When it's time to open my heart to these little ones in Africa,</div>
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when I see their faces for the first time, hear their names,</div>
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my grace will expand. </div>
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My capacity will expand. </div>
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I know this with absolute certainty.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>It will begin to take root.</b></span></div>
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Today at our home study appointment the case worker asked me</div>
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what I have learned from the training about adoption.</div>
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I told her and then I talked about what I'm learning from others.</div>
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Others who have gone before me, paved the way, in my life.</div>
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And what I've learned in parenting my biological kids.</div>
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I've learned that His grace is enough.</div>
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That my portion is pleasant.</div>
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That He gives wisdom when we seek Him.</div>
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<br /></div>
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That just when I think I can't take on any more...</div>
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God calls me to step out in faith.</div>
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And my grace "pasture" expands.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>"The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; </i></div>
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<i>surely I have a delightful inheritance"</i></div>
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<i>Psalm 16:6</i></div>
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Christie Ottshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16574072557439409933noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7760110075924502343.post-65050041104840255512013-04-02T11:16:00.001-07:002013-04-02T11:16:45.846-07:00So long Google Reader...Oh, man! I have about 10,000 unread blog posts on Google Reader. HA!<br />
<br />
Do you love reading blogs? I LOVE them and I've had seasons where I've been following way to many blogs. So, I'm streamlining a bit and pairing down to the blogs I really truly love. I used Google Reader to keep them all in one place...<br />
<br />
Then I used my top sites in Safari...but that didn't allow me to follow all the blogs I love.<br />
<br />
So, <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/" target="_blank">Bloglovin</a> it is!! I've had an account forever and never used it. But, now it's time to make the shift!<br />
<br />
What do you use to read your blogs?? Have any favorites that I NEED to add? : )<br />
<br />
You can follow me on Bloglovin..<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/5192891/?claim=sq357xvspsa%22%3EFollow%20my%20blog%20with%20Bloglovin%3C/a%3E" target="_blank">here</a>Christie Ottshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16574072557439409933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7760110075924502343.post-21685687067357188732013-02-12T14:13:00.000-08:002013-02-12T14:20:48.296-08:00Things I love right now...<div style="text-align: center;">
I am a sucker for blog posts</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
where people share their favorite things!</div>
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I love knowing what people can't live without </div>
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and hearing about new products. </div>
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So, I thought I'd share a few of my new faves.</div>
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1. This stuff has saved my hands this winter...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBOpUSg6-pq6k57zFEMkmASDODz6LQIXFXLvS1fCIyneiIdHM9oKA4hqouJNLVz5uQSNfDQx-oBnUWM-7tytowqcjfChlr5f-TE0jnePEU1lpbgcNEKF19HkyfMGy0v6D0exIMKSrCoWV-/s1600/mary-kay-fragrance-free-satin-hands-pampering-set-h.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBOpUSg6-pq6k57zFEMkmASDODz6LQIXFXLvS1fCIyneiIdHM9oKA4hqouJNLVz5uQSNfDQx-oBnUWM-7tytowqcjfChlr5f-TE0jnePEU1lpbgcNEKF19HkyfMGy0v6D0exIMKSrCoWV-/s400/mary-kay-fragrance-free-satin-hands-pampering-set-h.png" width="300" /></a></div>
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Praise the Lord for <a href="http://www.marykay.com/en-US/Body-Sun/Fragrance-Free-Satin-Hands-Pampering-Set/160309.partId?eCatId=10001" target="_blank">Satin Hands</a>...and a big thank you to</div>
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my mother-in-law, Vickie, for giving it to me for Christmas!</div>
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It has saved my hands during this winter! Ah-mazing stuff!</div>
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The Satin Lips is great too!!!</div>
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2. This awesome new lipstick...I may have four tubes of it...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7z9bJ8UbHHNjvG-2NUVA6qVITr5g3tRa62Rb2x-lB30waSv0PfZZJ3AW4Wuab_4cB7DetWjDtqqV4jfvLtdfaSfj9PbxJ3R8iFD3MChlWJTmucd3xrkaouYBvYVnkgLqfDbgM2R2Cyo2y/s1600/13915851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7z9bJ8UbHHNjvG-2NUVA6qVITr5g3tRa62Rb2x-lB30waSv0PfZZJ3AW4Wuab_4cB7DetWjDtqqV4jfvLtdfaSfj9PbxJ3R8iFD3MChlWJTmucd3xrkaouYBvYVnkgLqfDbgM2R2Cyo2y/s320/13915851.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.target.com/p/revlon-colorburst-lip-butter/-/A-13915851" target="_blank">Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter</a>...getcha some.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm pretty sure I first heard of this from my friend <a href="http://larkandbloom.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Liz</a> when</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
she talked about her favorite makeup items.</div>
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I am a hater of lipstick, ya'll.</div>
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I love the color it brings, but hate the feel of it on my lips.</div>
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(i know, weird.)</div>
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But, this stuff gives bright color like lipstick while feeling</div>
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like chapstick. Hallelujah.</div>
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Love. It.</div>
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3. Coconut oil. Smells like heaven...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkBE-ndP12EJ0y2mW6RYwRh8dqbH8oNAeOC4DBpz8Jk8E5IHznbsOphae2o4nmFQg2AESm_IikWYfK9zwvoLiyFkt_leDQ2cKyvXCxmj8CmTM39WWmgetD1T6tDXoz3Aqjoc3wEV3Tn1SM/s1600/51+qWputVeL._SX385_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkBE-ndP12EJ0y2mW6RYwRh8dqbH8oNAeOC4DBpz8Jk8E5IHznbsOphae2o4nmFQg2AESm_IikWYfK9zwvoLiyFkt_leDQ2cKyvXCxmj8CmTM39WWmgetD1T6tDXoz3Aqjoc3wEV3Tn1SM/s320/51+qWputVeL._SX385_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I've heard all this talk about Coconut Oil in your beauty</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
routines lately....so I figured I'd give it a try.</div>
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First, I tried it on my hair...ewwww. </div>
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It was disastrous. Not pretty.</div>
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Then, I decided to try it on my face! What?!</div>
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It is awesome! The perfect light moisturizer and</div>
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it has worked wonders during a Chicago winter which says a lot!</div>
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And the smell....smells so yummy.</div>
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4. These dolls!! Be still my heart!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbGFCqeWB0w8k-15Xx3wUqDF6vHneJeCxdnGxr2K3pRcw3WvO0ddK0JPXzCbPBoFa5tftIQYK7k0Md5_Ge_Ddh4rMlFUgS3Xv9wJVzHV-2P6EtZHm4awQJie4b-Y-8qaY_jv058G9s8PeC/s1600/il_570xN.420715253_4vyd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbGFCqeWB0w8k-15Xx3wUqDF6vHneJeCxdnGxr2K3pRcw3WvO0ddK0JPXzCbPBoFa5tftIQYK7k0Md5_Ge_Ddh4rMlFUgS3Xv9wJVzHV-2P6EtZHm4awQJie4b-Y-8qaY_jv058G9s8PeC/s400/il_570xN.420715253_4vyd.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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I am ordering two custom dolls from this lovely shop. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SophieDolls" target="_blank">Sophie Dolls</a>.</div>
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Aren't they adorable???</div>
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I'm partial to the little brown ones (*wink).</div>
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We hope to be able to take them to the girls on our first trip to Africa</div>
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and they can keep them while we're apart from them.</div>
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5. These pillows were my birthday gift from the hubs...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij6vJC_5md03zzgwzrf7f4WPhhj2JcGIm84_jUmGRw1xlPfovLY0bkw-I2_nANGAiwt6lJrQ5d8bGTEfbCHW3sSSJbGQedXNNW22MsMkFTaukhhNljnnVod0KSRIsAJAY69b7GkeATJZFu/s1600/IMG_2427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij6vJC_5md03zzgwzrf7f4WPhhj2JcGIm84_jUmGRw1xlPfovLY0bkw-I2_nANGAiwt6lJrQ5d8bGTEfbCHW3sSSJbGQedXNNW22MsMkFTaukhhNljnnVod0KSRIsAJAY69b7GkeATJZFu/s400/IMG_2427.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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And I luuuuv them!</div>
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Allison of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/paisleysprouts" target="_blank">Paisley Sprouts</a> makes such pretty pillows!</div>
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They are beautifully sewn and come in such happy colors.</div>
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Go check her out and then "treat yo' self!"</div>
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6. Last, this necklace...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip1IU17xRCLkjwJPQz5u6xM8udzDVuzX_qc3Dqy9lWe7QpmRc2KEEJKUVaJBpU_OMHgEQo80iDeaGNkuY_iDGlaCPSDtWI_6BdpVV6pqyE5B_kYFs1cmy8VdSzatf6DEXF8pgtver1SSOM/s1600/wify.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip1IU17xRCLkjwJPQz5u6xM8udzDVuzX_qc3Dqy9lWe7QpmRc2KEEJKUVaJBpU_OMHgEQo80iDeaGNkuY_iDGlaCPSDtWI_6BdpVV6pqyE5B_kYFs1cmy8VdSzatf6DEXF8pgtver1SSOM/s400/wify.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm not kidding when I say that I've worn this almost every</div>
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day since I got it! It's perfect!</div>
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I'm digging a longer chain these days and this one is 26 inches.</div>
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Perfect.</div>
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Hannah from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/wifeysinger" target="_blank">Happy Days</a> makes beautiful things...</div>
