tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40188169742304951412024-03-05T11:01:03.326-08:00Pressing OnPurposeful Living in a temporary worldMiranda @ Pressing Onhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10919836627194878839noreply@blogger.comBlogger528125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4018816974230495141.post-70318786381005643562019-03-25T02:05:00.002-07:002019-03-25T02:18:24.251-07:00Our new house <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: center;">When we were visiting Washington last October to help my sister move into the new home they built, we started keeping an eye out for something for my family. We knew we wanted to move late spring or early summer of 2019. This has been a while in the making. My husband has been commuting to Seattle from Fairbanks since January 2018 and it was time </span><span style="text-align: center;">for a better family existence. Commuting is rough! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;">So anyway, while driving around in a rural area we’ve always loved, we came upon a for sale sign and drive down the driveway to find a sweet little craftsman style house on acreage. We looked it up and it was vacant, so we peeked in the windows and then discovered the doors were unlocked!! Long story short, we fell in love with the house and were able to work out a deal with the seller to hold off closing until February. It’s all ours now and we’re working on some updates. More on that later. For now, check our out little place! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;">It’s down a relatively steep driveway with the house set low on the hill. The drainage is well done and we shouldn’t struggle with mud a whole lot. We are going to work on the grade a bit to prep for horses and make the land function a bit better. Isn’t it gorgeous though?! These photos were taken in the fall when we signed the offer. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">5 acres of mostly sloped land, but we can improve on that with some creativity and cat work </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXmq-zEAYNZowz5fW6MnkSPGxbqTVo47c3HXnJi1oG759cCENMgYDWjWH3un0d3V8H32dIu3OZzUNaMWf7oLCRWKZv0F99dWi29EO6LpbuosojMcvHNe0icwnzGcVby_UQZ0f0L7VODuU/s1600/D14A5C44-1FF1-455E-A341-28376A45CD72.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="739" data-original-width="1600" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXmq-zEAYNZowz5fW6MnkSPGxbqTVo47c3HXnJi1oG759cCENMgYDWjWH3un0d3V8H32dIu3OZzUNaMWf7oLCRWKZv0F99dWi29EO6LpbuosojMcvHNe0icwnzGcVby_UQZ0f0L7VODuU/s400/D14A5C44-1FF1-455E-A341-28376A45CD72.png" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;">Love the front porch!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;">There is a lovely view. 😍</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ajRlhb-IxRRuUWpH8k5LknjJXBLEHJr4u-OBRAe0YfXmuEdQVDMQ8sd-fTHBLkAne-H6sE0q_to1eLsfkuBMbyZdyjjSS_mNS1Sbok5XdZObvG3PAX2rKC_gNfa1yUSMXAAiUz6EWME/s1600/EC3ED88F-05AF-4646-89BA-F1E814E4CACC.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ajRlhb-IxRRuUWpH8k5LknjJXBLEHJr4u-OBRAe0YfXmuEdQVDMQ8sd-fTHBLkAne-H6sE0q_to1eLsfkuBMbyZdyjjSS_mNS1Sbok5XdZObvG3PAX2rKC_gNfa1yUSMXAAiUz6EWME/s400/EC3ED88F-05AF-4646-89BA-F1E814E4CACC.jpeg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;">And wooded areas for my kids to play in and explore</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiInqtyex3m1UAS_yNgPiKHgMQdhGIe0rCte7IKW3zB0DMcbM30QT3hsmVZJtyG7XgsHtAObc3BzXage-voMr-T5lzy0gIMWJuXC9dxV3kqFAZg798KjEQ2OnqP_6D96UEDeUcce3TGtMs/s1600/3586E0C5-0CB7-4508-856A-E1483D494D6A.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiInqtyex3m1UAS_yNgPiKHgMQdhGIe0rCte7IKW3zB0DMcbM30QT3hsmVZJtyG7XgsHtAObc3BzXage-voMr-T5lzy0gIMWJuXC9dxV3kqFAZg798KjEQ2OnqP_6D96UEDeUcce3TGtMs/s320/3586E0C5-0CB7-4508-856A-E1483D494D6A.jpeg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;">My parents and sister have been hugely helpful in getting all the things done that have needed to be accomplished. Buying and updating a home when you’re not in the state is tricky. They’ve been a real blessing to me. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjce51IcsZqnRiaCKa-m3_W7TQU_oYmFAySU2CLj9qB9dJf71cOXq6QU1nib4_9yFAw3JYm3Hs7BClKmm9MII-30D5YEb7l4DNkxUoEl8u1sS2I-e1wOTn8tRSFWkqdjCsvqVO0n43Ez2Y/s1600/42B056ED-78E3-4361-B03A-5E4E1EB7B0D1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjce51IcsZqnRiaCKa-m3_W7TQU_oYmFAySU2CLj9qB9dJf71cOXq6QU1nib4_9yFAw3JYm3Hs7BClKmm9MII-30D5YEb7l4DNkxUoEl8u1sS2I-e1wOTn8tRSFWkqdjCsvqVO0n43Ez2Y/s320/42B056ED-78E3-4361-B03A-5E4E1EB7B0D1.jpeg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My sister is seriously the best sister anyone could have. I can’t wait to live near her again. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Stay tuned for more pictures and some before and after projects!</span></div>
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Miranda @ Pressing Onhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10919836627194878839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4018816974230495141.post-86274863278139121502019-03-09T01:53:00.002-08:002019-03-09T01:58:00.045-08:00Change is coming...So, it’s a little weird to step away from something and then pop back in like you were never gone. But I have been gone from blogging. For nearly 5 years! I didn’t intend it, but life happened and blogging was one of the things I just stopped giving my time to. I’ve been focused on homeschooling and raising my kids well. And serving my community and the friends around me. The fact is that I don’t always do any of them well. But I try, and I guess there’s hope in that.<br />
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A lot has changed in 5 years. My kids are growing up. My oldest will be 18 next month! I have an almost 18 yr old, a 15 yr old, a 13 yr old, an almost 11 year old and a 7 yr old. <br />
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We have a dog. Pika is an Airedale lab mix and she’s 3. That super clean house I used to have? It now enjoys dog hair and floors have been licked by a canine (which is much more convenient than I thought it would be). I’m more relaxed in many ways thanks to this crazy girl.<br />
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And we own a horse. Sienna is Elsa's horse (my 15 yr old daughter) , but since I pay the bills and do a lot of the care, she’s mine too. She inspired me to learn how to ride and I’m hoping to acquire my own patient (hopefully saintly) horse later this year. We’ve been boarding our horse at a fantastic barn for 2.5 years now, but will soon be on a little piece of land where they can live too.<br />
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The biggest change our family is going through is that we’re moving out of Alaska next month.<br />
Heading back to Washington state. Our extended family is there and as much as I love the culture and people of Alaska, I’m ready to be in a milder climate. <br />
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So, I will be blogging about our home again, and gardening, and horses and beauty. And maybe some homeschooling, cooking and good books. I’m happy to be back. Let’s see if I can give this the time it deserves. Facebook just doesn’t inspire the same way blogging does.<br />
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See you around!<br />
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MirandaMiranda @ Pressing Onhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10919836627194878839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4018816974230495141.post-61580160194667700952014-06-12T11:40:00.000-07:002014-06-12T11:47:46.795-07:00Come see the new Countertops!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The new countertops went on without a hitch! They are really beautiful and I'm super excited to have it done.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Let's just get to the good stuff, shall we?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As I talked about <a href="http://pressingon-miranda.blogspot.com/2014/06/im-getting-new-countertops.html" target="_blank">in my other post</a>, the counters had a lot of flaws going on. I also really wanted my dishwasher mounted in well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">Before:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">During:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The mess that was my dining room during the day. I had to empty the countertops and all the lower cabinetry </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> The old tops are off!</span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Halfway there</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibKHeJpfeGuj7JkW31ye-iuia4xMJ6jSNd0aePDOkAMwaZ2Nq8aQkex-KxOMKM1QcQ62SEjTP8OQ1N_AbSw637nDaRVFdoo2euebFNBSYty59-fS_kD4sDDjzXe0G73A0qnvsepJ-u3s8/s1600/DSC_4135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibKHeJpfeGuj7JkW31ye-iuia4xMJ6jSNd0aePDOkAMwaZ2Nq8aQkex-KxOMKM1QcQ62SEjTP8OQ1N_AbSw637nDaRVFdoo2euebFNBSYty59-fS_kD4sDDjzXe0G73A0qnvsepJ-u3s8/s1600/DSC_4135.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Excited kids</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0KzuQVDq6-y-I2Af2dAkTMP1Y9kvXSEDhMy-YgxUlRl0woJLSMMDr6g-B3E9K0Mp-bnG8fYe6_IaRyH7XDbkn4Z_tteo6J8I3tWeU6JkgzOTW27I_6BR4mVk96z4hA7SV5dhYHWC_dYc/s1600/DSC_4140.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0KzuQVDq6-y-I2Af2dAkTMP1Y9kvXSEDhMy-YgxUlRl0woJLSMMDr6g-B3E9K0Mp-bnG8fYe6_IaRyH7XDbkn4Z_tteo6J8I3tWeU6JkgzOTW27I_6BR4mVk96z4hA7SV5dhYHWC_dYc/s1600/DSC_4140.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvUmRSdkObgbe2yPBku6_KdJl4n7oJvWsLunDnHPvXAjxld5CWFxl6wmrb3TdxbzORFOXhB_xwvsykEW6mNlvEApORtmEirIaRXqxvHcG0ZVoxLQFSadUfBVkJtBo1sEs9KSRTmdq_7rA/s1600/DSC_4146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;">After:</span></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pure gorgeousness. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;">We gained a few inches on the right side of the island area and about 6 inches on the left side. This is SO much nicer for the kids that sit there.</span></span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuA43n2HqcA-fup6AXzIEdEqWihvSbBkRwmL4cOE_Gro3hoOgRap8hf9lGn5ZrGeghsbpuSlV2iG0We2QBYDl548l4Q5ME_51DMxFTIeXrqPwwwz8yZej4z0vtWVyVcwvZfZamI9qY674/s1600/DSC_4142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuA43n2HqcA-fup6AXzIEdEqWihvSbBkRwmL4cOE_Gro3hoOgRap8hf9lGn5ZrGeghsbpuSlV2iG0We2QBYDl548l4Q5ME_51DMxFTIeXrqPwwwz8yZej4z0vtWVyVcwvZfZamI9qY674/s1600/DSC_4142.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I LOVE the Black Pearl solid surface by Hi-Macs and how it looks. They did a matte finish, so it's not shiny at all.</span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvUmRSdkObgbe2yPBku6_KdJl4n7oJvWsLunDnHPvXAjxld5CWFxl6wmrb3TdxbzORFOXhB_xwvsykEW6mNlvEApORtmEirIaRXqxvHcG0ZVoxLQFSadUfBVkJtBo1sEs9KSRTmdq_7rA/s1600/DSC_4146.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvUmRSdkObgbe2yPBku6_KdJl4n7oJvWsLunDnHPvXAjxld5CWFxl6wmrb3TdxbzORFOXhB_xwvsykEW6mNlvEApORtmEirIaRXqxvHcG0ZVoxLQFSadUfBVkJtBo1sEs9KSRTmdq_7rA/s1600/DSC_4146.JPG" height="424" width="640" /> </a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> I'm also loving my new sink. It fits so many dishes and you can't even see the mess from the living room! It's a way cleaner look.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglCIOUdrZdwBMQ7fmto0j8n8pAWzqe_l3dGwNjmbaEa78HptFGFjz1BUZAKv47-Dm4UPZDjvb0sypIddn4N9NlaQE-3xAoFSXbqnNuHXFMj5nq_p5bsFSpnWC8mkHldYy8ERk1GHVB2P0/s1600/DSC_4150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglCIOUdrZdwBMQ7fmto0j8n8pAWzqe_l3dGwNjmbaEa78HptFGFjz1BUZAKv47-Dm4UPZDjvb0sypIddn4N9NlaQE-3xAoFSXbqnNuHXFMj5nq_p5bsFSpnWC8mkHldYy8ERk1GHVB2P0/s1600/DSC_4150.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBBp1Cr-a51fx4VEbAVthWe7Z3pIpCWFLi88oXJAC_GY93EXl5uCW_-JD38Jeb1GZ6qR_I9xnxire7UX3VBH5HCyLWX0nmOaziE1THOfCaQpDTAV6FZ1iCDmAlzjRoGNid0hNebw0jhPE/s1600/DSC_4153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBBp1Cr-a51fx4VEbAVthWe7Z3pIpCWFLi88oXJAC_GY93EXl5uCW_-JD38Jeb1GZ6qR_I9xnxire7UX3VBH5HCyLWX0nmOaziE1THOfCaQpDTAV6FZ1iCDmAlzjRoGNid0hNebw0jhPE/s1600/DSC_4153.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The new faucet is really awesome. I love how elegant my kitchen feels now. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgCTS4sm0rXwSSvW1GXh9cKjxNT-zuy7NoD4wQAby4aTAIw7TIdZo4peEUu2fU4RLXQeoVTV4bIO9UjZNEEcvVYs5jXrGbfYi1ip7Cvi8f-6LqLvXD3ibofpRVfWgkHWbjfEgXECElNYg/s1600/DSC_4154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgCTS4sm0rXwSSvW1GXh9cKjxNT-zuy7NoD4wQAby4aTAIw7TIdZo4peEUu2fU4RLXQeoVTV4bIO9UjZNEEcvVYs5jXrGbfYi1ip7Cvi8f-6LqLvXD3ibofpRVfWgkHWbjfEgXECElNYg/s1600/DSC_4154.JPG" height="424" width="640" /> </a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I didn't take a pic of the new dishwasher, but it is so nice to have one again! It's a huge bonus that it is as quiet as they claimed. Awesome. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here is the tile we've chosen to do our backsplash in. I think it's going to look amazing. That project is one I'm tackling myself and getting as much advice from YouTube as possible. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hopefully I'll be able to show you my tile job by the end of the month! </span> </div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghc8A_tGgIhgO6S_00qNSjUFjfm9TvBH1yvq6xw_py-MAHHfc6AWgK__QwAT-VaWUnh-LKI-vwRzztLNxlG0nnAj3oFg8AMOgPY-YY6Tkwr9E8eo9uvWT-a0VnI2BbXmhu3RK7ImyCpV8/s1600/DSC_4148.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghc8A_tGgIhgO6S_00qNSjUFjfm9TvBH1yvq6xw_py-MAHHfc6AWgK__QwAT-VaWUnh-LKI-vwRzztLNxlG0nnAj3oFg8AMOgPY-YY6Tkwr9E8eo9uvWT-a0VnI2BbXmhu3RK7ImyCpV8/s1600/DSC_4148.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgICc1Nh3rGj_FqE-ab63OolbvtqUoascQzGYO_hevbQgcKxqkE_EnNU_5kOHaXR3_OdpWVgrguTx5CCdUyIjsEzqd_1WfNq7u1nVTZMvSMevpXos1Q06ZmBlL1Ar3tZfO7rr9erb28N8/s1600/DSC_4121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Overall, I'm super happy about how the kitchen looks. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGRDz4WeHHxp1MlkaL6vUHzrCdS4jHdxwlRfZ_IT17rAuyeDVzDRosDqmmqdt8PKiIzN4RUl21xLyuXra64t7CFrf36L0e3i2W_6ihlFnefqLVEJqOQQx2qV_3oAEqF-YtTOQOj1bDYC0/s1600/DSC_4142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGRDz4WeHHxp1MlkaL6vUHzrCdS4jHdxwlRfZ_IT17rAuyeDVzDRosDqmmqdt8PKiIzN4RUl21xLyuXra64t7CFrf36L0e3i2W_6ihlFnefqLVEJqOQQx2qV_3oAEqF-YtTOQOj1bDYC0/s1600/DSC_4142.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBZYXkZsNvY651m6wH0FdHepcRogcri0rvt-41nNoo9kNbOz20EnIcxFssMSCRW3EGqM4T4xzh9ZJHMjTXEHF-oz7mdYcAD-ogDWUzPrl00ysmk7Fg_YHyVTLbtv4l5FUDr1J-p0BSQxY/s1600/DSC_4159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBZYXkZsNvY651m6wH0FdHepcRogcri0rvt-41nNoo9kNbOz20EnIcxFssMSCRW3EGqM4T4xzh9ZJHMjTXEHF-oz7mdYcAD-ogDWUzPrl00ysmk7Fg_YHyVTLbtv4l5FUDr1J-p0BSQxY/s1600/DSC_4159.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">On to crazier things, we're also putting new carpet in all the bedrooms (yay!). It happened to work out that they can come out this week, so I'm trying to keep the chaos to a minimum by having them do the rooms on separate days. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The carpet installer will be here tomorrow to do the bonus room/boys' bedroom and the stairs, so today I we have to get all the furniture out of there. Next Tuesday, they'll be back to do the 3 main floor bedrooms and closets. My life will be nuts until next weekend, but my house is going to feel so awesome when it's done that I don't care about the crazy! Bring it on!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, my schedule -</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This week - Countertops and boys room carpeting</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Next week - Main floor bedroom carpeting, kitchen electrical projects (new garbage disposal and undercabinet lighting), and paint Elsa's bedroom to prepare for a redecorating project</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Next weekend - finish Elsa's redecorated room</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The week after - Tile backsplash in kitchen</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The week after that? Start preparing for salmon fishing season.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've got this under control...right?</span></div>
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<img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uLu5y-tmSBE/UCG8MyfR0BI/AAAAAAAAF60/3DYHpe6dRQU/s1600/signature.png" />Miranda @ Pressing Onhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10919836627194878839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4018816974230495141.post-43861859888005890862014-06-09T01:07:00.002-07:002014-06-09T01:07:57.664-07:00I'm getting new countertops!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Getting new countertops is HUGE! It's something I've wanted to do for a while.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Dave and I decided to invest in a few upgrades on the house this year. We've been here in Alaska 4 years and will be here at least 3 more, so it is time. I want to enjoy some of the upgrade time!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I told you about l<a href="http://pressingon-miranda.blogspot.com/2014/02/i-like-it-when-my-dishwasher-is-broken.html" target="_blank">iking the fact that my dishwasher was broken back in February. </a>That novelty has more than worn off. I'm sick of doing dishes by hand, haha. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My kitchen has consistently looked like this for the last 5 months. I obviously hate hand drying my dishes ;) </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8p1p7rlaiH-261YonkbOPxMMt1C5bjZbEspcc49jo2tyF2R_MoatJjb1FS0-BU1NDDQkAbBrvjxOoNeXStzxRmpWG6un7YcIj0s6_HUfzibtP31ilcpXJpchedSpbjCuL2pGpCrxg_Lg/s1600/DSC_4104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8p1p7rlaiH-261YonkbOPxMMt1C5bjZbEspcc49jo2tyF2R_MoatJjb1FS0-BU1NDDQkAbBrvjxOoNeXStzxRmpWG6un7YcIj0s6_HUfzibtP31ilcpXJpchedSpbjCuL2pGpCrxg_Lg/s1600/DSC_4104.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We currently have formica
countertops. They actually don't look that bad, but there are some ugly
flaws. We also have a leaky sink and broken faucet, as well as not
being able to mount our dishwasher in correctly.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnb6rsjegavFaaP9UwX13Lr2L6f3I7xmONAvQ5L2hYNwI44UgjxKGtqWl2bPgqKXCMhvHnLdHOfmiiYbhzXr0zZ2r_bBJ3F528aShrSsXbMqFpb3xmAgRjEARniNIYavK5iMnHKAoSwr0/s1600/DSC_4109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnb6rsjegavFaaP9UwX13Lr2L6f3I7xmONAvQ5L2hYNwI44UgjxKGtqWl2bPgqKXCMhvHnLdHOfmiiYbhzXr0zZ2r_bBJ3F528aShrSsXbMqFpb3xmAgRjEARniNIYavK5iMnHKAoSwr0/s1600/DSC_4109.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPvFfhNjb6FqGjhi7PtvmaNljEDQR2V-PMQ26ayoLIFgV7dQNypQj7FL91AdVeOCPKuviHDBXW2dz2DrNedKSw9e7utrSCtYy60g16SytjW5gqRaKSTLSmOgiea7jtG7cNPiNgkM4DojU/s1600/DSC_4107.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPvFfhNjb6FqGjhi7PtvmaNljEDQR2V-PMQ26ayoLIFgV7dQNypQj7FL91AdVeOCPKuviHDBXW2dz2DrNedKSw9e7utrSCtYy60g16SytjW5gqRaKSTLSmOgiea7jtG7cNPiNgkM4DojU/s1600/DSC_4107.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqlfwNbUZTHQE7bCEJ_0BSUuuLO1bzJpEpVO8d_cfWzVWMNjtUN9P8Z2fanZMwppu_ygHtyCwUlRuz1vXIetL_Tm8FM6bEsUJLC9udfMMXtdchEtJzabKjKTT-TfBeL0Z5D7oivwNbqDk/s1600/DSC_4110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqlfwNbUZTHQE7bCEJ_0BSUuuLO1bzJpEpVO8d_cfWzVWMNjtUN9P8Z2fanZMwppu_ygHtyCwUlRuz1vXIetL_Tm8FM6bEsUJLC9udfMMXtdchEtJzabKjKTT-TfBeL0Z5D7oivwNbqDk/s1600/DSC_4110.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw13JymzqXKbncro5KQdecAtSas3qZ_wsj3LJJlzAVxk-nQvfew_2kq_ElqY8jCsgKe-pa0HxlXnk9-GIQGQ3mV9KyAu-9qPxCKUBRQQkuZdAMD9xNE1cyMMp6n0jIeZBLnEYpSMh-Gwo/s1600/DSC_4111.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw13JymzqXKbncro5KQdecAtSas3qZ_wsj3LJJlzAVxk-nQvfew_2kq_ElqY8jCsgKe-pa0HxlXnk9-GIQGQ3mV9KyAu-9qPxCKUBRQQkuZdAMD9xNE1cyMMp6n0jIeZBLnEYpSMh-Gwo/s1600/DSC_4111.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">All that will be fixed tomorrow!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We're putting in a solid surface countertop in <a href="http://www.lghausys.com/us/product/surfaces/hi-classic.jsp" target="_blank"><i>Black Pearl by Hi-Macs</i></a></span></div>
<img id="cboxPhoto" src="http://www.lghausys.com/us/images/product/surfaces/pattern/zoom/hi-classic_G10_zoom.jpg" style="border: medium none; display: block; float: none; margin: auto;" /><div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our sink is from the same company. I would have loved a farmhouse sink like our old house had, but I don't want to cut into these hickory cabinets. We went with <a href="http://www.lgviaterausa.com/pages/92/sink-and-bowl" target="_blank">a single bowl undermount sink </a>(the one on the right).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><img alt="Lovello Stainless Steel Sinks and Bowls" height="135" id="w2imageid80" src="http://www.lgviaterausa.com/content/com.LG.internal_banner.InternalBanner/80/Viatera-Stainless-Steel-1.jpg" usemap="w2imageid80" width="400" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our new faucet is from Moen and is an attractive price with beautiful styling. We got ours from <a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_297431-866-CA87003SRS_0__?productId=3386978" target="_blank">Lowe's</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><img class="rg_i" data-sz="f" name="o2REiUzBz8Fl7M:" src="data:image/jpeg;base64,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" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: -3px;" /> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The new dishwasher is also from Lowe's. We went with a mid-range, supposed-to-be-quiet <a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_496650-149-DW80F600UTB_0__" target="_blank">Samsung dishwasher</a>. I got black instead of stainless steel to save a little $$ and that savings paid for the extended warranty so that I can get it repaired if it breaks after 15 months like our last one did. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><img alt="Samsung 24-in 48-Decibel Built-In Dishwasher with Hard Food Disposer and Stainless Steel Tub (Black) ENERGY STAR" class="productimage" id="prodPrimaryImg" src="http://images.lowes.com/product/converted/887276/887276985527lg.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">For the backsplash...I want tile. But I also want to save money, so that is something I'm planning to tackle myself. I'll chat more about that huge project later. For now, by tomorrow night, I will have a working sink, dishwasher and gorgeous countertops! I am SO excited! </span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">(I want to apologize for being MIA for so long. Things have been busy around here AND my computer was in the shop for 4 weeks. I hope to be back in the swing of blogging so I can share our fun summer adventures!) </span></i></div>
<img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uLu5y-tmSBE/UCG8MyfR0BI/AAAAAAAAF60/3DYHpe6dRQU/s1600/signature.png" />Miranda @ Pressing Onhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10919836627194878839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4018816974230495141.post-40746202710616564392014-04-10T03:23:00.002-07:002014-04-10T03:29:30.626-07:00More changes in the Living Room<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">How does time get away from me so quickly?! It's been a good month since I've blogged here and it feels like just days. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I guess I may have been a little busy...since I blogged last, 2 of my kids have had birthdays, we had Dave's parents here for 2 weeks and I got to sneak away to Hawaii with Dave for 3 days (kid free)! It's been eventful, but I do miss getting my posts in. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">How have you all been?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Since I'm getting ready to embark on my spring cleaning and rearranging time, I'll show you my current living room set up. <a href="http://pressingon-miranda.blogspot.com/2012/04/new-bench.html" target="_blank">This is what it looked like before.</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><img class="CSS_LIGHTBOX_SCALED_IMAGE_IMG" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GeOBMEf_7Kk/T5MMHQ5WbmI/AAAAAAAAFDI/81wJs3PxcEo/s1600/DSC_7855.JPG" style="height: 511px; width: 768px;" /> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">After:</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKvwmyi0Q4n6OfVf6hRU0xzu10OzOmuFN65CKGFcJPgne5Yj8F4MlA22qfV7b66KpSFT4cF7DwNoqnTbzcj6iJsH-pRXg7j5agcbiBYkpDLrWucth2Fcyf1dG20ucqTeNS1lcNuBeWd5k/s1600/DSC_3951-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKvwmyi0Q4n6OfVf6hRU0xzu10OzOmuFN65CKGFcJPgne5Yj8F4MlA22qfV7b66KpSFT4cF7DwNoqnTbzcj6iJsH-pRXg7j5agcbiBYkpDLrWucth2Fcyf1dG20ucqTeNS1lcNuBeWd5k/s1600/DSC_3951-1.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now we have a <a href="http://pressingon-miranda.blogspot.com/2013/11/firewood.html" target="_blank">wood stove</a> and our living room is a little more functional than before. I found this fabulous <a href="http://www.pier1.com/Fair-Isle-Round-Rug---Red/2560066,default,pd.html?cgid=round-rugs#nav=top&start=1" target="_blank">Fair Isle wool rug at Pier One. </a>It was a great value (with the coupon I used) and I love how it feels in this space. The shape gives me more versatility than I had with the rectangle shaped carpet.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This precious little monkey didn't want to be out of the room when I took these, so I just went with it </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> The buffet has been relocated for the wood stove space and I really like having it in the Dining Room. The light is reflected in the mirror and the dresser actually gets used here in this location.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The view from the kitchen</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">When I was ordering the Fair Isle rug at Pier 1, I happened to find this lovely striped rag rug on sale. It was a match made in heaven for my kitchen! The red stool is from Pier 1 as well since I needed a seat at the island for Lydia now that she's big enough.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A final look with no little one photo bombing</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3lMUQYcakcz96u4cXpgI1zF1Osmql-23FUVSMg0r4rfDPX50DoEymK0-J5Uf4uMwyT-1O_GTt7tPyLrkuWv8Ekl8Sg0lrCPP68cHm9C6p0MKrwpn-lE1xnBJTc4qrM9ngloUoNyP2GXk/s1600/DSC_3974-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3lMUQYcakcz96u4cXpgI1zF1Osmql-23FUVSMg0r4rfDPX50DoEymK0-J5Uf4uMwyT-1O_GTt7tPyLrkuWv8Ekl8Sg0lrCPP68cHm9C6p0MKrwpn-lE1xnBJTc4qrM9ngloUoNyP2GXk/s1600/DSC_3974-1.jpg" height="640" width="558" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I hope you like the changes I made in here. I know we're loving them. ♥</span></div>