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it is dangerous how many things I love in her shop.</div>
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So, there ya go! </div>
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A few of my favorite things!</div>
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What are you diggin' lately??!!</div>
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Any new product I shouldn't be living without?</div>
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A cute Etsy shop I have yet to stumble upon?</div>
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Dish!</div>
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Christie Ottshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16574072557439409933noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7760110075924502343.post-22102340012913365702013-02-07T09:33:00.000-08:002013-02-07T09:33:06.324-08:00A New Look and Asking for Help...<div style="text-align: center;">
Hi, there!</div>
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Do you like the new look??</div>
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The lovely <a href="http://www.danielleburkleo.com/" target="_blank">Danielle</a> helped me out with a new blog design.</div>
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And I love it!! </div>
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Same style just a little cleaner, which I'm all about lately!</div>
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I've been crazy busy around here...</div>
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mostly with the amazing work of making and selling items</div>
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for our adoption!</div>
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I've been so overwhelmed by people's support of our adoption,</div>
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and just general love of what I've been creating!</div>
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(which is always encouraging for creative types! HA!)</div>
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If you haven't seen some of the things I'm making, here's some pics!</div>
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<br /></div>
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I've been making tons of custom "hoops" and selling them on Instagram!</div>
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Do you follow me on IG? @storehousevintage for my sale items!</div>
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It's been so fun to hear people's words for the year or </div>
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words they find important to be reminded of...</div>
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We also had <a href="http://www.danielleburkleo.com/" target="_blank">Danielle</a> design us some sweet cards to put in with each</div>
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hoop purchase!</div>
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"Bringing our girls home one hoop at a time!"</div>
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Love it!</div>
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I have also been doing some thrifting and going to estate sales to find</div>
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vintage things to sell as well! I do little insta-sales on Instagram sporadically!!</div>
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So, there's been invoices to make, items to wrap and ship,</div>
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post office runs to make, and every time I do it...</div>
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I think...</div>
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"We're getting one step closer to bringing our girls home!!"</div>
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It's been an adventure for sure and I'm so thankful for people</div>
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all over the country that are becoming a part of our story!</div>
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I also had a chance to set up a little "shop" table at a local</div>
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Chik-fil-a event the other week too!</div>
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It was mother/daughter night!</div>
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I made a few sales, which was awesome and I got to connect</div>
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with a few local moms who have adopted and who I have</div>
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run into around town before. That was fun!</div>
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Chik-fil-a is so generous and we're planning a fundraiser night</div>
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with them for some time in the spring!</div>
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God has continued to amaze me at how He has abundantly provided </div>
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already...it has laid to rest all lies and fears that "it's impossible!"</div>
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Because on our own..it is...but with Him...</div>
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ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!</div>
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I'm so thankful that we're IN HIM!</div>
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That I don't have to "pull this off"!!</div>
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So, if your interested...</div>
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come check out items for sale on my Instagram!!</div>
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You can pay through Paypal and I ship all over the States.</div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;">ALSO!!!!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;">I'd love to ask for help with supplies!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;">If you have scrap fabric that you'd like to donate for the hoops</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;">(preferably in long pieces that can become strips and colorful prints),</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;">or wooden embroidery hoops, or packaging materials that you don't</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;">want or need...I would love to have them!!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;">You could even donate to our Paypal account for us to be able</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;">to purchase mailing envelopes, bubble wrap, etc in bulk on Ebay!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;">Any help with these type of things, means that more of the proceeds</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;">from sales go towards our adoption!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;">And i also realize that some people might want to jump in and help,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;">but don't necessarily want to buy anything. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;">And that's great!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;">So, email me if you have materials you would like to donate!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;">Thanks so much!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;">storehousecrafts@gmail.com</span></div>
Christie Ottshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16574072557439409933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7760110075924502343.post-48745616373590287462013-01-29T11:44:00.001-08:002013-01-29T11:44:29.512-08:00Let the adventure begin!Man, it's been a while since I'd posted! HA! As you probably all know, I'm not the most consistent blogger in the world.<br />
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I'm much more likely to update my Instagram or Twitter....I think because they are so much faster then a full length blog post. Which, by the way, are you following me on Instagram? I'm @storehousecrafts. Come say hi!<br />
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Things have been crazy in the Ott's House since Christmas. I still feel like I'm trying to get my feet back under me.<br />
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We had lots of fun with family in Texas and vacationing with my parents in Missouri!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">About to open gifts!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My fierce Pirate! Arrrrr!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daddy and oldest waiting patiently...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the cousins acted out the Christmas story!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN4j-GO43l28IPd6pCW7Ao43T4qtkkSvQ3Meq541-GePHLmCoiMKDwxIn9Bo2NfcrtpUFTuxmZ-XXKTT5MI3GHynty17kkRmJbbygHyzlaz7YCzNiG6ny36DjjAu-emOSW4oOHSDRoRgqJ/s1600/IMG_2194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN4j-GO43l28IPd6pCW7Ao43T4qtkkSvQ3Meq541-GePHLmCoiMKDwxIn9Bo2NfcrtpUFTuxmZ-XXKTT5MI3GHynty17kkRmJbbygHyzlaz7YCzNiG6ny36DjjAu-emOSW4oOHSDRoRgqJ/s320/IMG_2194.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boys had so much fun at Silver Dollar City with Nana and Gdaddy!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We also got to visit a Butterfly Sanctuary...so pretty!</td></tr>
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So, that was Christmas...mostly...with a little case of strep for the hubs thrown in and coming home to a broken heater. But, hey...whatcha gonna do?!<br />
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So, now that we're moving into the new year...we're taking the big steps to start our adoption process!<br />
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We have partnered with an agency out of Texas to adopt two little girls from Cameroon in West Africa. We are now working with an agency here in Illinois to do our home study process. This step takes about 3 months from start to finish and thankfully we have raised all the money needed!! Woo hoo! Praise Jesus! Through love offerings and people's generosity we have enough to pay for this first big chunk.<br />
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I've been working on selling handmade and vintage things online to raise money for our adoption!<br />
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Last night I had a little sale on Instagram and I think we made close to $200!!!<br />
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I have been making a ton of these hoops and they've been selling so fast!! I'm so thankful! I've been joking with a friend that we're "bringing these girls home one hoop at a time"!<br />
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And really that's how it's going to happen. By faithfully doing the next thing God tells us to do and slowly but surely seeing Him provide. And at the same time, we are believing for the BIG gifts as well...like full paid for airfare for our two trips to Africa!! Come on, Jesus!<br />
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It's been such an exciting journey and we can't wait to see it all unfold. I'd love for my blog to be a place for me to share our process with others and hopefully encourage others who are in the adoption process as well.<br />
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So, please follow along!!!Christie Ottshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16574072557439409933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7760110075924502343.post-82634504795240863192012-12-14T12:12:00.001-08:002012-12-14T12:12:43.719-08:00He comforts those...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>"Remember your promise to me; it is my only hope,</i></div>
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<i>Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles..."</i></div>
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<i>Psalm 119:49-50</i></div>
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Today my heart is heavy for our hurting and broken world.</div>
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For those who lost so much today.</div>
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Holding my little ones close with a thankful heart.</div>
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And remembering that in Jesus alone do I place my trust.</div>
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In the arms of the Father is where I find comfort.</div>
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In the promises of a loving God,</div>
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is where I find</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232;">HOPE</span>.</div>
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Christie Ottshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16574072557439409933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7760110075924502343.post-77951250963602851922012-11-06T17:20:00.001-08:002012-11-06T17:20:34.953-08:00And so the journey begins....We have three children, all boys, all born to my womb.<div>
But, we know our family is not complete.</div>
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And ever since we became a family, we knew that adopting was something we wanted to do.</div>
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But, it always happens in God's timing, right? And how thankful I am for that! </div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">He has faithfully written our story and I wouldn't wish it to be even one letter different.</span></b></div>
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So, we feel like God has led us to start the journey...and it's going to be just that. A journey of faith, a journey of patience, a journey to Africa.</div>
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We're so excited to begin, we're nervous about the process, we're preparing for the joys and challenges that await us both in the process and in the new "normal" of our life after.</div>
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But, mostly, we're peaceful. He's faithful. He's more passionate about adoption then any advocate the world has ever possessed. It was all His idea in the first place. I'm thankful to tap into this part of God's heart...to delve into His love for me and my adoption. To extend that same love and gospel message to a child awaiting a forever family. It's humbling. It's an honor.</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"Lord, may we carry your burdens well. May we do the journey well."</span></b></div>
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<i>***For anyone in the Chicago area...we're having a little Christmas shop on December 8th to raise money for our adoption!! We're selling handmade and vintage items. Things for the house, baked goods, teacher gifts, Christmas items! It will be a lot of fun! We'd love to have you or have you spread the word!</i></div>
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Christie Ottshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16574072557439409933noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7760110075924502343.post-51013920660503772562012-10-25T13:33:00.000-07:002012-10-25T13:34:08.604-07:00What we've been up to...<div style="text-align: center;">
I thought maybe I'd do a little post about </div>
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what we've been up to lately!</div>
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Share some Instagram love with you all!</div>
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Do you follow me on <a href="http://instagram.com/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>?</div>
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My username is storehousecrafts if you want to!</div>
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So, I'm a regular at our local Goodwill...I've found some great deals!</div>
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This mod desk for $5 might be my best find yet though.</div>
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However, it is sitting in the garage waiting to be painted </div>
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(story of my life!) HA! </div>
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I'm thinking hot pink and keeping the leg tips gold and maybe</div>
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painting more gold tip on the legs...fun desk/sewing table!</div>
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The boys room is getting some work...this was after I </div>
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painted their room. The navy wall is awaiting another coat.</div>
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See? I always have projects waiting...</div>
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They have since gotten new bedding too!</div>
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I'll have to do another post when it's all done!</div>
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I got some fun flea market time with a friend recently and </div>
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scored this lovely little desk!</div>
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It's the perfect side table and stores books/mags/legos....ha!</div>
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It is turquoise although you can't tell from the picture.</div>
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I've had the honor of listening to my hubby preach twice </div>
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in "big church" lately!</div>
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It's been the biggest joy to see him do something he's so</div>
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passionate about and great at! </div>
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I'm one happy wifey!</div>
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Gavin took a little class field trip to the zoo!</div>
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I was a chaperone...I'm rarely able to help with things like this</div>
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since I have another little one who is a handful,</div>
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but this was a special day!!</div>
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They got a little pumpkin afterwards from the zoo pumpkin patch!</div>
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Midwest autumns are the best! </div>
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This is outside my porch window....sigh...</div>
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I won this book in a giveaway! I'm a huge Christine Caine fan.</div>
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She is the founder of <a href="http://www.thea21campaign.org/" target="_blank">The A21 Campaign</a> who fights</div>
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against human trafficking. </div>
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I've been so excited to get it in the mail and it finally came!!</div>
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Can't wait to dig in!</div>
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Little Bear started speech and developmental therapy this past week...</div>
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he's doing really great.</div>
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And afterwards we get some time just the two of us before Gavin</div>
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gets out of kindergarten. It's so good!</div>
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This one gets special time while Sawyer naps in the afternoons!</div>
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Just the two of us and sometimes the Star Wars gang.</div>
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It's so sweet!</div>
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Well, hope you're having an amazing week!</div>
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We're bracing for a little cold front coming through tonight!</div>
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I'm wishing we had raked the leaves while it was warm...</div>
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oops!!</div>
Christie Ottshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16574072557439409933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7760110075924502343.post-60393437215077511732012-10-09T13:48:00.002-07:002012-10-09T13:48:42.850-07:00When they just need a little help<br />
This is my youngest...<br />
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He is awesome!<br />
Adventurous, feisty, funny, smart, and unbelievably cute! (I mean, seriously...look at that face!)<br />
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He's also been struggling.<br />
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We have three boys and each of our boys have been a little slower to talk. They have been very active physically and speech has just taken a bit to catch up. So, I thought that Sawyer was the same...just needed a little extra time.<br />
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But, when I noticed he wasn't catching up at two and a half...we decided that we should look into getting some help.<br />
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I've never had to ask for professional help concerning my kids before...this is new territory for me and I was surprised at how vulnerable it made ME feel! I feel a little helpless...like my child is struggling and there is nothing I can personally do to make it better.<br />
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I'm asking God, "What is it that makes my heart hurt in this process? Why do I feel this way?".<br />
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I immediately felt like the Lord said, "It's because you think you can meet all of Sawyer's needs."<br />
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Wow. Do I? Do I think that it's all on me to meet every need he has?<br />
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Yes. I think I feel like if I don't take care of every need he has myself...that it somehow means I'm not a good mom...that I'm not doing my "job" well.<br />
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I read Philippians 4:19 today.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">"And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus."</span></b></div>