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<img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uLu5y-tmSBE/UCG8MyfR0BI/AAAAAAAAF60/3DYHpe6dRQU/s1600/signature.png" />Miranda @ Pressing Onhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10919836627194878839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4018816974230495141.post-63165055272664672502014-03-03T15:33:00.001-08:002014-03-03T15:36:09.884-08:00Best Veggie Soup Recipe!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Last night, I made vegetable soup. Well, not purely just veggies, but it is vegetable heavy. Normally everyone moans and groans around here when I tackle something like this and so I was worried none of them would eat dinner (cause I only make 1 meal a night, take it or leave it!). </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Instead of complaining after the first bite, every one of my kids devoured their serving and some of them asked for seconds. Amazing!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYlgG47LQ15B93PWume1oQyMTH-jiGTrCCYeQgpyMqIVoPvgw6nWjlQq7yXpuBucEyMZLF1zv-suhSSVpXde1Y0YuyAWPderBJ3dv3wrFbAHJV6boBzOSCI9QmpWgEo8MbVyNe06somo0/s1600/DSC_3928-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYlgG47LQ15B93PWume1oQyMTH-jiGTrCCYeQgpyMqIVoPvgw6nWjlQq7yXpuBucEyMZLF1zv-suhSSVpXde1Y0YuyAWPderBJ3dv3wrFbAHJV6boBzOSCI9QmpWgEo8MbVyNe06somo0/s1600/DSC_3928-1.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I started with a recipe I've used in the past, back in my Weight Watchers days...<a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/ww-0-point-weight-watchers-cabbage-soup-128956" target="_blank"><u>this Recipe </u></a>for zero point soup.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Then I made some changes to fit our family tastes and what I had in my pantry. All of the ingredients I used are organic and that would be what I would recommend, but you can use whatever you have available.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">2 pounds grass fed ground beef </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1/2 red onion, chopped</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">4 garlic gloves, minced</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">2 tsp salt</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1 tbl pepper</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1 tsp oregano</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">1 tsp basil</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">1 carrot (or 10 baby carrots), chopped</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1 head of green cabbage, chopped</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1 cup unpeeled zucchini, chopped</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.pacificfoods.com/food/broths-stocks/broths/organic-beef-broth" target="_blank">32 oz Beef Broth </a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.imaginefoods.com/products/creamy_soups/organic-creamy-tomato-basil" target="_blank">32 oz Creamy Tomato Basil Soup </a><span style="font-size: small;">(not the best soup in the world, but great as a base for this recipe)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">2 6oz cans tomato paste</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">For toppings:</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Fresh Parsley</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Creme Fresh (you could also use plain yogurt or sour cream)</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Grated Parmesan Cheese </span> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Directions:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Combine the ground beef, all the spices, onion and garlic in a large stockpot until beef is no longer pink. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Add carrot and saute for a few minutes until slightly softened. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Add all the rest of the ingredients to the stockpot and bring to a simmer. Leave uncovered and let simmer for about an hour or until zucchini is well cooked.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Serve with rustic bread and suggested toppings (or whatever else you like to have on your soup!).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">This is a large recipe that fed my family of 7 with plenty leftover for lunch the next day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">For myself, since I'm avoiding wheat, dairy and most grains, I just put the parsley as a topping</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The kids and my husband were all served this delicious version, with creme fresh and parmesan cheese along with crusty bread and butter. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuz2SZ_LvM5Xzlcyo4AV5nzEOYpNaPePZXBFszNCplO2MsSNcIhKLxgj-NpWm_1ofD8ez4G5cU73eJ8zCpoiRPFKFPtvUHtVZ75vAAklPLbQfV-e_J0zpsRh8arS6XOsvOFDOmL6JQvHo/s1600/DSC_3931-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuz2SZ_LvM5Xzlcyo4AV5nzEOYpNaPePZXBFszNCplO2MsSNcIhKLxgj-NpWm_1ofD8ez4G5cU73eJ8zCpoiRPFKFPtvUHtVZ75vAAklPLbQfV-e_J0zpsRh8arS6XOsvOFDOmL6JQvHo/s1600/DSC_3931-1.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I must admit, I was a little jealous of how yummy their bowls looked until I tasted mine. It was awesome all by itself. You will not regret trying out this meal. It could likely be cooked in a crockpot as well. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZChkS6zoyTts_B7IcQDYGRIy0w_Wo2IWwLofTVIOeDATx-3x0fQJ5F8OpvxRRoAEmwMJ1DvkWchrRemmJ0XqOhF1zFa0QpKGQvJByMBgFFP6_3vzrEDaXEHTUGJEDwZnFn4HFEDCSJtk/s1600/DSC_3925-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZChkS6zoyTts_B7IcQDYGRIy0w_Wo2IWwLofTVIOeDATx-3x0fQJ5F8OpvxRRoAEmwMJ1DvkWchrRemmJ0XqOhF1zFa0QpKGQvJByMBgFFP6_3vzrEDaXEHTUGJEDwZnFn4HFEDCSJtk/s1600/DSC_3925-1.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> If you try it, I'd love to know what you think. Now I'm off to do some cleaning. I just got off the phone with Dyson's customer service and they helped me fix my vacuums suction issue! Yay! </span></div>
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<img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uLu5y-tmSBE/UCG8MyfR0BI/AAAAAAAAF60/3DYHpe6dRQU/s1600/signature.png" /><br />
<br />Miranda @ Pressing Onhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10919836627194878839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4018816974230495141.post-22896251112917944472014-02-24T13:58:00.000-08:002014-02-24T13:58:35.714-08:00My Party Weekend<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Okay, so not <i>that </i>kind of "party". More like a home party weekend.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I had a couple of vendors to my home on Saturday night. It was a good night filled with yummy food and lovely ladies. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We had Thirty-One bags. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">So much awesome organization to choose from! </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6yujCv-xlwtZUGuyx7KBmUnQB9_cAGSwV8eumf7C-hvrelWMgaP5Punez6aBQXXryHsTmzCWRUl3UNgIS_vIpTmjN5fxDij-lvhl8MZSxPEKgOGIwW1gMQWzOdmysrDhWAcu_HZETHIk/s1600/DSC_3915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6yujCv-xlwtZUGuyx7KBmUnQB9_cAGSwV8eumf7C-hvrelWMgaP5Punez6aBQXXryHsTmzCWRUl3UNgIS_vIpTmjN5fxDij-lvhl8MZSxPEKgOGIwW1gMQWzOdmysrDhWAcu_HZETHIk/s1600/DSC_3915.JPG" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">doTERRA</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The "Deep" is especially enticing for me with all my Krav Maga soreness. I ordered a goodly amount of natural healing stuff.</span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaCKcxknRx-Spkfb0BxBLvzlfYN6XJLudVZ1hfisJqEaQb5tzh4O476EcRAO6erPR9jnRhSUIJ9Nr0P6WmofmxVgvmlwOLcMtBieZtasE3mAHeVkDjvMc-s4dZuEp_QB_KQomgerdfDSA/s1600/DSC_3917.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaCKcxknRx-Spkfb0BxBLvzlfYN6XJLudVZ1hfisJqEaQb5tzh4O476EcRAO6erPR9jnRhSUIJ9Nr0P6WmofmxVgvmlwOLcMtBieZtasE3mAHeVkDjvMc-s4dZuEp_QB_KQomgerdfDSA/s1600/DSC_3917.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">And my new personal love, Younique!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib0OKBSnsM9WH2IFuvJKq1p0D6If1tCwJKPHXm7bPKH7aLTK3tQpUqY4UzI-9jhTo_HPHQv-NHjLIEl-NX-r9jcNdcON10y6UurYj6uoOjBi_EenvvEfF4tqK455Uns-GHl8fiAgQ5f6U/s1600/DSC_3918.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib0OKBSnsM9WH2IFuvJKq1p0D6If1tCwJKPHXm7bPKH7aLTK3tQpUqY4UzI-9jhTo_HPHQv-NHjLIEl-NX-r9jcNdcON10y6UurYj6uoOjBi_EenvvEfF4tqK455Uns-GHl8fiAgQ5f6U/s1600/DSC_3918.JPG" height="264" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I completely forgot to take a picture of the food table! There was lots of it, and everything was <i>so </i>good!</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I had all the vendors do their Presentations while guests ate. At the end, we did some ordering and played with the skin care and makeup. I wish I would have gotten before and after photos of the makeovers, but suffice it to say, the women looked amazing and the products were a big hit.</span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixomPL9yNJ6-dCt2XknR0jh1s0kxrc62Ph4pGGKqUxo2qCK5qIeLRvjmQVb-QBflkdVzureEvv2W7Y_3_7TTTGm-o-n94GNHWqjSGaplh9IXe3PBdDOXkSd3z5_LWX-KTm0bWbelfcoKU/s1600/DSC_3921.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixomPL9yNJ6-dCt2XknR0jh1s0kxrc62Ph4pGGKqUxo2qCK5qIeLRvjmQVb-QBflkdVzureEvv2W7Y_3_7TTTGm-o-n94GNHWqjSGaplh9IXe3PBdDOXkSd3z5_LWX-KTm0bWbelfcoKU/s1600/DSC_3921.JPG" height="376" width="640" /><span style="font-size: large;"></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I will be talking more about Younique in the weeks to come because I'll be doing a review and a giveaway!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">How was your weekend?</span></div>
<img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uLu5y-tmSBE/UCG8MyfR0BI/AAAAAAAAF60/3DYHpe6dRQU/s1600/signature.png" />Miranda @ Pressing Onhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10919836627194878839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4018816974230495141.post-58512241639321828182014-02-21T12:27:00.003-08:002014-02-21T12:27:42.030-08:00I like it when my dishwasher is broken<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">It's true...I think I like it when my dishwasher is broken.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Maybe...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">On Sunday while I was in the shower, my sweet husband decided to try and fix our dishwasher (which had been running continually post-wash). If you knew my husband, you would know why I would have immediately advised against such a decision, but I was not in a position to intervene in time.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">When I finished getting ready, I discovered dishwasher parts in various places in the kitchen. Dave informed me he broke the handle switch while attempting to find the running issue. This lead to an online search for parts.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I managed to find a used part on Ebay and it's on it's way to us. I'm skeptical as to whether Dave can reinstall this switch and get it working again, but for $30, it's worth a shot. Honestly, I was just proud he didn't break any parts due to getting mad during the repair. He stayed calm the whole time. ;)</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, we have no dishwasher right now while we wait for USPS to bring our part to us. And I like it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE-GlAFe4tMxwqVMeDV3447nLuCHPKDKLA31YNrcsobTtahX-4KqHPUEbe_dZnLyzELxPy7qu66ssB27QNfOn7i9gKnfV7AxhMeFi1HLU1ExnmuDl_Wm4FTcEtTCY19WYGiwBCFyNI5N4/s1600/DSC_3896-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE-GlAFe4tMxwqVMeDV3447nLuCHPKDKLA31YNrcsobTtahX-4KqHPUEbe_dZnLyzELxPy7qu66ssB27QNfOn7i9gKnfV7AxhMeFi1HLU1ExnmuDl_Wm4FTcEtTCY19WYGiwBCFyNI5N4/s1600/DSC_3896-1.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a> </span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I find that having to hand wash dishes forces me to calm down and take my time with chores. It's quiet and soothing. I stay up on my regular chores because I have to stop and do dishes 3-4 times a day (so the volume doesn't get away from me). </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The sink is typically clean nowadays</span></div>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoY_urQNKoxv2D2LSdzXkM4JiJI4epnnxnCeD3AYalpwM0ot6sR2SNyTfr1v3R2txBkP0u5XoMJAGer-9H0L_U2_m9pRKiMz-EFm14PX3G4a8GGoYW8EpplvRLb3DsOTBf0tkrBrzgGd0/s1600/DSC_3902-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoY_urQNKoxv2D2LSdzXkM4JiJI4epnnxnCeD3AYalpwM0ot6sR2SNyTfr1v3R2txBkP0u5XoMJAGer-9H0L_U2_m9pRKiMz-EFm14PX3G4a8GGoYW8EpplvRLb3DsOTBf0tkrBrzgGd0/s1600/DSC_3902-1.jpg" height="640" width="442" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Even if my counter is cluttered (I'm obviously a fan of air drying)</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">It forces me to slow down, which oddly enough leads to other chores getting done more frequently. Like the laundry.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_H2vA6X0V_8_acqCEgawK3cwHb3bJey5BUkLbL7dmJzbAyi06_slsBe59N9AN2_piVTnPhoDjdwt__8Psbk-w_ACRJ49W4r-PL8vvBv-pT6j2PzMdqJqdmioJsIYHwi-Rn_YZ-h4P5T8/s1600/DSC_3903-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_H2vA6X0V_8_acqCEgawK3cwHb3bJey5BUkLbL7dmJzbAyi06_slsBe59N9AN2_piVTnPhoDjdwt__8Psbk-w_ACRJ49W4r-PL8vvBv-pT6j2PzMdqJqdmioJsIYHwi-Rn_YZ-h4P5T8/s1600/DSC_3903-1.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today, I will likely wash a sink full of dishes at least 3 times. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I will also be getting caught up on some dusting and mopping</span></div>
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<br /><span style="font-size: large;">I have a bunch of ladies coming for a makeup party tomorrow night. We'll have Younique Cosmetics, Scentsy and Thirty One bags as the vendors. It's going to be fun, but the dust will not be allowed to stay and play.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now I'm off to clean. I hope your weekend will be a delightful one. </span></div>
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<img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uLu5y-tmSBE/UCG8MyfR0BI/AAAAAAAAF60/3DYHpe6dRQU/s1600/signature.png" />Miranda @ Pressing Onhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10919836627194878839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4018816974230495141.post-74308082502164093782014-02-07T12:54:00.003-08:002014-04-10T03:22:13.176-07:00Photo Roundup<span style="font-size: large;">After taking such a <a href="http://pressingon-miranda.blogspot.com/2014/01/content-with-being-me.html" target="_blank">long break from blogging, </a>it's hard to get back into it, so I'm going to start with posting my favorite pictures from the last month or two.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i> The house at Christmastime. It was a snug fit with adding 6 extra people for the holiday. It's a good thing we all love each other!</i></span></div>
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<i> </i><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Baking in Alaska. When there isn't room in the refrigerator, there's always the outdoor freezer. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">(I've heard rumors of moose eating fudge when cooling outdoors, so I just prayed they would survive intact)</span></i></span></div>