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Paul didn't say that he would meet their needs...he declared that God would do it all! Paul had experienced so much and just a few verses earlier he talks about how he has known need and he has known plenty. That he has learned a secret to being content and that secret is that he can do all things through Christ's strength and that <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">GOD WILL MEET HIS NEEDS</span></b>.</div>
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Period.</div>
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I need new revelation of this today in my spirit with Sawyer.</div>
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New revelation that God alone is his "need meeter." That He alone can care for all his needs present and future. God alone is strong enough and rich enough to take it all on.</div>
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So, I'm trusting God today with my little one's needs. I'm trusting him with my child's struggle. I'm asking for help from God and from those around me who are equipped to help. I'm willing to partner with my child in his process and see him grow and thrive.</div>
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The Lord is going to do something mighty and I'm excited to see Him move!</div>
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Christie Ottshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16574072557439409933noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7760110075924502343.post-49849111953008066622012-10-06T08:23:00.001-07:002012-10-06T08:23:24.584-07:00Adoption Tax Credit<div style="text-align: left;">
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Have you adopted in the past?</div>
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Are you in the process?</div>
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Are you thinking about adoption in the future?</div>
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Then, welcome to your new job as an advocate!! HA!</div>
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I first heard about the situation with the adoption tax credit by doing some digging online. We are hoping to start our adoption process in the near future and I was wanting to know more details about what the tax credit really looks like for a family like mine.</div>
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So, I'm by no means and expert, but after listening to a webinar online this week...</div>
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I'M FIRED UP!!<br />
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I was completely clueless about how the tax credit actually worked, but <a href="http://adoptiontaxcredit.org/" target="_blank">Save the Adoption Tax Credit</a> is an amazing resource. They were the ones who put on a webinar where they explained the situation more clearly.<br />
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This history was so helpful and came from <a href="http://adoptiontaxcredit.org/history/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>History of the Adoption Tax Credit:</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 23px;"></span><br /></b></span>
<ul style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: square; margin-bottom: 1.7em; margin-left: 2.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Since its introduction in 1997, the adoption tax credit has historically been a non-partisan issue widely supported by Congress, and available in some form every year.</b></span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: square; margin-bottom: 1.7em; margin-left: 2.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>The adoption tax credit is available for eligible families that adopt through foster care, intercountry adoption, and private domestic adoption.</b></span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: square; margin-bottom: 1.7em; margin-left: 2.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Over time, the rules of the credit have changed. The requirements for determining families’ eligibility have changed, those adopting children with special needs became eligible to claim the credit without expenses, and the amount of the credit has increased. Before 2010, the credit could be carried forward over multiple years, and in 2010 and 2011 the credit was made refundable, allowing families to receive the full benefit during a single tax year regardless of taxes due that year.</b></span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: square; margin-bottom: 1.7em; margin-left: 2.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Although many bills have been introduced to make the adoption tax credit permanent, they have never passed. Instead, it has always been extended or amended as a part of other pieces of legislation, including the Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996, the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act in 2001, the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act in 2010, and the Tax Relief Act at the end of 2010.</b></span></li>
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<ul style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: square; margin-bottom: 1.7em; margin-left: 2.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>In 2012, the credit amount decreased to $12,650. It is no longer refundable, eliminating the availability of the credit to some lower- or moderate-income families without tax liability. The 2012 credit may be carried forward for five additional years, applying to each year’s liability until the full credit amount is used or time expires.</b></span></li>
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<ul style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: square; margin-bottom: 1.7em; margin-left: 2.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>The current adoption tax credit will sunset December 31, 2012. If Congress does not take action, the credit will revert back to $6,000 and apply only to the limited number of special needs adoptions that have adoption expenses. No credit will remain for most adoptions.</b></span></li>
</ul>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">So, basically on January 01, 2013 the existing tax credit will expire and there will no longer be a tax credit available for adopting families (unless you are adopting a special needs child from the U.S.). </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">And honestly, the tax credit as it exists today is not very helpful for most families! As a non-refundable tax credit....a typical middle to lower income family who adopts will only receive about $6,000 of the available almost $13,000. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">This was the best example from the <a href="http://adoptiontaxcredit.org/2012/10/05/webinar-recording-slides-available/" target="_blank">webinar</a>.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><b>Example:</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: #4364fc;">•</span><span style="color: #4364fc; font: 20.0px Helvetica;"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span>A family has $5,000 in federal income taxes withheld from their paychecks during the year. When they do their taxes, the amount from the tax table shows <span style="color: #1f1ebb;">their federal income tax is $1,000. </span>Because they have no other taxes (like self-employment) or credits, they receive a refund of $4,000. If they adopted with expenses of $8,000, and the <span style="color: #1f1ebb;">credit was not refundable</span>, they would receive a <span style="color: #1f1ebb;">maximum of $1,000 </span>in adoption tax credit for the year (meaning that they have $5,000 instead of $4,000 refunded to them). Since the credit can be carried forward up to five more years, in the end they would get $6,000 over a six-year period.</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><b>•<span style="font: normal normal normal 20px/normal Helvetica;"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span>If the <span style="color: #1f1ebb;">credit was fully refundable</span>, they would receive a refund of $12,000 in one year — their $4,000 regular refund plus the full $8,000 in their adoption expenses.</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: small;">What can you do to help?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: small;">You can start calling, emailing, and writing to your state senators and representatives. There are two specific bills that we are asking them to sponsor and help pass. If these bills are passed...it will make the tax credit inclusive, permanent, refundable, and flat for special needs adoptions. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: small;">We can totally do this!! Go <a href="http://adoptiontaxcredit.org/advocate/" target="_blank">here</a> to learn how to be and advocate for the adoption tax credit.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: small;">I would highly recommend going <a href="http://adoptiontaxcredit.org/2012/10/05/webinar-recording-slides-available/" target="_blank">here</a> too for the webinar slides and recording. It was so helpful in putting into clear language the confusion of tax credit law for me!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: small;">So, go look up for state information and make a difference!!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: small;">Go be an advocate and change a families life forever!</span></div>
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Christie Ottshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16574072557439409933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7760110075924502343.post-57414407707821707002012-10-02T12:50:00.000-07:002012-10-02T12:50:48.189-07:00Women can change the world<div style="text-align: center;">
I remember hearing about this movement and book a while back,</div>
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<a href="http://www.halftheskymovement.org/" target="_blank">Half the Sky</a>.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
PBS is now airing the documentary...and it's left me speechless.<br />
I'm all at once desperately heartbroken while also so full of hope.<br />
<br />
Things are changing.<br />
Voices are being heard in the darkest of places.<br />
And the Kingdom of Heaven will be found on Earth.<br />
Daughters of the King....your time has come.</div>
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<div style="background: transparent; color: grey; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; margin-top: 5px; text-align: center; width: 512px;">
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Christie Ottshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16574072557439409933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7760110075924502343.post-90031869435929941782012-10-01T20:49:00.000-07:002012-10-01T20:49:09.900-07:00The World's Best Lasagna...seriously!So, I have to make a confession...<br />
Around the Otts' house lately, there have not been a lot of elaborate home cooked meals.<br />
This is mostly due to a tight budget and crazy schedule...however, sometimes you just need to roll your sleeves up and do the right thing.<br />
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And that is make lasagna...<br />
FROM SCRATCH.<br />
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Ya heard me. It's a tedious process, but man...it's so very worth it.<br />
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So, I'm going to share with you today the recipe for the "World's Best Lasagna."<br />