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<i> </i><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Snow on the peanut butter balls</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>The cousins all together for Christmas</i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Lydia showing everyone her "smells"...she's slightly obsessed with Scentsy</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">New Christmas Rocking Horse </span></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>The littlest boys all together </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Snow Day </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span id="goog_1176579110">The "babies" with my sister. These two kiddos, likely the end of our childbearing, are a week apart</span></i></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">My new "stag" decor. I love it.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">"Robot" Baby</span> </i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Last, but not least, the joy of watching our beloved Seahawks win the Superbowl. Everyone in the house is still on a high from the amazement that OUR team won the Lombardi Trophy. It's been fun.</i></span></div>
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<img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uLu5y-tmSBE/UCG8MyfR0BI/AAAAAAAAF60/3DYHpe6dRQU/s1600/signature.png" />Miranda @ Pressing Onhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10919836627194878839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4018816974230495141.post-25603457133116894632014-01-15T11:34:00.001-08:002014-01-15T11:34:38.960-08:00Content with being me<span style="font-size: large;">Hey all! I haven't been on in a while. It seems the more content I am in my life, the less I want to be online. It's not as if I'm discontent when I'm blogging or reading other blogs, but my desire to be more <i>present </i>in the lives of my family is not just mental...I AM more present, without other distractions.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Contentment is an interesting thing, and I don't think I've ever been in this place before. It's not a fleeting feeling, but a lasting one that leaves me feeling peaceful and calm more often than I am stressed and frustrated. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I think about the pioneers and how their lives were. They wanted to make a better life for themselves and those close to them. They weren't focused on glory and accolades. They didn't dwell on rumors of what others were doing and tried to emulate their own lives to be like that. While they were in survival mode much of the time, they had basic goals; of raising strong and healthy children, of making their home a safe and warm place to be, to tend their land well so it would provide for them, to nurture relationships with those close to them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our online world often disassociates us from those simple goals and I am yearning for simplicity. I am rejecting the guilt that comes with not being online and connecting with the thousands of people I have links to. I will get online to blog and read when I feel the urge to; otherwise, my laptop will be sitting prettily on the side table while I nurture the joyful contentment I feel each day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">While I do hope to be here more often, if I take long breaks between blogging, my real life must be getting in the way and I can't say that's a bad thing ♥ </span><br />
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<img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uLu5y-tmSBE/UCG8MyfR0BI/AAAAAAAAF60/3DYHpe6dRQU/s1600/signature.png" />Miranda @ Pressing Onhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10919836627194878839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4018816974230495141.post-73125700907103877552013-12-20T01:22:00.001-08:002013-12-20T09:23:05.125-08:00Krav Maga level 3! And some thoughts on the mommy body<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Last Saturday was a huge day for me. I succeeded in passing the level 2 test for Krav Maga. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">(Here's a crappy cell phone pic I took immediately afterward with my testing partner. Lorraine is another mama to 5 kids...she is inspiring) </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="Photo: Krav Maga test today! New level 2 graduates!!! So proud of us." class="scaledImageFitWidth img" height="640" src="https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/p480x480/1493131_3660488728385_418555016_n.jpg" style="top: -275px;" width="360" /> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">To recap: I started taking <a href="http://www.santaclaushouse.com/" target="_blank">Krav Maga fitness classes at AKM</a> last January. My first class, I almost threw up and had to sit out the last 5 minutes. But I went back, because I was hooked on the idea of getting into shape while learning self defense.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I attend Krav classes 1-3 times a week. <a href="http://pressingon-miranda.blogspot.com/2013/06/krav-maga-level-1.html" target="_blank"><u>I tested out of Level 1</u></a> this summer and in August I began piggy-backing the classes. 1-2 of the nights I go, I hit the level 1 class, followed by level 2 for a two hour workout. This means I am getting 3-5 hours of hard core exercise each week. Fun exercise with benefits!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My level of endurance proved critical when testing out of level 2. It is a very difficult and comprehensive test that takes 2 1/2 hours to complete. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKwVk_fyIV8" target="_blank"><u>This link from YouTube</u></a> shows a snippet of what the test is like and you can see how it would be tiring. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now on to Level 3 classes beginning in the new year! I'm so excited. This process has been fun and rewarding. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://wellfesto.com/2013/11/19/10-things-i-want-my-daughter-to-know-about-working-out/" target="_blank"><u>This blog post was inspiring for me</u></a>. I have children that are watching me intently, every single day. The things I do, my habits and attitudes, the way I look at life...all influence their future behavior and habits. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My goal is not to be the skinniest Mom around. For me, that is an unattainable goal, or at least one that would consume me. My goal is not to erase every mark motherhood and childbearing has made on my body (let me tell you, there are MANY of those). </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My goal is to use my body to the best of my ability. To enjoy fitness and eating healthy, but not to make those things an idol. I am learning to accept my body <u>as it is</u> even as I work to be a stronger woman. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This year I was hoping to lose 30 pounds. I lost 23. Since I'm at a plateau, my goal for 2014 is 10 more with 5 more in 2015. This is realistic for me I think, but how I look is not the most important thing. If I forever stay the same weight I am right now, I am ok with that. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I want my kids to see their 36 year old Mama working through the pain of muscle soreness and aching knees to be able to go hard on the mat for 3 hours. I want them to see me choosing to eat foods that fuel my body well, but also being willing to splurge and be excited about the pure fun of eating and cooking. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I love that my kids are confident I will be able to take care of them and defend them during an attack should it ever come our way (heaven forbid). They've seen my passion and focus and I pray that will pay off in the future for them as they find things they love to do. Sometimes those things are hard, but in the end, they are worth the struggle. </span></div>
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<img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uLu5y-tmSBE/UCG8MyfR0BI/AAAAAAAAF60/3DYHpe6dRQU/s1600/signature.png" />Miranda @ Pressing Onhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10919836627194878839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4018816974230495141.post-80573755146302028532013-11-28T18:33:00.003-08:002013-11-28T18:34:21.298-08:00Thanksgiving...and some spiced pecans<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Thanksgiving is here. It's one of my most favorite days of the year. A day in which we celebrate and focus on the things that we DO have, the blessings that have been given; spending as much time as possible with those we are thankful for.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4QPDdQSX3W1mMMYXOnIXvxoWm7YawUBWfa0aTq3O04iEs4tlNnT5_CqRApvIQxpa8OT_4bcbr_YzTY-26QlIDRhlVSnPJoovYneoPpcEpMO8oHfVddQzdKQjhnMFlJ_GycW9Cnv_iQrg/s1600/DSC_3587.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4QPDdQSX3W1mMMYXOnIXvxoWm7YawUBWfa0aTq3O04iEs4tlNnT5_CqRApvIQxpa8OT_4bcbr_YzTY-26QlIDRhlVSnPJoovYneoPpcEpMO8oHfVddQzdKQjhnMFlJ_GycW9Cnv_iQrg/s640/DSC_3587.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Of course, these little people are extremely high on my very long list of things for which I am most grateful.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyQNezZQcRLj1OZAdIdyfujrbtWyaOQLqzoSNvgiU9xqnJYV-2_GH-z0EH95y8RgNKhIDRaQWRLEICwmlbYj5PRTeaQKHBRhfqYZB3LGntVAD7Jt8154seV1jmLkDYYvSRT2CNm7aNLb0/s1600/DSC_3596-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyQNezZQcRLj1OZAdIdyfujrbtWyaOQLqzoSNvgiU9xqnJYV-2_GH-z0EH95y8RgNKhIDRaQWRLEICwmlbYj5PRTeaQKHBRhfqYZB3LGntVAD7Jt8154seV1jmLkDYYvSRT2CNm7aNLb0/s640/DSC_3596-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWRg_7zCNK-7g78oe21nyPm8UP0I2WzDlDVHpv4qqYfCskvJmHiTDUCEi-IFZqxwqbBr0SWiI9ZLcJa8SIeZ37PNXnft4oN_5HU5du6BVywQHjy_iAuhtxXJJzFOiHzGEgfZgQQustIfw/s1600/DSC_3600-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWRg_7zCNK-7g78oe21nyPm8UP0I2WzDlDVHpv4qqYfCskvJmHiTDUCEi-IFZqxwqbBr0SWiI9ZLcJa8SIeZ37PNXnft4oN_5HU5du6BVywQHjy_iAuhtxXJJzFOiHzGEgfZgQQustIfw/s640/DSC_3600-1.jpg" width="424" /></a> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And this man ♥ ♥ ♥</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6Xj1AEKcgS3C5k9IBZUBhLzNVH50LIsxoGlgBJq6TohYwkW6jnrTwFAp3fJlmvCOzhfALC2YAqb0k-2ssjaxGrwvEUgaNKngE5xN18HkbAAWlhyphenhyphena08NVYzQ5ZWrfThHGJFB4riQTU5k/s1600/DSC_3604-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6Xj1AEKcgS3C5k9IBZUBhLzNVH50LIsxoGlgBJq6TohYwkW6jnrTwFAp3fJlmvCOzhfALC2YAqb0k-2ssjaxGrwvEUgaNKngE5xN18HkbAAWlhyphenhyphena08NVYzQ5ZWrfThHGJFB4riQTU5k/s640/DSC_3604-1.jpg" width="424" /> </a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDIdYed9gMp9iSCRC2gq3RddiHR8jtZTu-nfNLmViYSnI16c6cYBW0fKhlxmV4t4O_P-YCFpLP9xGGlum-jByz23XkvuyqB6n3U55cLgnEVP5DXJWs8KLCrW4NFvPwzkPbSZB2HZyxUc/s1600/DSC_3603-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDIdYed9gMp9iSCRC2gq3RddiHR8jtZTu-nfNLmViYSnI16c6cYBW0fKhlxmV4t4O_P-YCFpLP9xGGlum-jByz23XkvuyqB6n3U55cLgnEVP5DXJWs8KLCrW4NFvPwzkPbSZB2HZyxUc/s640/DSC_3603-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I hope your day has gone wonderfully and you are basking in the love and warmth of those around you. And that you're enjoying a delicious meal with those same people.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'll leave you with a fun and easy recipe for slow cooker spiced pecans.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">These are yummy and impressive, yet simple to make, so I'm a fan.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Slow Cooker Spiced Nuts</i> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">3 cups nuts <span style="font-size: small;">(pecans, almonds, walnuts or other nut of your choice) </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">1 egg white</span> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">3/4 cup sugar <span style="font-size: small;">(you could also use maple syrup or other non-grain sweetener)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1 tsp sea salt</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1 tsp black pepper</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1 tsp cinnamon</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1/4 tsp cayenne pepper</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1/4 tsp paprika </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Place nuts in your crock pot. Pour in egg white and stir to fully coat nuts. In a separate bowl, mix together the remaining ingredients. Pour the spice and sugar mixture over nuts in the crock pot and stir again to fully coat. Cook covered on low for 3-4 hours, stirring every 45 minutes or so. If they are not dried out at the end of the cooking time, remove the lid and cook uncovered for a little longer until they are fully dry.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1lsaofxwXjmMuQFCj0Aw5bqpitlFgAuM9f_JuaFuNpDR-QVTkK7K3uNRXuX7m5ISX2iYGw_INR8VFmL_5t7ZxNg_ByiJo8GPYsJCmAX9l4D8ILmKG9g644qpp70Uc2mBuUBc4SqtVP1Y/s1600/DSC_3582-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1lsaofxwXjmMuQFCj0Aw5bqpitlFgAuM9f_JuaFuNpDR-QVTkK7K3uNRXuX7m5ISX2iYGw_INR8VFmL_5t7ZxNg_ByiJo8GPYsJCmAX9l4D8ILmKG9g644qpp70Uc2mBuUBc4SqtVP1Y/s640/DSC_3582-1.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Happy Thanksgiving! </span> </span></i></div>
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<img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uLu5y-tmSBE/UCG8MyfR0BI/AAAAAAAAF60/3DYHpe6dRQU/s1600/signature.png" />Miranda @ Pressing Onhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10919836627194878839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4018816974230495141.post-57278305260383106992013-11-27T02:16:00.001-08:002013-11-27T08:42:58.600-08:00Thanksgiving Menu<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I've started the baking and cooking that comes along with the momentous Thanksgiving Holiday. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Though it's just my little family, I do enjoy the preparation that goes into such a fun meal.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm trying to keep it mostly grain free, as well as gmo-free, so that's the biggest change to my menu. For the most part, it hasn't been too much of a trial. Pinterest has been an awesome resource for me this time around! <b><a href="http://tasty-yummies.com/2013/11/12/99-gluten-free-thanksgiving-recipes/" target="_blank">THIS</a></b> is my favorite link to reference for new cooking ideas.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So far I've baked the pumpkin rolls (see my note below), and the "cornbread" for the stuffing. Tomorrow, it will be pies, cranberry sauce, brining the turkey, baking the sweet potatoes and some general cleaning so the house feels lovely before we eat ourselves into a food coma. </span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">My Thanksgiving menu <span style="font-size: small;">:</span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">(click on the photos to go to the originating webpage)</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Dessert: </b>I'll start with dessert first (cause that's my favorite part)-</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b><a href="http://eatthecookie.wordpress.com/2010/11/19/pumpkin-roll/" target="_blank">Pumpkin Roll<span style="font-size: small;"> recipe by Eat the Cookie</span> </a>-</b></u> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This one is grain free except for some brown sugar in the filling. This would work great with maple syrup or coconut sugar as a substitute. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I will confess that I've made this recipe 3 separate times (yes, it's that good) and I cannot figure out how she got this to roll without breaking. I've made pumpkin rolls with wheat flour and it worked fine, but the texture with grain free is tricky. I have ended up just cutting the pieces out and layering in between with the filling. It tastes the same, but doesn't look as impressive. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><a href="http://eatthecookie.wordpress.com/2010/11/19/pumpkin-roll/" target="_blank"><img alt="http://eatthecookie.wordpress.com/2010/11/19/pumpkin-roll/" class=" " height="265" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_MYOj40zrBfg/TOZ1cpo8QWI/AAAAAAAAA1w/AxKe5dPYQaA/s400/DSC_0322.JPG" title="via Eat the Cookie" width="400" /></a><a href="http://eatthecookie.wordpress.com/2010/11/19/pumpkin-roll/"> </a></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.cookscountry.com/recipes/4912-old-fashioned-pecan-pie" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Pecan Pie <span style="font-size: small;">recipe by Cooks Country</span></span></a></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I haven't made this one before, but it looks to be a good one. No corn syrup and whole food ingredients. I will be using pre-made pie crusts from <a href="http://www.immaculatebaking.com/" target="_blank">Immaculate Baking Company</a></span>. <span style="font-size: large;">(The pie crust is one of the deviations I made to the grain free menu...because making a grain free pie crust is one of those areas I don't feel like tackling right now) </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://blog.meaningfuleats.com/gluten-free-pumpkin-pie-dairy-free/" target="_blank">Pumpkin Pie recipe by Meaningful Eats</a></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">(because of my crust, this will not be grain free)</span></div>
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<a href="http://blog.meaningfuleats.com/gluten-free-pumpkin-pie-dairy-free/" target="_blank"><img alt="IMG_0506" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1437" data-jpibfi-indexer="1" height="400" src="http://blog.meaningfuleats.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/IMG_0506.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">The rest of the Meal:</span></i></b><br />
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<a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/spiced-cranberry-sauce" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Spiced Cranberry Sauce <span style="font-size: small;">recipe from Taste of Home</span></span></b></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">(I use honey instead of the white sugar. This recipe is delicious and I really like that it doesn't use any oranges.)</span></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/spiced-cranberry-sauce" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><img alt="Spiced Cranberry Sauce Recipe" class="photo" itemprop="image" src="http://hostedmedia.reimanpub.com/TOH/Images/Photos/37/exps34508_C967124D49A.jpg" title="Spiced Cranberry Sauce Recipe" /></u></span></a><i><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></i></b></div>
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<b><a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2013/11/green-bean-casserole-with-crispy-onions/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Green Bean Casserole with crispy onions <span style="font-size: small;">recipe from Smitten Kitchen</span></span></a></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">(I'll be leaving out the wheat flour and using arrowroot flour instead)</span><a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2013/11/green-bean-casserole-with-crispy-onions/" target="_blank"> </a></div>
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<a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2013/11/green-bean-casserole-with-crispy-onions/" target="_blank"><img alt="green bean casserole with crispy onions" height="266" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7369/10927932775_d075c675c4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://blog.meaningfuleats.com/sweet-potato-casserole-with-pecan-praline-topping-dairy-free-gluten-free/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></a></div>
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<b><a href="http://blog.meaningfuleats.com/sweet-potato-casserole-with-pecan-praline-topping-dairy-free-gluten-free/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Sweet Potato Casserole recipe from Meaningful Eats</span></a></b></div>
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<a href="http://blog.meaningfuleats.com/sweet-potato-casserole-with-pecan-praline-topping-dairy-free-gluten-free/" target="_blank"><img alt="IMG_0622" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1448" data-jpibfi-indexer="2" height="400" src="http://blog.meaningfuleats.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/IMG_0622.jpg" width="276" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="http://glutenfreefix.com/bacon-cornbread-stuffing/3349/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Bacon-Cornbread Stuffing <span style="font-size: small;">recipe by Gluten Free Fix</span></span></a></b></div>
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I haven't made this yet, but I did made the "cornbread" so it has some time to dry out...and it is awesome! I'll be making it in the future as an accompaniment for our soups and stews.</div>
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<a href="http://glutenfreefix.com/bacon-cornbread-stuffing/3349/" target="_blank"><img alt="http://glutenfreefix.com/bacon-cornbread-stuffing/3349/" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-3375" height="400" src="http://glutenfreefix.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Cornbread-Stuffing-101-748x1024.jpg" title="Paleo Bacon Cornbread Stuffing!" width="292" /> </a></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/perfect_mashed_potatoes/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Mashed Potatoes</span> Recipe by Simply Recipes</a></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I like to keep it simple when it comes to mashed potatoes since they're practically perfect on their own. However, my kids and husband like gravy on their mashed potatoes, so I bought a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Roasted-Turkey-Seasoning-Organic-Gluten-free/dp/B00993WXJU/ref=sr_1_7?s=grocery&ie=UTF8&qid=1385547215&sr=1-7&keywords=organic+gravy+mix" target="_blank">packet of organic, gluten free gravy seasoning mix </a>at the store to satisfy their taste buds. </span> </div>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/52495151880295343/" target="_blank"><img alt="Perfect Mashed Potatoes Recipe | Simply Recipes" class="pinImage" height="266" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/c4/9f/9d/c49f9defaa7b31abdd8939816f7e3a21.jpg" style="height: 347px; margin: 0px auto; padding: 40px 0px; width: 520px;" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">For the Turkey, it's nothing overcomplicated. I'm simply soaking the turkey in brine overnight and then I'll bake it in the oven. I'm using <b><a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-cook-a-turkey-the-simplest-easiest-method-160905" target="_blank">this recipe from The Kitchn</a></b> to help make sure it won't dry out on me.</span> </div>
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<a href="http://2011-11-15-turkeygeneral5.jpg/" target="_blank"><img alt="2011-11-15-TurkeyGeneral5.jpg" height="325" src="http://p-ec2.pixstatic.com/506b2d68fb04d60a650017ce._w.540_h.439_s.fit_.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'll probably end up making some sort of dinner roll as well and it may or may not end up being wheat (sometimes a little delicious, soft bread is too awesome to resist). </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I hope you're having fun planning your own Thanksgiving meal. Hopefully my little family appreciates my efforts, and if they don't, I'm more than willing to eat it all myself. I can't wait!! </span></div>
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<img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uLu5y-tmSBE/UCG8MyfR0BI/AAAAAAAAF60/3DYHpe6dRQU/s1600/signature.png" />Miranda @ Pressing Onhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10919836627194878839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4018816974230495141.post-69251822927527599892013-11-25T12:31:00.000-08:002013-11-25T12:31:53.915-08:00Firewood<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifT4Y1CLAZaotSWQgvOFenYxBJ-X3cTP1qKOOm1jIfmjHLDk62yoy8eID38Rz3f6-AyB2Lf5-RRDIWQv_XvFSKaElXNEiu94_UyITnQ8FW7jSLzSBPvV3kPv9tqgl3v2chWXgbqwmL6JY/s1600/DSC_3470-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We had our wood stove installed in September. To be able to use it this winter, we needed wood...lots of it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I had to separate out the orders since it is so expensive to get dry wood. Next year we hope to get a permit and cut our own wood in the spring to save some money.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">For now, we had 2 cords delivered in September and we stacked that. These pictures are for the 4 additional cords. 3 cords are dry and the other 1 is green, so we mixed it in with the dry in a section we won't touch until spring. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">(2 cords are stacked in the background. Isaac is standing on 3 of the cords and the last one still hadn't arrived when this was taken) </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZfNkwHYZeiFiwZmf3UCqOnnQDYW-b6FQkXP5GXMjqbRMo0KNVZZBm9k1CwwvnTFltu9VfffRYGxGTPlQ_uS-Sybt7X43sZeVqMUA8C9YlWhn00GTyWW1kKLBdrzSgcilbT0y7WHIWeA/s1600/Woodpile-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZfNkwHYZeiFiwZmf3UCqOnnQDYW-b6FQkXP5GXMjqbRMo0KNVZZBm9k1CwwvnTFltu9VfffRYGxGTPlQ_uS-Sybt7X43sZeVqMUA8C9YlWhn00GTyWW1kKLBdrzSgcilbT0y7WHIWeA/s640/Woodpile-1.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I grew up stacking tons of wood and doing a lot of work, but my kids' life is a lot cushier. That said, they really enjoyed working on this project and it didn't take more than 10 hours with all of us working at different times to get it all stacked and ready for winter.</span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXNX9BjdJKCmBaLGRoYYJz0rehUyCa1nmPnObdVh6qlRPie-jgLm5OWZbwrZEWAIZOK4QkL6gSjMfCEL27q2wfYKbokxC2FW374tDhYGdpPg0a7S3ePckKAP1PIhZ9WCZeRGH7SfS7iSE/s1600/DSC_3474-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXNX9BjdJKCmBaLGRoYYJz0rehUyCa1nmPnObdVh6qlRPie-jgLm5OWZbwrZEWAIZOK4QkL6gSjMfCEL27q2wfYKbokxC2FW374tDhYGdpPg0a7S3ePckKAP1PIhZ9WCZeRGH7SfS7iSE/s640/DSC_3474-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /><span style="font-size: large;">This wood was cured in logs for 3 years and then split. The nice thing about that method is that it left TONS of kindling for starting the fires. I love this stuff.<br /> We gathered it all up and keep it in plastic tubs next to the firewood.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxtWeiKtpScsdQnGOlqy8KfDQEAXds41lg_oZywqm_JXXkJ-l4fw7lShd3a8uydh5i0wkT5wj2uBurJuB_RfbXJ3UqN6Z4jvQ13HcDO8P1Yt_mSp7ApF-0VXBQUNBWDnDAbkIPUopsKE4/s1600/DSC_3477-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxtWeiKtpScsdQnGOlqy8KfDQEAXds41lg_oZywqm_JXXkJ-l4fw7lShd3a8uydh5i0wkT5wj2uBurJuB_RfbXJ3UqN6Z4jvQ13HcDO8P1Yt_mSp7ApF-0VXBQUNBWDnDAbkIPUopsKE4/s640/DSC_3477-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our setup is looking a little redneck. Maybe we'll get our woodshed built next year, but for now, this is working well.