I found this recipe on <a href="http://www.allrecipes.com/" target="_blank">All Recipes</a>. And it is literally called "World's Best Lasagna"...no joke.<br />
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And it really is.<br />
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Here's the link to the original recipe. <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Worlds-Best-Lasagna/Detail.aspx" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
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I wish I could go all <a href="http://www.thepioneerwoman.com/" target="_blank">PW</a> on you with pictures for each step, but really the recipe is great and you can totally do this. Do not be intimidated.<br />
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There are a lot of ingredients...but they are all so necessary. And don't, I repeat don't leave out the sausage...I'm not kidding. The sausage is what makes it.<br />
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The awesome thing is that the recipe makes a ton of sauce and I never use it all in the actual lasagna, so the bonus is that you have amazing slow cooked sauce leftover! Freeze it or use it over ravioli for another dinner (like I did...I like carbs in case you didn't know!).<br />
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It's heavenly!! Fresh mozzarella people...not that pre-shredded part skim junk. The real deal.<br />
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So, there ya go.<br />
You now have a recipe for dinner this week! Invite friends over and enjoy...<br />
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or...<br />
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make it for yourself and eat it for lunch every day following. Ahem. I mean, not that I did that or anything.<br />
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Happy Monday, ya'll!Christie Ottshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16574072557439409933noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7760110075924502343.post-18979630166165747212012-09-25T14:26:00.000-07:002012-09-25T14:26:49.119-07:00Wedding Love<div style="text-align: center;">
So, in August I had the chance to help a friend with her</div>
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wedding!</div>
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It was a lot of fun and a lot of work, but I think it </div>
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turned out really beautiful!</div>
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I actually was working so hard on setting up the day of,</div>
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that I totally forgot to take pictures (yikes!!). I was so bummed!</div>
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Thankfully, my hubby snapped a few while I was setting up...</div>
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so I thought I'd share them with you along with some of the handmade things we did.</div>
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I'm amazing at how lovely you can make things on such a tight budget.</div>
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The key??</div>
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BORROW! Borrow anything and everything you might need.</div>
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It's a hassle to return it all, but man...you can save a bundle.</div>
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The wedding was outside at a park and the weather was perfect...</div>
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When guests walked up the path, there was a chalkboard sign and some tissue pom poms</div>
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on the bridge (both borrowed...).</div>
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Then, they came up to the guest sign in table.</div>
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They signed the book, got a program, and left their gifts here.</div>
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Everything was stuff we already had laying around and the bride made the bunting!</div>
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I brought my old door and strung rope where I hung some Instagrams</div>
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the bride ordered from Walgreens...yep...like $4.</div>
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Tell them you want a 4x6 cut down to 4x4. Perfection.</div>
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Old suitcases, old typewriter, crates, sunflowers....LOVE...</div>
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This was the drink table in mid set up...</div>
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we used a ton of chalkboard signs, which I loved.</div>
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Served lemonade and water with striped paper straws.</div>
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The tables were simple with mason jars with tea lights, bouquets of sunflowers,</div>
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jars of baby's breath (which are so pretty when done by themselves and not as filler!),</div>
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slices of log for height, and burlap runners.</div>
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I didn't get a pic, but I stenciled the couple's initials on the ends of the burlap runners</div>
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in turquoise. Really easy way to personalize.</div>
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I'm so sad I didn't really walk around and get pictures of everything!</div>
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The isle was lined with big jars filled with daises and hung on shepherd's hooks.</div>
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The dance floor was surrounded by twinkly lights.</div>
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I made a cute "love is sweet"banner for the dessert table.</div>
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We hung mason jar lanterns all around....</div>
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It really was a great night and it was my first experience of </div>
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really putting together someone's big day.</div>
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A LOT of work...but so worth it!</div>
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I would do it again in a heart beat...maybe with a team...HA!</div>
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P.S. I also made this cute sign for the flower girls to carry down the isle...</div>
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If only I had the time to do this for a living!!</div>
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I told Chris that I just know I'm going to be the banquet feast</div>
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planner in Heaven!! HA!!</div>
Christie Ottshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16574072557439409933noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7760110075924502343.post-38283009160053179592012-09-06T15:33:00.000-07:002012-09-06T15:33:06.527-07:00Back on the wagon<div style="text-align: left;">
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I'm going to be really honest...</div>
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I'm trying to lose weight and get in better shape.</div>
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My hope is to lose 20 pounds by Christmas and to be running an average of 12 miles a week.</div>
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There.</div>
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I said it.</div>
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Now it's out there and there's no turning back.</div>
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So, that means I'm using this bad boy again...</div>
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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/AVvXsEjkHf9A7bPYRaR1iq6fK8_EjRkvIMX0ZgoVDWk_0d9eLfoZTn_-1ZpOy_1JXFP_MdDfeWcSDCWpz8xwTCKxp_-knU2uEyFvczJ6lnup9Z5vCnmpnhSlobK91j0KHTaMeZoTnMrAWe4nV5Ex/s1600/mfpiphone2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHf9A7bPYRaR1iq6fK8_EjRkvIMX0ZgoVDWk_0d9eLfoZTn_-1ZpOy_1JXFP_MdDfeWcSDCWpz8xwTCKxp_-knU2uEyFvczJ6lnup9Z5vCnmpnhSlobK91j0KHTaMeZoTnMrAWe4nV5Ex/s1600/mfpiphone2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/iphone" target="_blank">My Fitness Pal App</a></td></tr>
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It can be tedious to count calories, but you know what?! It really works!</div>
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After three kids, it's been the only reliable thing I've used.</div>
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You know, the app...and getting my butt to the gym 4-5 times a week.</div>
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I know that some of you might be on this journey as well, so I thought that maybe I would take some space on my blog to post some things that might be helpful to you.</div>
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Recipes, workouts, cute athletic clothes (because really...it so helps, right?!), and of course I'll be vulnerably sharing my journey of getting in shape for all the world to see! Woo hoo!</div>
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So, to start off...</div>
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I'm telling you to get the <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/iphone" target="_blank">My Fitness Pal App</a> on your phone, ipad, whatever! Now, go do it! </div>
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Seriously. Do it.</div>
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Then you can search for me "Christie Otts" in the friends section and voila! We have instant accountability. You can see my daily workout calories, my food diary, etc.</div>
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Ok. Let's do this thang.</div>
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Looking forward to the journey!</div>
Christie Ottshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16574072557439409933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7760110075924502343.post-26921515391023969842012-08-31T16:50:00.000-07:002012-08-31T16:51:08.386-07:00Thanks-Living August<div style="text-align: center;">
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Do you know Leslie?</div>
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No? You really should read her blog <a href="http://topofthepagewithleslie.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Top of the Page</a>. </div>
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It's one of my favorites!</div>
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Leslie, is starting a little linky to add your post about thankfulness!</div>
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Love this idea!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeigTPOjoE0wStK9E12GdzhtpsSmSquslLsooCx5hHuFCUuoqS-CZHS9iAzeR1vLL_4FCVgOuSd9mWphSSEQA4mxQAJh60-CMt_N72-mNqsxBoEhs8MmcQjI7UYIpKugd-wnoI_pnlfk1d/s1600/ThanksLiving+button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeigTPOjoE0wStK9E12GdzhtpsSmSquslLsooCx5hHuFCUuoqS-CZHS9iAzeR1vLL_4FCVgOuSd9mWphSSEQA4mxQAJh60-CMt_N72-mNqsxBoEhs8MmcQjI7UYIpKugd-wnoI_pnlfk1d/s1600/ThanksLiving+button.jpg" /></a></div>
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I'm so excited to jump in with her today!</div>
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There is so much that I am thankful for in this season...</div>
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in this month!!</div>
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But, this is what I'm most thankful for...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj35tNtTyNa-nQrpcw7AUOJ9sYNxRInoPyF55nBUchnD9BrHFcKp43Q6FmoUFAUKMey_mno5Z5Fy_1XupiZ0udB4QXF7yjNcVgaa_2jkcCO_dsKYneo7vCQYgu0XMsykF_L5HNL5mrmXqZz/s1600/IMG_1607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj35tNtTyNa-nQrpcw7AUOJ9sYNxRInoPyF55nBUchnD9BrHFcKp43Q6FmoUFAUKMey_mno5Z5Fy_1XupiZ0udB4QXF7yjNcVgaa_2jkcCO_dsKYneo7vCQYgu0XMsykF_L5HNL5mrmXqZz/s320/IMG_1607.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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in August, we were able to take a trip with Chris' family to Colorado.</div>
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We LOVE Colorado.</div>
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For both Chris and I, it is a place of real refreshing.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdRt9h9hMOCavzhsuZASULCm6b65Jotx5SUQGjYCWPR2tZevb7htrB7sjxxFSRBRIJusdDNd3b_NB3ZmZfzkOUYHTlSXKHx_9iDQd129ns3TDeHsV5oadz1z7mv3sDnJ10vg6oDgeiscIE/s1600/IMG_1605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdRt9h9hMOCavzhsuZASULCm6b65Jotx5SUQGjYCWPR2tZevb7htrB7sjxxFSRBRIJusdDNd3b_NB3ZmZfzkOUYHTlSXKHx_9iDQd129ns3TDeHsV5oadz1z7mv3sDnJ10vg6oDgeiscIE/s320/IMG_1605.JPG" width="319" /></a></div>
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And this hike we took up to a waterfall and mountain lake</div>
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was perfection.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj75A1q4snGlkYEtfQFTtsuywvvAzngzR354VW3u2ACP4W8-V8d9s6bkXC8xv_RwSureQrHG3oAwPQxy1W19-K7l5MfyTx9vaj5nZSWW9kpuS9VPaSWrNK1hXAkwwXV5A7TWX6dM9SHpOTi/s1600/IMG_1608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj75A1q4snGlkYEtfQFTtsuywvvAzngzR354VW3u2ACP4W8-V8d9s6bkXC8xv_RwSureQrHG3oAwPQxy1W19-K7l5MfyTx9vaj5nZSWW9kpuS9VPaSWrNK1hXAkwwXV5A7TWX6dM9SHpOTi/s320/IMG_1608.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Chris comes alive outdoors and I love going on new</div>
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adventures with this man.</div>
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It is one of the biggest joys of our marriage!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZWirkDRBt-3yLAkONL3w-fARrigXp-xu99jGmDvIoI34TifigJ3455YXvzUaGer2EztJG4EoTCw_4ZkGQqKmNERiNgOp7Bqd0KdyU03h6CG4OCyCHjb-41BCG2uMelepMarWpryJ2dVhu/s1600/IMG_1606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZWirkDRBt-3yLAkONL3w-fARrigXp-xu99jGmDvIoI34TifigJ3455YXvzUaGer2EztJG4EoTCw_4ZkGQqKmNERiNgOp7Bqd0KdyU03h6CG4OCyCHjb-41BCG2uMelepMarWpryJ2dVhu/s320/IMG_1606.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm so thankful we had this experience together.</div>
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Before we left for Colorado,</div>
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it was the one thing I asked the Lord for...</div>
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that we would have an adventure together in His creation!</div>
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So very thankful!</div>
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<a href="http://topofthepagewithleslie.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="topofthepagewithleslie" src=" https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LDn0Ll89AYw/UD5f9UsjxlI/AAAAAAAADBc/Rg_P_ddqrSU/s512/ThanksLiving%252520button.jpg " /></a></center>
Christie Ottshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16574072557439409933noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7760110075924502343.post-29480873436435119902012-08-30T13:03:00.000-07:002012-08-30T13:07:43.189-07:00School has begun...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So, school has started for our little family!</div>
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We now have a half-day kindergartener and a first grader (crazy!)</div>
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The boys did great!</div>
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Micah's teacher called him "a joy to have in class"!! YAY!</div>
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Gavin is making lots of new friends and is proving to be a great little learner!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEsc1nNPGsmQ5CIEUkyFXWbdv4aj07ByyRecsWJIoOdEsdUQGUhX5hKVt86qjTRxeuVk_CIEcKggrwrnrtFJqi3yq3qFmvikXxN26f0tMFCDVcKYzsX17mIq61Cvb7e7nmtf3PiRLafxTG/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEsc1nNPGsmQ5CIEUkyFXWbdv4aj07ByyRecsWJIoOdEsdUQGUhX5hKVt86qjTRxeuVk_CIEcKggrwrnrtFJqi3yq3qFmvikXxN26f0tMFCDVcKYzsX17mIq61Cvb7e7nmtf3PiRLafxTG/s400/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I've heard numerous people say that they have been so emotional</div>
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with their kids starting school this past week.</div>
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Me? I didn't shed a tear...is that wrong?! HA!</div>
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My boys NEED school right now,</div>
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and this mama NEEDS them </div>
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to go to school right now.</div>
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And let me not forget to mention that we do still have a </div>
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two and a half year old around the house all day.</div>
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I am by no means an empty nester during the days.</div>
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But, I've enjoyed them being at school for a few hours this past week!</div>
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I've enjoyed the alone time I get with Gavin after he gets </div>
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home at lunch time.</div>
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I put Sawyer to bed and we get some time to sit together and play.</div>
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I'm thankful for what this year looks like!</div>
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God knew exactly what I needed!</div>
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Now, if I can just get the morning schedule down so things are</div>
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a bit more peaceful!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSTBYmNwdv0z-yxppEg0sNNNhb7NiX9z1sInsiGH0A-YuabPgud8sE1g6KG69ODHvzUI_ZPDeh-O91VHXSY7jc9J6dsiYDRC6xScTslFZhXQmlUxbv9ZdpYGrhBfxeHd8rdm1AMXXqRHQo/s1600/IMG_1658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSTBYmNwdv0z-yxppEg0sNNNhb7NiX9z1sInsiGH0A-YuabPgud8sE1g6KG69ODHvzUI_ZPDeh-O91VHXSY7jc9J6dsiYDRC6xScTslFZhXQmlUxbv9ZdpYGrhBfxeHd8rdm1AMXXqRHQo/s320/IMG_1658.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Part of school starting...a trip to the dentist!! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN1vRn0ZqJ2pGF0xrYNTqyYTR31sVsx4rQG1SMH3HicHeqKVM1OmeL9CksNZ2dPBXdR2YCgKueWNa_nzh7syE4tqJdwfL2n1f2mtq1WvPpXsVXQaFNbH7KVA5oV-rgncWvsjsgPt1gPAH4/s1600/IMG_1660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN1vRn0ZqJ2pGF0xrYNTqyYTR31sVsx4rQG1SMH3HicHeqKVM1OmeL9CksNZ2dPBXdR2YCgKueWNa_nzh7syE4tqJdwfL2n1f2mtq1WvPpXsVXQaFNbH7KVA5oV-rgncWvsjsgPt1gPAH4/s320/IMG_1660.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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They did awesome! And got a Sonic treat as a reward!</div>
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Brave boys!</div>
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How has your first week of school been???!!</div>
Christie Ottshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16574072557439409933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7760110075924502343.post-51135221375560540732012-08-28T10:18:00.000-07:002012-08-28T10:18:26.047-07:00My favorite little spots<div style="text-align: center;">
I love reading blogs...my husband looked at my Google Reader </div>
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the other day and was </div>
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amazed by how many blogs I subscribe to! HA!</div>
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I like mostly blogs with lots of pictures, something I can read quickly...</div>
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so, my hope is that my own blog will be a good mix of</div>
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"wordy" and "easy to skim through."</div>
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This is a skimmer post...</div>
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I spend a lot of time in my home, A LOT!</div>
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It's so important that when I come home or simply walk into a room </div>
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that I feel happy there and at rest.</div>
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I so want my home to be a place of color and life and happiness.</div>
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So, with that said, these are some pics of my</div>
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favorite little spots around the house!</div>
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It's constantly evolving, but I love our little blue house...</div>
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I'm so very thankful for it!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3aEfhGOvXSElj-8hs3mFaIDhHh5VNFuvRPtLBSoYd1olR2Zhjua2yYPY4jSJ1CYGWS47MISXnci6b9ifkQWoSkqdM_kcBN6gTRPjoZeQj5PrFl5hl3i50nnHVBE2dKaP5Z90K16J_woJI/s1600/IMG_1646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3aEfhGOvXSElj-8hs3mFaIDhHh5VNFuvRPtLBSoYd1olR2Zhjua2yYPY4jSJ1CYGWS47MISXnci6b9ifkQWoSkqdM_kcBN6gTRPjoZeQj5PrFl5hl3i50nnHVBE2dKaP5Z90K16J_woJI/s400/IMG_1646.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The spot by the stairs. It's been a recent little project.</div>
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All of it is thrifted or flea market finds. The table will get painted eventually,</div>
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but it was $15 at Goodwill and is a perfect fit.</div>
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I'm in love with Megan's <a href="http://www.contentedsparrow.com/2012/03/free-printable-ponder-path.html">printable</a> at <a href="http://www.contentedsparrow.com/">Contented Sparrow</a>, perfect for</div>
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coming into fall!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJoI6YvjgRO_Td5LH2CpJ3TtTKcAAuvwLgHyD0Pa_C3mmSpktyvfusMTi8cLAj5eK6xyxQANx_BVb73LmqubPm-isMGY7DXp1jPjU-zv4LJzyKBS9Ocqp3x8hMJaDjAo9sLeTz2mHpZsVo/s1600/IMG_1647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJoI6YvjgRO_Td5LH2CpJ3TtTKcAAuvwLgHyD0Pa_C3mmSpktyvfusMTi8cLAj5eK6xyxQANx_BVb73LmqubPm-isMGY7DXp1jPjU-zv4LJzyKBS9Ocqp3x8hMJaDjAo9sLeTz2mHpZsVo/s400/IMG_1647.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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My friend Shelby painted this thrift store owl hot pink,</div>