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdw3KfcDmUe2o_eBj21uIklonXHj5LQaE6cdE7uYdhHaml8xxuIOL-IwZW2MMaIZQHaZ6GMfG9W4gBCmjNJvLURldI1avaDzt3QwRuU2VDX7zyPExtIVwk0tU64tklbieaysyBKq8THqU/s1600/DSC_3512-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdw3KfcDmUe2o_eBj21uIklonXHj5LQaE6cdE7uYdhHaml8xxuIOL-IwZW2MMaIZQHaZ6GMfG9W4gBCmjNJvLURldI1avaDzt3QwRuU2VDX7zyPExtIVwk0tU64tklbieaysyBKq8THqU/s640/DSC_3512-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh39T96etwce8nQQV_3pYToOZl1VHkmCzOihRhdBITLzsWmJwuSgYpkbEiDv0K-pIZN42-0nEDgroCdOcKHK4cfXq0s6X9Xh_4TAsMiUIs0IOnrwIlagf2Fpk3hCzW453WE0cbOxRB_Wm0/s1600/DSC_3513-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh39T96etwce8nQQV_3pYToOZl1VHkmCzOihRhdBITLzsWmJwuSgYpkbEiDv0K-pIZN42-0nEDgroCdOcKHK4cfXq0s6X9Xh_4TAsMiUIs0IOnrwIlagf2Fpk3hCzW453WE0cbOxRB_Wm0/s640/DSC_3513-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Up on the deck, we keep a bucket with kindling and a box with the stack of backup wood. Between this and the inside box, it's enough for one full day. When it's -40 outside, you don't want to spend a lot of time gathering wood. </span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7HuHbUB0Jnv-zq59pxOJSzwtx0-J6u6HEzICrC43CfY2yKNxVNoTWwVFuZpgi4dp9WILFRNLPbeQ2RmSj-CF_y5XpeclESInm1U2n_iEOqUyvZau60XUT1cI7fsw62mKbg2ol3wq00-8/s1600/DSC_3515-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7HuHbUB0Jnv-zq59pxOJSzwtx0-J6u6HEzICrC43CfY2yKNxVNoTWwVFuZpgi4dp9WILFRNLPbeQ2RmSj-CF_y5XpeclESInm1U2n_iEOqUyvZau60XUT1cI7fsw62mKbg2ol3wq00-8/s640/DSC_3515-1.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Inside, I have 2 lovely brass toned metal bins to hold wood and the necessary tools to keep the fire going.</span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDXhz-fdGjaqmdfxAD8ugf7PYA1IvszsjUJyWLksAWfMTcC3gKCi3tz6Dml7BFwvHZ1ACNagWV8lnhXol62DkI66V53CjpIWC2jS9fKMbGXIqAOoADAO0xOSZ21Jtp1AgLGnTPSKHh83s/s1600/DSC_3517-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDXhz-fdGjaqmdfxAD8ugf7PYA1IvszsjUJyWLksAWfMTcC3gKCi3tz6Dml7BFwvHZ1ACNagWV8lnhXol62DkI66V53CjpIWC2jS9fKMbGXIqAOoADAO0xOSZ21Jtp1AgLGnTPSKHh83s/s640/DSC_3517-1.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUHl9NhfEkiHzjYYlxVjJtnk-lb8bTF3Zs6YgvDpZ3spsKMA2sYe4zGv6L1orM25h0hoqaXWWjEfSaBj6zdkf7EDtZt_9cPyPAJ6vxZ3UzpZbf0paRfordeq0_1apx8NJ4uAsWWelXxvE/s1600/DSC_3519-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUHl9NhfEkiHzjYYlxVjJtnk-lb8bTF3Zs6YgvDpZ3spsKMA2sYe4zGv6L1orM25h0hoqaXWWjEfSaBj6zdkf7EDtZt_9cPyPAJ6vxZ3UzpZbf0paRfordeq0_1apx8NJ4uAsWWelXxvE/s640/DSC_3519-1.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This bin holds about 3/4 of the days wood. Not only is it functional, it is really sturdy and beautiful to look at. I love the rope handles.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG5cbKOE2eV1sGjifDykhGM6cFhvM6wlzv32D54WznK7HhlOQ-Bzvotf6BW1K-_IkwsnLElVnlg9ciRQ_qU-zDvRYROa1jouGfJco8XuD_6M627ld4i_T4VKHsqE_LlV6dpEhcPHo1Yjw/s1600/DSC_3524-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG5cbKOE2eV1sGjifDykhGM6cFhvM6wlzv32D54WznK7HhlOQ-Bzvotf6BW1K-_IkwsnLElVnlg9ciRQ_qU-zDvRYROa1jouGfJco8XuD_6M627ld4i_T4VKHsqE_LlV6dpEhcPHo1Yjw/s640/DSC_3524-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /><span style="font-size: large;">Beyond the wood at the wood pile, we also did a small stack right next to the house in case the weather gets really extreme and being outside for any extended period of time is unthinkable (in cases of a storm or temperatures of -50 to -80, which does happen).</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPO1JxlrknIUP6vRDgQj63o3IuSoigQ9zC1AfCj2Z4-Afn3sd7_NHqB8CpHkfbzWyl3LaFMJs1kjP6xRtvflcqXvrOlYAA4Pk_7PbfyNL-VuDTmo2Nsdz8Edw-9E1ty8Mv_86tsr_Fjpk/s1600/DSC_3535-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPO1JxlrknIUP6vRDgQj63o3IuSoigQ9zC1AfCj2Z4-Afn3sd7_NHqB8CpHkfbzWyl3LaFMJs1kjP6xRtvflcqXvrOlYAA4Pk_7PbfyNL-VuDTmo2Nsdz8Edw-9E1ty8Mv_86tsr_Fjpk/s640/DSC_3535-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWvyB39YMcix1h0sCc7Y5a0ndINdoMrUybE0CPOLgwTBa7rQM4jCpmqrHIEuKpj5gqVpC8Ld2PGbmyNJBiOO6xoDI4B6wRGCRVAUBsI_cbm7e8p9w5ba4ALJYd_hzRTA24EPs-sHDSqRA/s1600/DSC_3537-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWvyB39YMcix1h0sCc7Y5a0ndINdoMrUybE0CPOLgwTBa7rQM4jCpmqrHIEuKpj5gqVpC8Ld2PGbmyNJBiOO6xoDI4B6wRGCRVAUBsI_cbm7e8p9w5ba4ALJYd_hzRTA24EPs-sHDSqRA/s640/DSC_3537-1.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's snowy now and the shovels are getting well used, but we are loving the security of wood heat. It's cozy and warm and doesn't rely on any electricity.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK0dGbYxKRbLq9s4jCsLzMcFpJL1Wgk2lyC8XkSeV2ozueOX0tjjqyapFBXthBS58PvEah3t-F4VGASOQqJZhijS3JVchgEhXn2EDh8QM34SiepZnqMMSQbaG3FDlexz9CXik7c51DxbM/s1600/DSC_3552-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK0dGbYxKRbLq9s4jCsLzMcFpJL1Wgk2lyC8XkSeV2ozueOX0tjjqyapFBXthBS58PvEah3t-F4VGASOQqJZhijS3JVchgEhXn2EDh8QM34SiepZnqMMSQbaG3FDlexz9CXik7c51DxbM/s640/DSC_3552-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I can sit in my warm house and enjoy the beauty of the snow and small snippets of sunshine that we receive.</span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPO22dd5dMhTejtQFFL4CHUxHcelqo-pCbMbJEtUKk2PnLYm1JSPo5Qczedor3vYTORU1RTl28BPdtwdPMH01AstKReV8BqmlE6QES6KL1EF6VHLOFwJlPzxtnmyg3CgoNkYHcDb_uhR0/s1600/DSC_3555-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPO22dd5dMhTejtQFFL4CHUxHcelqo-pCbMbJEtUKk2PnLYm1JSPo5Qczedor3vYTORU1RTl28BPdtwdPMH01AstKReV8BqmlE6QES6KL1EF6VHLOFwJlPzxtnmyg3CgoNkYHcDb_uhR0/s640/DSC_3555-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFjv0C1qFav23CICEn-wwIuyRGSMTU032SfoKAnpFkgGJ3qK3cYZ1glf8-EaI0lH9tpLtfmmPD3FD2DDAtLqEK2lk8zvHPvbNyXAVQcOgVenCmgiN3cF8jDqu__S9fs7KGFykt5DUu8JM/s1600/DSC_3556-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFjv0C1qFav23CICEn-wwIuyRGSMTU032SfoKAnpFkgGJ3qK3cYZ1glf8-EaI0lH9tpLtfmmPD3FD2DDAtLqEK2lk8zvHPvbNyXAVQcOgVenCmgiN3cF8jDqu__S9fs7KGFykt5DUu8JM/s640/DSC_3556-1.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1aPsXgh05l76XuG9eXgvujE4kGanIxpwUdic0rbgj3v_Z9zO714oZP1UnMrsz1fpa2800XQZDopyo1g48zlBEafRSWIQyWgCgNtI8-RlMBfOFjVIJ3CLybxzzODVre6KYk1bNKmPLHbw/s1600/DSC_3559-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1aPsXgh05l76XuG9eXgvujE4kGanIxpwUdic0rbgj3v_Z9zO714oZP1UnMrsz1fpa2800XQZDopyo1g48zlBEafRSWIQyWgCgNtI8-RlMBfOFjVIJ3CLybxzzODVre6KYk1bNKmPLHbw/s640/DSC_3559-1.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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<br /><span style="font-size: large;">I can't believe Thanksgiving is nearly here! If I don't get back here for a Thanksgiving day post...Happy Thanksgiving!</span></div>
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<img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uLu5y-tmSBE/UCG8MyfR0BI/AAAAAAAAF60/3DYHpe6dRQU/s1600/signature.png" />Miranda @ Pressing Onhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10919836627194878839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4018816974230495141.post-45272721664103268472013-11-12T14:36:00.000-08:002013-11-12T22:48:41.459-08:00Quick Stenciled Wall<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I have a few favorite spaces in my house. The <a href="http://pressingon-miranda.blogspot.com/2012/07/office-reveal.html">office / guest room</a> is, of course, one of them. The other area isn't a full space, but merely one I pass by many times a day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The whole hallway had bothered me due to it's boring nature. To change it, I tackled it in small sections. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">First: <a href="http://pressingon-miranda.blogspot.com/2011/07/happy-independence-day.html">Crib Spring Inspiration</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Second: <a href="http://pressingon-miranda.blogspot.com/2011/12/fun-wall-organizationinspired.html">Chalkboard Wall</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Third: <a href="http://pressingon-miranda.blogspot.com/2012/01/happy-gallery-wall.html">Fun Gallery Wall</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And finally, a little bit of stenciling for huge impact. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Before:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkORG0-5kjQcpvEYtb0KeR6qOqvG21YPfNz73n8EbaQA_3AFMpi53mgYEKkdfU6nm8wEw9JTdZg4j6DRMpouEXjqy0TFYYuLOkTZ1f4WSUFaDVwyN2F80ag1dW5fk8TUwzHrHpp19kXzA/s1600/DSC_8906-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkORG0-5kjQcpvEYtb0KeR6qOqvG21YPfNz73n8EbaQA_3AFMpi53mgYEKkdfU6nm8wEw9JTdZg4j6DRMpouEXjqy0TFYYuLOkTZ1f4WSUFaDVwyN2F80ag1dW5fk8TUwzHrHpp19kXzA/s640/DSC_8906-1.jpg" width="424" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOCREDMBB63BkLDN4wc8KDSHLJ6HaiP2DjLMmu_tu3dAVz1MlYDKpOWUpyuqHWZHq8rsC3wgFMcodmjO7z2vqC12ZLULScKF9ER79FrXkTaWLnjpCIc3LOclBKVtdH3KQr-zARCV7s6QM/s1600/DSC_8910-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOCREDMBB63BkLDN4wc8KDSHLJ6HaiP2DjLMmu_tu3dAVz1MlYDKpOWUpyuqHWZHq8rsC3wgFMcodmjO7z2vqC12ZLULScKF9ER79FrXkTaWLnjpCIc3LOclBKVtdH3KQr-zARCV7s6QM/s640/DSC_8910-1.jpg" width="424" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Could it look any more boring?. I had these frames hanging on the wall for 6 months while I waited for my sister and sister in law to send photos of their families<span style="color: #0000ee;">. <span style="color: #0000ee;">T</span></span>hey never came, haha. I could no longer handle the unfinished imperfection.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">All it took was my stencil from <a href="http://www.royaldesignstudio.com/products/casablanca-trellis-moroccan-stencil">Royal Designs Studio</a>. I've used it before on an <a href="http://pressingon-miranda.blogspot.com/2012/05/dip-dyed-and-stenciled-side-table.html">old tv tray redo</a> and also in my <a href="http://pressingon-miranda.blogspot.com/2012/08/my-stenciled-closet-makes-me-smile.html">guest room closet.</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">After:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPfVTQSzzXD4s2wHVk4GoHiREJqYno6ChQW37vVbJdXEr0-MX2H8GzmteCdfn6tt3R5-tIsxiNMW1juJuo_sMYPJxYYLQaCyYPF7KK0VAdMHYjZuz-j-yCM-XvwvKONTVSszc8asfJBCE/s1600/DSC_8912-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPfVTQSzzXD4s2wHVk4GoHiREJqYno6ChQW37vVbJdXEr0-MX2H8GzmteCdfn6tt3R5-tIsxiNMW1juJuo_sMYPJxYYLQaCyYPF7KK0VAdMHYjZuz-j-yCM-XvwvKONTVSszc8asfJBCE/s640/DSC_8912-1.jpg" width="424" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcrIM0n_oJp6Si1HYWRsU1DJ5sy9EXz4H1fMKr5xOZhFQ4GJrsd5KPF2alLImbNll_y8TAmBm0RO7Lbvt3By5cDR_wsTCydx-Ch_dFeAAQBuflcqBrFmJuI2TnlNA8irpdSMNhllJju-8/s1600/DSC_8914-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcrIM0n_oJp6Si1HYWRsU1DJ5sy9EXz4H1fMKr5xOZhFQ4GJrsd5KPF2alLImbNll_y8TAmBm0RO7Lbvt3By5cDR_wsTCydx-Ch_dFeAAQBuflcqBrFmJuI2TnlNA8irpdSMNhllJju-8/s640/DSC_8914-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">The whole wall only took me about an hour to do.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What a beautiful difference! I found a beautiful mirror at our local BX for only $40. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh76a6Hs3GYPjZIv2ffj3WOcgtDKjKbcGiICs0HKPdE4HyUlhjj02p7sFNo2Uy_MgCHxfhrggIEWYjrhufa8sbpTi6imUGdR8Sp8o71tc-Ouz8XBsLt7s2MxqUWvkk7E0wHBl1PgkQFFhk/s1600/IMG_2154-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh76a6Hs3GYPjZIv2ffj3WOcgtDKjKbcGiICs0HKPdE4HyUlhjj02p7sFNo2Uy_MgCHxfhrggIEWYjrhufa8sbpTi6imUGdR8Sp8o71tc-Ouz8XBsLt7s2MxqUWvkk7E0wHBl1PgkQFFhk/s640/IMG_2154-1.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The area still didn't look quite complete, so I opted to create my own art. I purchased a 2 pack of 12x12 canvases from Joanns with a coupon. I am really into green right now, so I painted the background with a blend of acrylic paint colors. I made a stencil from a link I found online. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIAebkHEJtbdAIvjM9dIq_-Dz4JBfQvIyZfkPqzgnu48TVHH2vHkuKiKTOcNhrnPev12lrbiclDo73QXlEQfIvYUO0bvDrQ3MT06WgkrVcXnOTHBUJpaMl3c77stVB36T9vJEhcz-zNY8/s1600/IMG_2153-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIAebkHEJtbdAIvjM9dIq_-Dz4JBfQvIyZfkPqzgnu48TVHH2vHkuKiKTOcNhrnPev12lrbiclDo73QXlEQfIvYUO0bvDrQ3MT06WgkrVcXnOTHBUJpaMl3c77stVB36T9vJEhcz-zNY8/s640/IMG_2153-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I used one canvas to cover up the filter/air control panel <span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">(our houses are necessarily airtight here in Alaska, but that tightness requires some fancy air systems)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJIlaCQs7llHO5Km7mHROkf1euPpo79SabwGH0gDkdjBZ9Sg-XDU3X1njalNmVnJUtURDdM7AJPQsLIpGsHRqL0hNJa3-WCblXw08Jl0lLqzyihLvuAQfasQEcoGYSfGd_Z_P8LBOLhTA/s1600/IMG_2151-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJIlaCQs7llHO5Km7mHROkf1euPpo79SabwGH0gDkdjBZ9Sg-XDU3X1njalNmVnJUtURDdM7AJPQsLIpGsHRqL0hNJa3-WCblXw08Jl0lLqzyihLvuAQfasQEcoGYSfGd_Z_P8LBOLhTA/s640/IMG_2151-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcntFbnG8I4geGoTQJvWNM0S0nr3TOWDtAvYkCRhGDxxb5NXvgsEGgn3T9vFoM7Wcm4na6y7NrrOScw0vJEPkZFmpub7w8BWM8NDynmfC8mOk8rjJmrf9O2YNX6RU1YcO7sxGrek54JLM/s1600/IMG_2152-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcntFbnG8I4geGoTQJvWNM0S0nr3TOWDtAvYkCRhGDxxb5NXvgsEGgn3T9vFoM7Wcm4na6y7NrrOScw0vJEPkZFmpub7w8BWM8NDynmfC8mOk8rjJmrf9O2YNX6RU1YcO7sxGrek54JLM/s640/IMG_2152-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I love how the area looks now. It has a peaceful elegance.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpU2WVwCu3r37vLHkamXKZ195fnpgC-kW0SfC4zl8v3cWDRTQqnF2r-rrFrlctMNMETC4ULjaLGzEV5Yb4BD8HYSzL-aWLLuK91WRyQtg_BH2ORZMsDzVqhiNkj8vtjPJGhF41Xrqi0CQ/s1600/IMG_2147-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpU2WVwCu3r37vLHkamXKZ195fnpgC-kW0SfC4zl8v3cWDRTQqnF2r-rrFrlctMNMETC4ULjaLGzEV5Yb4BD8HYSzL-aWLLuK91WRyQtg_BH2ORZMsDzVqhiNkj8vtjPJGhF41Xrqi0CQ/s640/IMG_2147-1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXnkgJEaxxwIXTkMDIKBlBInE6VwYOg-ZL3sYkkb-roCQLCwht1AUIEgrOCRq-25F1He4-pCYq3VG3hHJULKKZy3HAf-E5eee2VCeD7skTpRllHyxRF2s8QNFGdsTqs7_UiHGabK0nnpw/s1600/IMG_2149-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXnkgJEaxxwIXTkMDIKBlBInE6VwYOg-ZL3sYkkb-roCQLCwht1AUIEgrOCRq-25F1He4-pCYq3VG3hHJULKKZy3HAf-E5eee2VCeD7skTpRllHyxRF2s8QNFGdsTqs7_UiHGabK0nnpw/s640/IMG_2149-1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzf05PfZTCTJPDSF-PcWxn8zOzd7eylyGmgshN_y_o0kyogifUeRBQe_7QpU8-qG_KUOguIVio8i6QcZEOdsNw9SZ9xRoxiD7LERHrKH3C6gXpNUnqb7kC3FFywTldMvVaXPYh1qfe5nE/s1600/IMG_2150-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzf05PfZTCTJPDSF-PcWxn8zOzd7eylyGmgshN_y_o0kyogifUeRBQe_7QpU8-qG_KUOguIVio8i6QcZEOdsNw9SZ9xRoxiD7LERHrKH3C6gXpNUnqb7kC3FFywTldMvVaXPYh1qfe5nE/s640/IMG_2150-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Do you love it as much as I do?<br />