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I love it!!</div>
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And an Anthro candle always makes a spot better, right?!</div>
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(Thanks again, Shelby!)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7rwXllbcDfUV9uC-kQXqnr30NMLMFyxbMn7SPFL85RL2zM7TUvXL7fpO65_1ZWimu6yd-QKI6LTtSSOV0HFVrPMLj8jtd0LuG7ILv6GcykcqIIsDyhDkgQ-WaigZJZEljsndho2YWXio_/s1600/IMG_1648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7rwXllbcDfUV9uC-kQXqnr30NMLMFyxbMn7SPFL85RL2zM7TUvXL7fpO65_1ZWimu6yd-QKI6LTtSSOV0HFVrPMLj8jtd0LuG7ILv6GcykcqIIsDyhDkgQ-WaigZJZEljsndho2YWXio_/s400/IMG_1648.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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This picture has been passed down from my great-grandma.</div>
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It hung over my grandmother's bed as we were circled around her</div>
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in her final hours here on earth.</div>
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I think of her every time I look at it and it is so special to me!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbnIeNuRH4WNqN4xaqaz7gGccFg9M38757zMAKnVJJ4Lq9Cfl61siV9AhuorFuEvmvHJwJL1YBB-T5UAHQQlZF5V0XTBAid7Jp6qnWQ4v9MtMUPeMRh5ivcAHQtMhDRtxBghxly49d605v/s1600/IMG_1649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbnIeNuRH4WNqN4xaqaz7gGccFg9M38757zMAKnVJJ4Lq9Cfl61siV9AhuorFuEvmvHJwJL1YBB-T5UAHQQlZF5V0XTBAid7Jp6qnWQ4v9MtMUPeMRh5ivcAHQtMhDRtxBghxly49d605v/s400/IMG_1649.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm a sucker for cute buttons and this chair has lots of them</div>
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(and was a gift from my in-laws)!</div>
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You can see our little family <a href="http://storehousecrafts.blogspot.com/2012/01/instagram-wall-project.html" target="_blank">Instagram wall</a> in the background.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTl26zPW3PfjdNNrkjnWiGClXLgLwGgOM9FC9-LVM-cQadUSf_xNfJw7PPfc7BcbB5CK1YeeE_W0WfhAU4q2fO3j68w-YqGcRSy8Gn7kd1PDuZxCXXc3ZE8WyoY3WLdoSayUG3Y3sf_u98/s1600/IMG_1650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTl26zPW3PfjdNNrkjnWiGClXLgLwGgOM9FC9-LVM-cQadUSf_xNfJw7PPfc7BcbB5CK1YeeE_W0WfhAU4q2fO3j68w-YqGcRSy8Gn7kd1PDuZxCXXc3ZE8WyoY3WLdoSayUG3Y3sf_u98/s400/IMG_1650.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I have a thing for "O"s since our last name starts with it!</div>
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I also love these pretty nesting dolls my mom brought back from Russia...</div>
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some of my favorite little things.</div>
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Ahhhh....the porch.</div>
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We LOVE our porch. I recently moved a day bed onto the porch</div>
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and now we love it even more!</div>
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This is my spot in the mornings, especially since </div>
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it's started to cool off!</div>
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It's a sad day when it gets too cold to venture out there.</div>
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This is a good spot!! Next to my "lovey" while he watches a movie.</div>
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He gets a little extra lovin' on since the older two are now in school every morning.</div>
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Did you know you can print off Instagram 4x4 photos at Walgreens??</div>
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I got 18 of them for $3 and got them in about an hour.</div>
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I love them randomly placed all over my chicken wire door that is</div>
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propped up in the living room.</div>
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I've got a thing for old doors...</div>
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A favorite sunny spot in the kitchen...I feel like a spend a good bit </div>
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of my day in front of the sink! HA!</div>
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I'm so thankful for our little home!</div>
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It's such a place of rest and refuge for us.</div>
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God is so good to provide a place that brings joy to our souls.</div>
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With a little creativity and very little money and house</div>
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really can become</div>
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a home.</div>
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Happy Tuesday, friends!</div>
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Christie Ottshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16574072557439409933noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7760110075924502343.post-65633335505751237372012-08-26T14:44:00.001-07:002012-08-26T14:45:19.197-07:00Coming back to it...I've left this little blog unattended to for quite some time! It has crossed my mind many times to grab my laptop and write something down...a thought, post a quick picture, or do a little update on our lives. But, to be honest, our lives have been in such transition these past few months that I didn't even know where to start.<br />
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So, I'll start here...and try to keep it simple.<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>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Credit: Aaron Mason on Instagram</td></tr>
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We have lived in Wheaton, IL for almost one year exactly and I am more certain then ever that this is exactly where we're supposed to be. It has not been an easy journey. We have struggled financially since we made the move last August. But, in the midst of that...we have felt more loved by the Father, by family, and by community then ever before. We have travelled this road together and have only concluded that God is good, the Church is the answer, and His timing is perfect.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDPzCoJl5PbNbkfzdpqhzkz54aLqePy985Ok_XHAbiwhiOzvCNzC2Yto1U2lPuLGXh13fWBRLPP2xOE9wtdWNLqBBK62L7ROi71RwEULk03-fVwJTqtszQSFuJT2ugTpAPMViCpUPb1P_u/s1600/IMG_1363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDPzCoJl5PbNbkfzdpqhzkz54aLqePy985Ok_XHAbiwhiOzvCNzC2Yto1U2lPuLGXh13fWBRLPP2xOE9wtdWNLqBBK62L7ROi71RwEULk03-fVwJTqtszQSFuJT2ugTpAPMViCpUPb1P_u/s320/IMG_1363.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We moved up here to simply obey what God called us to and to be a part of Antioch Community Church here in Wheaton. Little did we know that God would call forth the deeper dreams of our hearts...to serve Him in full-time ministry. In February, we were asked to come on staff at our church here. I can't even put into words what it means to me to have the honor of serving this amazing Church and amazing staff. We are truly living our dreams!<br />
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To see my husband come alive has been the greatest blessing of all. To see the gifts in him used to their fullest potential. To see others call out the gold that I have treasured in him always. It fulfills places in my own heart that I never knew were even there.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Women, are your husbands living their fullest life? Or are they simply going through the motions? </b></span><br />
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When was the last time you saw his heart ablaze with something? I'm telling you...there is no greater joy then to see your man walk into the destiny God has for him. It's not always the easy road, sometimes it involves risk, but it is so wonderfully worth it.<br />
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Chris would say that this is my "soap box." I am unapologetically passionate about seeing the men of our world step into the true roles and gifting that have been placed upon them since the beginning of time. They are each uniquely marked by their Creator to live passionate lives full of purpose. To lead others, to lead wives, to lead children, to lead nations. When they are not tapping into this calling on their lives, when they simply "do life" out of compulsion and duty...we lose something. We ALL lose something. When a man is in the center of God's purpose for his life, no matter how challenging that calling might be...he will rise up. A man who seeks God, who leads well, who does not settle for the things of the world...he is to be treasured.<br />
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<i><b>Chris,</b></i><br />
<i><b>Thank you for saying "yes" over and over again this past year. Thank you for leading us well. Thank you for not giving up on the "best" that God had for you. I have found no greater joy in my life then seeing you come alive this past year. To see the wrestling of your heart to fight for finding out what you are truly made for. To see you find clarity on your giftings and roles. It has not been an easy ride, but I would do it a hundred times over just to have come to this place with you. It was all so very worth it! You are going to change the world, my friend. You will disciple the nations. You will equip the future leaders of our movement. You are a father to many.</b></i><br />
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<i><b>I'm honored to have followed you this far...and I look forward to the years of blazing trails with you ahead. </b></i><br />
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<i><b>Your faithful cheerleader,</b></i><br />
<i><b>Christie</b></i><br />
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There is no greater thing for a wife, then to walk with a man whom she trusts completely.<br />
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Because I would say....that a man who fears the Lord is also to be praised.Christie Ottshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16574072557439409933noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7760110075924502343.post-12815331994786195432012-04-10T13:39:00.000-07:002012-04-10T13:39:05.696-07:00A boy's fears...I so wish that my boys could live their young lives without knowing fear, but that's just not possible.<br />
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In these young years of their lives, I want them to learn that it's okay to be afraid. It's okay to experience fear...we are all afraid sometimes. Fear is not something to be ashamed of and it is not a sin. It does not mean that you "just don't have enough faith."<br />
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It just means you're human.<br />
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However, it's what we choose to do when we experience fear that determines out trust in God.<br />
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My boys experience fear now when they have nightmares, when they try climbing a little higher then they are comfortable with, when storms come, when they can't find me in a crowd...<br />