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These pics don't do it justice since there isn't good light here and it's hard to get far enough away to get a good shot.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwi16zwWDCCxSGEN6ZWie7eccQ_mAdaE1bvFmKbaPzjot32lwIj1ScNJ70qJ1KVZuF-1DEasdao7MHr74t7-uwSf_voTcgTDyU8SAuICrEpGXDShABeQNRr18_d62oDpySeF0UP2YZ-jQ/s1600/IMG_2144-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwi16zwWDCCxSGEN6ZWie7eccQ_mAdaE1bvFmKbaPzjot32lwIj1ScNJ70qJ1KVZuF-1DEasdao7MHr74t7-uwSf_voTcgTDyU8SAuICrEpGXDShABeQNRr18_d62oDpySeF0UP2YZ-jQ/s640/IMG_2144-1.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqewE4rCmmj2_MXQgQGuA_j8gvDAnhNZGCJ4Vv6wxM3BA_MK2vmTLt2S354mTnJNKRUurMbYXKYpV2ZRwzg4q-JS-AymIdou9kJeNZ87QhmWF5XwpGV7B_06w6wPIrKy1l2PXKUdVawU0/s1600/IMG_2155-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqewE4rCmmj2_MXQgQGuA_j8gvDAnhNZGCJ4Vv6wxM3BA_MK2vmTLt2S354mTnJNKRUurMbYXKYpV2ZRwzg4q-JS-AymIdou9kJeNZ87QhmWF5XwpGV7B_06w6wPIrKy1l2PXKUdVawU0/s640/IMG_2155-1.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> If you haven't used a stencil before, I highly recommend it!</span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm always amazed how the little touches can make such a huge impact; not only in my home, but in my spirit.</span><br />
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<img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uLu5y-tmSBE/UCG8MyfR0BI/AAAAAAAAF60/3DYHpe6dRQU/s1600/signature.png" />Miranda @ Pressing Onhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10919836627194878839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4018816974230495141.post-72637746180406369212013-11-03T17:33:00.002-08:002013-11-04T23:59:40.824-08:00Spiritual Leadership<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">A little honesty for you this Sunday. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I struggle with being able to "do it all" every day. I have days where I feel successful and other days that I feel I'm a complete failure.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This article by <a href="http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2012/06/01/10-areas-of-motherhood-where-i-fail-where-do-you-fail/#.Unbya-L3woM" rel="author external" title="Visit Kate Tietje’s website">Kate Tietje</a> really resonated with me. One of the areas I feel inordinately inadequate is as a spiritual leader in my home. My husband is so good about talking with the kids before bed at night and I know that's where a lot of their spiritual education is coming from, but I'm the one that's home with them all day and I should be providing more guidance. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We've been really inconsistent this summer about getting to church on Sundays. Even the kids noticed. A few weeks ago my 5 year old, Ephraim, said "Mommy, I want to go to church more so I can learn more about God!". <i>Humbling</i>. There is no dragging these kids to church...they want to go. It's their parents who have been lazy and inattentive.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Dave took the kids to church on his own last week while I stayed home with 2 sick little ones. This weekend, he is working, so I took all of them myself. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our church offers communion every week and when the time comes, you take whatever time you need and consume the cracker piece and small cup of juice at your own pace. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I leaned over to Ephraim on my left and said "Be careful not to spill" and he replies "I know. I know what this is for. This is for his body and this one is for his blood". <i>I'm humbled</i>. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Then I looked to my right, and see my 3 older kids holding their sacrament items, heads bowed or eyes closed in diligent prayer. Prayers initiated on their own. I am again <i>mightily humbled</i>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://cdn.blogs.fredericksburg.com/aboutfaith/files/2010/08/art-communion_hands1.jpg&imgrefurl=http://news.fredericksburg.com/aboutfaith/2010/08/24/communion-in-140-characters/&h=468&w=565&sz=72&tbnid=cdK6Qf1IbzhY4M:&tbnh=123&tbnw=148&zoom=1&usg=__DvDtM3VTOZsmKgINhg9s-hXVj3I=&docid=T25uNySEk3eXqM&sa=X&ei=vPh2UoLTHKT8iwKx5oDAAw&ved=0CEYQ9QEwCg"><img alt="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://cdn.blogs.fredericksburg.com/aboutfaith/files/2010/08/art-communion_hands1.jpg&imgrefurl=http://news.fredericksburg.com/aboutfaith/2010/08/24/communion-in-140-characters/&h=468&w=565&sz=72&tbnid=cdK6Qf1IbzhY4M:&tbnh=123&tbnw=148&zoom=1&usg=__DvDtM3VTOZsmKgINhg9s-hXVj3I=&docid=T25uNySEk3eXqM&sa=X&ei=vPh2UoLTHKT8iwKx5oDAAw&ved=0CEYQ9QEwCg" height="331" id="irc_mi" src="http://cdn.blogs.fredericksburg.com/aboutfaith/files/2010/08/art-communion_hands1.jpg" style="margin-top: 36px;" width="400" /></a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://cdn.blogs.fredericksburg.com/aboutfaith/files/2010/08/art-communion_hands1.jpg&imgrefurl=http://news.fredericksburg.com/aboutfaith/2010/08/24/communion-in-140-characters/&h=468&w=565&sz=72&tbnid=cdK6Qf1IbzhY4M:&tbnh=123&tbnw=148&zoom=1&usg=__DvDtM3VTOZsmKgINhg9s-hXVj3I=&docid=T25uNySEk3eXqM&sa=X&ei=vPh2UoLTHKT8iwKx5oDAAw&ved=0CEYQ9QEwCg"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source</span></a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You see, no matter my inadequacies, God can take all that I have and make it into something valuable and eternal. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It brings to mind this verse: </span><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/ephesians/3-20.htm">"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us" <span style="font-size: small;">Ephesians 3:20 NIV</span></a></span></i></div>
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<img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uLu5y-tmSBE/UCG8MyfR0BI/AAAAAAAAF60/3DYHpe6dRQU/s1600/signature.png" />Miranda @ Pressing Onhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10919836627194878839noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4018816974230495141.post-54027055536207443722013-11-03T01:09:00.003-07:002013-11-03T01:09:52.298-07:00Fall decor<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We've had an extended fall season here in Alaska. With record breaking high temperatures and no snow, it's almost been like living in the lower 48!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This was taken just last week (when there is usually a foot of snow already on the ground). One of the last leaves on my lilac bush...poor thing was hanging on as long as it could. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfsChl98W0vLSi9Bz6dcCBcL236Rz7kskALl7nN3X-8xK43PRBfZ2JFBy8dkd0OdRYBRuSlaUvIXGx5i48Y_J6PREYLLEmSDVKZmyITHx7L07BpvAMzWhLK4g4dGnEdVZcQ6TlcuXv5B0/s1600/IMG_2165-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfsChl98W0vLSi9Bz6dcCBcL236Rz7kskALl7nN3X-8xK43PRBfZ2JFBy8dkd0OdRYBRuSlaUvIXGx5i48Y_J6PREYLLEmSDVKZmyITHx7L07BpvAMzWhLK4g4dGnEdVZcQ6TlcuXv5B0/s640/IMG_2165-1.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It finally snowed Halloween night and I think it's here to stay. The trees are dusted with the white stuff and we're starting to get some accumulation on the ground. While the fall was nice, the snow is necessary for us to insulate the ground before our sub-zero temps arrive...no one likes frozen pipes at -40 degrees. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I still have to get out there and take some pics of our winter wonderland, but for now, I'll share my new fall wreaths I've found in the last couple of weeks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My front door really needed a pick me up and this wreath is one that will take me all the way into Christmas. I found it at Joanns in their Christmas area. It's not overly themed, so it will work just fine for Thanksgiving (especially when I add a little thankful sign).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk3spn9yJ-LCOlfztC5X28F3zxgPzgxZc1M30S6m2FRV-iXug3BcnyTf7fvrEn2Arh17mbIgF0ZErQj2tEmmgRWso-ppze5Eb5hhiH1UCP37tU573U0W7QZPl4781y729WbN3ISvP6PIA/s1600/IMG_2167-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk3spn9yJ-LCOlfztC5X28F3zxgPzgxZc1M30S6m2FRV-iXug3BcnyTf7fvrEn2Arh17mbIgF0ZErQj2tEmmgRWso-ppze5Eb5hhiH1UCP37tU573U0W7QZPl4781y729WbN3ISvP6PIA/s640/IMG_2167-1.jpg" width="480" /> </a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span> </span><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I got the new welcome mat on clearance at Target on our quick trip to Anchorage. I love the color, since it reminds me a bit of the ice-toned sky in the winter.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhanQ9ER5DSxMv0inriQjUcpaIRMlt73hodX5qo28nMxJHUZ4ipoqtyEs7ejoKNqfqavhu69swCZq5eSmTnOBn677jpZ9Ssh6_6328wkX995RAA2v2F9dagIeVbdRoj7jvyNKpj9abLSlk/s1600/IMG_2169-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhanQ9ER5DSxMv0inriQjUcpaIRMlt73hodX5qo28nMxJHUZ4ipoqtyEs7ejoKNqfqavhu69swCZq5eSmTnOBn677jpZ9Ssh6_6328wkX995RAA2v2F9dagIeVbdRoj7jvyNKpj9abLSlk/s640/IMG_2169-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The entry is prepared as well as it can be for winter</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Ks7RZsqGow5XMbvGIu-lgGwj-l5lEzwPPjQXziSzDoG_YB3xmhBvSevHiY4gpKKHGVqCxeYCqvhk0MkCNS6lQdI89XymC_Zh_rXtxSGajL6PbrjWvi9nL53upJrYBNt2gudrVDiSXio/s1600/IMG_2166-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Ks7RZsqGow5XMbvGIu-lgGwj-l5lEzwPPjQXziSzDoG_YB3xmhBvSevHiY4gpKKHGVqCxeYCqvhk0MkCNS6lQdI89XymC_Zh_rXtxSGajL6PbrjWvi9nL53upJrYBNt2gudrVDiSXio/s640/IMG_2166-1.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The other wreath I found was at Michaels in their clearance area. I couldn't believe my good luck! I didn't even have a spot for it, but with that "R" on there, I knew it was meant for the Roller household.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvzucdWaaBYbqz6IeMJDgbFu-sCw43EahpdnPNMw72tBOTuoz1rt7Qkn59_r56dVw1qtckSIkldBXdqZqKnJQ5b2Ad5_MDhi5vleiB7iUIfwMoavFH7x22MFrK7aJqEzrcPDBa5kxLnVo/s1600/IMG_2164-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvzucdWaaBYbqz6IeMJDgbFu-sCw43EahpdnPNMw72tBOTuoz1rt7Qkn59_r56dVw1qtckSIkldBXdqZqKnJQ5b2Ad5_MDhi5vleiB7iUIfwMoavFH7x22MFrK7aJqEzrcPDBa5kxLnVo/s640/IMG_2164-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Whoever designed this wreath for their store did an amazing job. I love the colors and mix of materials. It's really well done.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi649r_OQzh0Eg7OtAtFCLJ_nVZNiyJ3JavKShdjvZ2XGAIXcmT2hyphenhyphenPSYjolMTViEOHhPDKp9OwXvcfdlGa1xNceSbgJD6UvDlgx0vvpbUw8kS82_28RNxFJWClmIztKyckG63ZalmjjRM/s1600/IMG_2163-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi649r_OQzh0Eg7OtAtFCLJ_nVZNiyJ3JavKShdjvZ2XGAIXcmT2hyphenhyphenPSYjolMTViEOHhPDKp9OwXvcfdlGa1xNceSbgJD6UvDlgx0vvpbUw8kS82_28RNxFJWClmIztKyckG63ZalmjjRM/s640/IMG_2163-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">And look at the price!!!! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheAorW7m7gy2T6CH2a0Dzid_MXgihErwAF6BG9_f_D2txZTZNw8aFjROAZ-qWI8zXoieUaG9jDK72ZMYwiI4kqRl4mWs5Cfz4L37LudRcDHAT0d4638PjvNAonBPAzK84LsFLTSqwSohw/s1600/IMG_2161-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheAorW7m7gy2T6CH2a0Dzid_MXgihErwAF6BG9_f_D2txZTZNw8aFjROAZ-qWI8zXoieUaG9jDK72ZMYwiI4kqRl4mWs5Cfz4L37LudRcDHAT0d4638PjvNAonBPAzK84LsFLTSqwSohw/s640/IMG_2161-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">After leaving it sitting for a few days on my buffet, I realized it would be perfect hanging above the mirror!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH1lb5P6S7r10A4g3DAHmd4zZ0hY7kaVAxiENO1ZjvrWNH8TDDdru0Y1K5zN0cPGGAS3SF8pq9wmD6msB2QAH2-ScXKIADNE0AKTBRg-NOmG843hgBlYk7hG1-X8yIxIVkVFF9wc-JSKc/s1600/DSC_3489-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH1lb5P6S7r10A4g3DAHmd4zZ0hY7kaVAxiENO1ZjvrWNH8TDDdru0Y1K5zN0cPGGAS3SF8pq9wmD6msB2QAH2-ScXKIADNE0AKTBRg-NOmG843hgBlYk7hG1-X8yIxIVkVFF9wc-JSKc/s640/DSC_3489-1.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3IeYJtMpELcCAHSFgOfSqdDeBvX9f5S-uQZmEY2_cu8YTpgBVcIklf1yyyQhe_3rykryrBXWLRsNAvuPBqaQW1m0UoJVKmR2QFQ0ztBL-K0sbUJWTSab-W2c-gvmM009t-iLaeveJ0Yc/s1600/DSC_3491-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3IeYJtMpELcCAHSFgOfSqdDeBvX9f5S-uQZmEY2_cu8YTpgBVcIklf1yyyQhe_3rykryrBXWLRsNAvuPBqaQW1m0UoJVKmR2QFQ0ztBL-K0sbUJWTSab-W2c-gvmM009t-iLaeveJ0Yc/s640/DSC_3491-1.jpg" width="424" /></a></span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdbwtcKrD2uVKZNtpet1uBP2AVh0Lun2OKWcoTNp61eJldbrhK3OGy7XnIEkq_Jv-FIibYCX4AVuN8NXx_E9GOkFWZaeJVvCCONFnjquPS4aSPYiP5YBr9z9h_VF5_KkmtJk6NEh5S0UQ/s1600/DSC_3495-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdbwtcKrD2uVKZNtpet1uBP2AVh0Lun2OKWcoTNp61eJldbrhK3OGy7XnIEkq_Jv-FIibYCX4AVuN8NXx_E9GOkFWZaeJVvCCONFnjquPS4aSPYiP5YBr9z9h_VF5_KkmtJk6NEh5S0UQ/s640/DSC_3495-1.jpg" width="468" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">For the rest of the buffet decor, I keep it pretty simple. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFAyjbxkD0b3L2bTD3R-gAYFhtg-DMHntIICVFrMH8MA_mo01AbCmeZPDP-yh3OEL04qqonvzQc6faPNmG10I87BuVeLhw_YSgf5YgFr4V_0d0dsFHsBoc7X64bpK1yvOikCqVcnl_YqU/s1600/DSC_3508-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFAyjbxkD0b3L2bTD3R-gAYFhtg-DMHntIICVFrMH8MA_mo01AbCmeZPDP-yh3OEL04qqonvzQc6faPNmG10I87BuVeLhw_YSgf5YgFr4V_0d0dsFHsBoc7X64bpK1yvOikCqVcnl_YqU/s640/DSC_3508-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></span> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I love the character this sweet glass bird gives. The runner is a simple scarf from American Eagle. I buy scarves on clearance in my favorite clothing stores and use them this way (since I can't stand actually wearing them). </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLcKZsBSJVzaiiuXpor4F3FMxEiqd5my1WF0ZAPKv1Pj1r34y6x2fzmsJxJtmPAtnEBmX5RqR092s3mgEl8LyZhjFl5eQJFXWm-PibXNRHaHk0BC6PGq2DMVoGly8WhIgaAVBXMmChIWI/s1600/DSC_3507-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLcKZsBSJVzaiiuXpor4F3FMxEiqd5my1WF0ZAPKv1Pj1r34y6x2fzmsJxJtmPAtnEBmX5RqR092s3mgEl8LyZhjFl5eQJFXWm-PibXNRHaHk0BC6PGq2DMVoGly8WhIgaAVBXMmChIWI/s640/DSC_3507-1.jpg" width="424" /></a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Our only pet, the beta fish "Louis" fits this space just fine. He's a very well behaved fish ♥</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNM5c9LDa9Quhb43qtAgjiDojVds0z4TrJ8vAJbdy4X1s76LyqTlOhRbHUaL0aqXUHr5oHsWLfSREdb9TKy72I6RJ3JzLgp2wH5odRFbTTBqOyTWd61LOPX9dx_7-2saY7LVbNw_Zu8_o/s1600/DSC_3499-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNM5c9LDa9Quhb43qtAgjiDojVds0z4TrJ8vAJbdy4X1s76LyqTlOhRbHUaL0aqXUHr5oHsWLfSREdb9TKy72I6RJ3JzLgp2wH5odRFbTTBqOyTWd61LOPX9dx_7-2saY7LVbNw_Zu8_o/s640/DSC_3499-1.jpg" width="424" /></a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> I'm really happy with how the wreath looks. It adds a little color without being overpowering. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoFVgxfgeoBjl7WENJxmweDE15FVCpcCPwtwyUC2MLlSfJiNIKgmUntT0IuLZQBzKc2-l0_-jUOAnt_uUbh_mOY06Spi8vech7BOCoGTVBWRyFFYcYBKUptq-nFTdV2CEro7ovVhc9bGo/s1600/DSC_3508-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoFVgxfgeoBjl7WENJxmweDE15FVCpcCPwtwyUC2MLlSfJiNIKgmUntT0IuLZQBzKc2-l0_-jUOAnt_uUbh_mOY06Spi8vech7BOCoGTVBWRyFFYcYBKUptq-nFTdV2CEro7ovVhc9bGo/s640/DSC_3508-1.jpg" width="424" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I can't wait to show you our huge wood stack! That post is coming soon. We've all been hard at work getting ready for the winter and I think we're ready. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Have a great weekend everyone! </span><br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