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I want to teach them now what to do when they are afraid, so that when they are grown men and their fears become larger...they are steadfast in who God is and who holds them close. Because they will experience fear...God may even call them to do something that makes them afraid. But, they will know that they can trust Him...that they are never alone...that their fear can become something powerful if given to their Jesus.<br />
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When we were in Texas this past week, there were numerous tornadoes in the Dallas/Fort Worth area where we were. The sirens started wailing and the weather reporters told us to take shelter until the storm passed.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Micah was afraid. He cried. He wanted Daddy to hold him.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I wasn't afraid. I knew the storm would likely pass over us and that even if we were hit, we were in a strong and safe place. But, he couldn't rationalize his fear away like I could. He felt it so strongly and it was all consuming.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My natural reaction to this is to explain his fear away. But, as I look back...what he needed was to be held by a Father. To be comforted, to be loved, to feel like he was protected. He had no control in that moment, but he knew where to go when he was afraid, into his Daddy's arms.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What are you afraid of? Where do you go to "explain away" your fears? They will never be resolved until you take them to Jesus. Until you crawl into His arms and let Him hold you close. Until you hear Him whisper his comfort and truth into your quickly beating heart.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Come to Jesus with your fears. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I want to be a mom that leads my kids to Jesus when they are afraid. And I want to comfort them like Jesus would when they are scared. I also want to show them my own fears and how I take those to my Daddy as well. To be vulnerable with them and let them see the courage that the Spirit of God brings us even when we feel like we're facing the impossible.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My boys are strong and courageous. They will face their fears, not with prideful boasting, but in humble obedience to the One who makes all their paths straight.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>He's already doing a work in Micah. The child who is too scared to ride his bike without training wheels rode a horse on our trip to Texas!! HA! Thank You, Jesus, for a son who is learning to face his fears and find strength from You!Christie Ottshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16574072557439409933noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7760110075924502343.post-25011909235043353222012-04-10T13:04:00.000-07:002012-04-10T13:04:58.500-07:00One Day Without Shoes...<div style="text-align: center;">Today is the annual</div><div style="text-align: center;">"One Day Without Shoes" project day!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Did you know about this?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It's to raise awareness for the millions of people</div><div style="text-align: center;">around the world who live every day without shoes.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Children who walk barefoot in landfills, kids that </div><div style="text-align: center;">can't go to school because shoes are required,</div><div style="text-align: center;">people who get terrible diseases from things</div><div style="text-align: center;">like hook worms.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We can help! </div><div style="text-align: center;">Buy a pair of <a href="http://www.toms.com/">TOMS</a> and give the gift of shoes!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifEhjd-BzMKkxVqOzhFS6mMx0K9yKMBkCZt64sMBMoF6Gt4fKCF-YpaqK4Pid-ycvfhbzKnM-fMGZQY4weDRRzrYW4dbZeobxOBkvyO1NNqHh1e3h3edgcQOJCnkWJS4nUWFNnJDaXsgSi/s1600/oneforone-banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="103" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifEhjd-BzMKkxVqOzhFS6mMx0K9yKMBkCZt64sMBMoF6Gt4fKCF-YpaqK4Pid-ycvfhbzKnM-fMGZQY4weDRRzrYW4dbZeobxOBkvyO1NNqHh1e3h3edgcQOJCnkWJS4nUWFNnJDaXsgSi/s320/oneforone-banner.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTZhikTBWeKr5xNVdIWVc9ufEtVH8CAMtLyMTGqUKIU7bWzVO-xAjtXPtwnEsKNDVEW3mycdY-6_38UG7Oyg6hl9jIN8AnhLyZx8mH-dw2UfHA5G0v5dYny0t5E6Kag3fY_mIzYWzNM4at/s1600/one-for-one.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTZhikTBWeKr5xNVdIWVc9ufEtVH8CAMtLyMTGqUKIU7bWzVO-xAjtXPtwnEsKNDVEW3mycdY-6_38UG7Oyg6hl9jIN8AnhLyZx8mH-dw2UfHA5G0v5dYny0t5E6Kag3fY_mIzYWzNM4at/s1600/one-for-one.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Have you seen these? Soooo cute...I want a pair so bad!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAYBvHZFUiWT0mzsXhdjOa2uSBmykp44OjjdnXPQz8R1Dd0b9zZ8KpKNn_yzSxIGEb_BDnwqFEGSsLJAS7tRswGIc292zT-rKIVuW17ZcraMWT8vDcb2PkZqiJg-CxhyphenhyphenAZtyFseQ0NdOUd/s1600/w-lina-ballet-flats-s-sp12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAYBvHZFUiWT0mzsXhdjOa2uSBmykp44OjjdnXPQz8R1Dd0b9zZ8KpKNn_yzSxIGEb_BDnwqFEGSsLJAS7tRswGIc292zT-rKIVuW17ZcraMWT8vDcb2PkZqiJg-CxhyphenhyphenAZtyFseQ0NdOUd/s1600/w-lina-ballet-flats-s-sp12.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I have to admit...I did wear my shoes this morning</div><div style="text-align: center;">to the gym. (tsk tsk)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">But, I'm spend the rest of the day like this...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjbtVvUBY7jUzLKac6Uy-c0F5UOVaajZ405o_7K8aJJvvAlQe5YxUNMeWb4wMphJc2MhYfagmjwTKVF6gL_GcmAIVG81ZcyfH8KSA8FzJOmZQCVqreTxpudUX0wM390sl49ENkje_QIs6s/s1600/feet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjbtVvUBY7jUzLKac6Uy-c0F5UOVaajZ405o_7K8aJJvvAlQe5YxUNMeWb4wMphJc2MhYfagmjwTKVF6gL_GcmAIVG81ZcyfH8KSA8FzJOmZQCVqreTxpudUX0wM390sl49ENkje_QIs6s/s320/feet.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Watch this video to hear more...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><object height="360" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/227czySGDng&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/227czySGDng&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="360"></embed></object>Christie Ottshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16574072557439409933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7760110075924502343.post-44820353536885348412012-03-10T12:26:00.000-08:002012-03-10T12:26:20.314-08:00PicMonkey<div style="text-align: center;">I'm a fan of using <a href="http://www.picnik.com/">Picnik</a> for photo editing.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I've used it for the past year or so to edit photos,</div><div style="text-align: center;">add text, and make collages.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">However, Picnik will be going out of business in April!</div><div style="text-align: center;">What???</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So, I've been scouring the internet and other blogs</div><div style="text-align: center;">trying to find an alternative...</div><div style="text-align: center;">And it's been HARD.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Nothing seems to have the same options and features</div><div style="text-align: center;">as my beloved Picnik.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Until...</div><div style="text-align: center;">I found <a href="http://www.picmonkey.com/">PicMonkey</a>!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii_7ufKzbTqmmHBfILsUNqT2eJAm2tZjI6NubHfQDQqiG4R1GCYAHfuYP5jy6PaNxiMMZpMzQ0mM-2UjNtkvF1fRZRq9PmYJ_xNshPKJl1xl1p0JGh0B6uAQ2OUDKopcxXKIFa-oSpKNGI/s1600/PicMonkey_logo-71d6561e4e21b34c604f9a113646c85674965738.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="70" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii_7ufKzbTqmmHBfILsUNqT2eJAm2tZjI6NubHfQDQqiG4R1GCYAHfuYP5jy6PaNxiMMZpMzQ0mM-2UjNtkvF1fRZRq9PmYJ_xNshPKJl1xl1p0JGh0B6uAQ2OUDKopcxXKIFa-oSpKNGI/s320/PicMonkey_logo-71d6561e4e21b34c604f9a113646c85674965738.png" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hallelujah!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I love what I've seen of it so far!</div><div style="text-align: center;">I actually think it might be even better then Picnik!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So, I suggest you check it out for yourself...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's a pre-edited photo...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKbY_VT0-JyNllC0NheNtz9vHyJt66oDc-0zngcLzYMSoO77K7Yr3WvIJBZa5bERuYuZXjkojWJoW2jHdwL_pb_DufPpWsp4t3mabLZlfjRS7-QNGPmlyWHTdL6xpYkCi-FGNMdsfj9uQB/s1600/IMG_7228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKbY_VT0-JyNllC0NheNtz9vHyJt66oDc-0zngcLzYMSoO77K7Yr3WvIJBZa5bERuYuZXjkojWJoW2jHdwL_pb_DufPpWsp4t3mabLZlfjRS7-QNGPmlyWHTdL6xpYkCi-FGNMdsfj9uQB/s640/IMG_7228.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It's a pretty good photo on it's own, </div><div style="text-align: center;">but I did some touch ups and got this...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQgZbc0WEQYHHjsnlpnTpTCRsu_5pJTTjr2uUcZfri951rDFLA9qX_x7m8vULf2nvmIJKlrPdLksgJGKcQJLB7cumHtS7RcOprn0r2bDk3eiIIlhHx_clv3HruwSYIw1GNuIttJ4F60zQm/s1600/Little+Gavin+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQgZbc0WEQYHHjsnlpnTpTCRsu_5pJTTjr2uUcZfri951rDFLA9qX_x7m8vULf2nvmIJKlrPdLksgJGKcQJLB7cumHtS7RcOprn0r2bDk3eiIIlhHx_clv3HruwSYIw1GNuIttJ4F60zQm/s640/Little+Gavin+.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">My sweet Gavin when he was a little guy!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">LOVE IT!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a great Saturday!!!</div>Christie Ottshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16574072557439409933noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7760110075924502343.post-86517053703558932492012-03-07T15:32:00.000-08:002012-03-07T15:32:42.161-08:00Kony 2012I'm sure you've caught wind of <a href="http://s3.amazonaws.com/kony2012/kony-4.html">Kony 2012</a> online this past week...<br />
Maybe seen it on Facebook or Twitter.<br />
<br />
I'm not only stirred to be a part, but I'm so impressed with <a href="http://www.invisiblechildren.com/our-story">Invisible Children</a>.<br />
Never before have I seen a mission so simply described and implemented.<br />
<br />
This campaign makes it possible for everyone to play a part...<br />
And that sort of grassroots warfare stirs me more then anything ever will,<br />
it awakens the call of Jesus to follow Him to the hurting and oppressed in our world.<br />
<br />
Watch the video...take 28 minutes and watch the video.<br />
<br />
Then, talk to me about how we can take part together.<br />
<br />
<iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/37119711?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&color=d13030" width="400" height="225" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/37119711">KONY 2012</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/invisible">INVISIBLE CHILDREN</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>Christie Ottshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16574072557439409933noreply@blogger.com0