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<br />
<img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uLu5y-tmSBE/UCG8MyfR0BI/AAAAAAAAF60/3DYHpe6dRQU/s1600/signature.png" />Miranda @ Pressing Onhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10919836627194878839noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4018816974230495141.post-58195735982831793842013-10-21T12:38:00.002-07:002013-10-21T20:56:48.571-07:00Moments of Clarity<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Every once in a while, there are moments that give your life clarity. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm no different than anyone else when it comes to doubts about my decisions regarding parenting and lifestyle choices. We live unconventionally here in our home, and while I love it, sometimes glimpses of others' more mainstream methods make me question myself.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Isaac turned 8 on Saturday. We had a great time at our local Children's Museum playing with friends and then we came home and had pizza for dinner.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Late that night I heard a sobbing sound as Isaac made his way into my room to tell me that he's sad his birthday is over. He was heartbroken...uncharacteristically so.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Lydia (2 1/2) was in bed with me and she sat up with concern. "It's okay, Isaac". But that wasn't good enough for her. She got out of bed and went around to the other side where he was. She hugged his leg "Oh, Isaac crying?" "It's okay, Isaac, it's okay" while patting him. Over and over. Her love and concern for him was apparent as she took on the nurturing role of an older sibling. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">My heart swelled with joy. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>It was just one of those MOMENTS OF CLARITY.</i> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We're doing something right. Lydia knows how to comfort because she sees it modeled. Her siblings' emotions take precedence over hers because that's what she experiences herself. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm sure we'll get plenty of things wrong as we're raising our kids, but if they come out of this process practicing compassion, love and selflessness, we've succeeded. </span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhosY3noApM1LPIpy3ysVkimH4CwmrlBAYdeeA6jUkJHGMqxKEMlRFuZu9uVmh2P0s4s81sUhU3Q_ODFWxksJI2CPbCJhLFEyVcmMsgYxe5zZYvpjEbX1CiRX9rLTSSBVmZe6BFKf8pJSg/s1600/IMG_2158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhosY3noApM1LPIpy3ysVkimH4CwmrlBAYdeeA6jUkJHGMqxKEMlRFuZu9uVmh2P0s4s81sUhU3Q_ODFWxksJI2CPbCJhLFEyVcmMsgYxe5zZYvpjEbX1CiRX9rLTSSBVmZe6BFKf8pJSg/s640/IMG_2158.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Life is about RELATIONSHIPS. Relationship with God, family and those around you...that is truly living. That is how you change the world around you; by touching other people hearts and lives, which in turn nurtures your own soul.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Moments</i> when I see their sweet faces look like this. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhANlunZ7CEINhOspZak2hCsX4GtYg-Q7sF4Zpk9uUwyy-mMfiT2o_BRwyXQqOge5SfX4cdaUmShaKezLgZy7PH4cJ1kJv0AoGoHlQ1mXTU1XhWuunQOMnnB7b6uzwthc67R_0wA_LAVCc/s1600/IMG_2160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhANlunZ7CEINhOspZak2hCsX4GtYg-Q7sF4Zpk9uUwyy-mMfiT2o_BRwyXQqOge5SfX4cdaUmShaKezLgZy7PH4cJ1kJv0AoGoHlQ1mXTU1XhWuunQOMnnB7b6uzwthc67R_0wA_LAVCc/s640/IMG_2160.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">They are why I'm here in this moment and time. Joy is mine.</span></div>
<img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uLu5y-tmSBE/UCG8MyfR0BI/AAAAAAAAF60/3DYHpe6dRQU/s1600/signature.png" />Miranda @ Pressing Onhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10919836627194878839noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4018816974230495141.post-31990007118574189012013-10-06T22:10:00.003-07:002013-10-06T22:11:38.950-07:00Stranded ~ A Book Review<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I have another book to review for you. It's called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Stranded-Alaskan-Courage-Dani-Pettrey/dp/0764209841/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1381121073&sr=1-5&keywords=stranded" target="_blank">Stranded</a> and is the third book in the series <i>Alaskan Courage</i> by Dani Pettrey.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I reviewed the first in the series <u><a href="http://pressingon-miranda.blogspot.com/2012/07/submerged-book-review.html" target="_blank">here </a> </u>and the read the second book on my own. I was very pleased to get the chance to review Stranded. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><img alt="http://assets.bakerpublishinggroup.com/processed/books/covers/original/9780764209840.jpg?1373399470" class="shrinkToFit" height="596" src="http://assets.bakerpublishinggroup.com/processed/books/covers/original/9780764209840.jpg?1373399470" width="384" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Synopsis:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Darcy St. James returns to Alaska to join a journalist friend undercover
on the trail of a big story. But when Darcy arrives, she finds her
friend has disappeared. Troubled by the cruise ship's vague explanation,
Darcy uses her cover as a travel reporter to investigate further. <br />
<br />
The
last person Gage McKenna expects to see during his summer aboard a
cruise ship leading adventure excursions is Darcy. And in typical Darcy
fashion, she's digging up more trouble. <br />
<br />
He'd love to just forget
her--but something won't let him. And he can't help but worry about her
as they are heading into more remote regions of Alaska and eventually
into foreign waters. Something sinister is going on, and the deeper they
push, the more Gage fears they've only discovered the tip of the
iceberg.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">My Review:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">It was like getting together with old friends when I started reading Stranded. I have become so interested in the McKenna family that I look forward to each book coming out. The fact that it's set it Alaska makes it all the more special to me.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Though I really loved the first 2 books in this series, I would say <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Stranded-Alaskan-Courage-Dani-Pettrey/dp/0764209841/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1381121073&sr=1-5&keywords=stranded" target="_blank">Stranded</a> is my least favorite. That's not to say it's not a good book, but it wasn't as outstanding as the first 2 books. Darcy and Gage can both be very frustrating characters, being super stubborn and hard headed. That said, I would still recommend this book as worth your time. </span></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Darcy gets in over her head on this investigative assignment and sometimes takes big risks to try and get the information she needs. I suppose the personality of all reporters is to be tenacious (I see annoying and obvious), so Darcy's way of getting to the truth was to ask a lot of repetitive questions, which got her into trouble. I liked Darcy personally when she wasn't playing reporter, so that was very different for me. Gage McKenna is a man who's been hurt and has put up many walls. Darcy is just the determined woman to break them down. He resists at nearly every turn, but I think he is a man worthy of the effort. </span></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I enjoyed how the author brings the previous McKenna characters into each story and keeps us updated on what's going on with them. I don't want to give away the end of the book, but I do want to applaud Dani Pettrey for tackling such a sensitive and serious subject. The outcome of the investigation was sobering, but rewarding. <br /> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I look forward to reading what I will assume to be one or two more books in this series.</span></div>
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<u><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span>In exchange for my honest review, I received a copy of the book from <a href="http://cts.vresp.com/c/?BethanyHousePublishe/c4e242b729/a243872c87/28a10c001d" target="_blank">Bethany House</a></u></div>
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<img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uLu5y-tmSBE/UCG8MyfR0BI/AAAAAAAAF60/3DYHpe6dRQU/s1600/signature.png" />Miranda @ Pressing Onhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10919836627194878839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4018816974230495141.post-766263689326733312013-10-06T21:34:00.000-07:002013-10-06T21:35:42.143-07:00The Miner's Lady ~ A Book Review<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">You probably know from my other book reviews that I love Tracie Peterson. I absolutely adore her writing and I think her covers are beautifully done. This review is for The Miner's Lady.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><a href="http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/the-miner-s-lady/289033" target="_blank"><img alt="http://assets.bakerpublishinggroup.com/processed/books/covers/original/9781441262691.jpg?1375417295" class="shrinkToFit decoded" height="640" src="http://assets.bakerpublishinggroup.com/processed/books/covers/original/9781441262691.jpg?1375417295" width="414" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Synopsis:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
When Chantel Panetta's younger sister claims to be in love with Orlando
Calarco, Chantel knows there is no hope. The Panettas and Calarcos have
been sworn enemies for decades, and young love cannot heal the deep
wounds between the two iron-mining families. Yet, unable to resist
Isabella's pleas, Chantel agrees to help her sister spend time with
Orlando...only to have a run-in with Dante, Orlando's brother.<br />
<br />
Chantel
can't deny the attraction that flares when she's with Dante. But when a
tragedy occurs at the mine, is there any hope that the hatred that has
simmered between these two families might be resolved? Or will Chantel
and Isabella's hope for love be buried amidst decades of
misunderstanding?</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My Review: </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I really loved this book, as I have each and every one of Tracie Peterson's books. Her writing </span>is exceptionally done. The information is well researched and I never cease to learn new things about a culture or way of life during the time period she's writing about. </div>
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I haven't read the other 2 books in the Land of Shining Water Series and I don't feel that it was necessary to do so in order to read this one, which is the third in the series. I do plan to go back and read the earlier ones for sure though. </div>
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Almost all of the characters in the book are relatable and likeable. I particularly like Chantel and her family. They are a loving family who cares for each other with compassion through difficult circumstances and trauma. The parents are supportive of their daughters and new experiences even as they embrace their Italian traditions with their whole heart. The food aspect of the book was so detailed, it made my mouth water for authentic Italian cooking and baking! </div>
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Dante and his Father have a long ways to go to accept the new ideas, as their hearts are pretty hard and use tradition as a way of controlling others. I adored Dante's grandmother. She was delightful. </div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
Dante and Chantel's relationship feels authentic and I was really rooting for them all the way though the book. The description of the cultural traditions performed at a wedding ceremony were heartwarming and made me desire to have that same sort of community embrace for my own marriage. It was really very special. </div>
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I warmly recommend <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Miners-Lady-Land-Shining-Water/dp/0764206214/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1381120252&sr=8-1&keywords=the+miners+lady" target="_blank">The Miner's Lady</a> as a worthy read...especially perfect to cuddle up with on a cold winter day.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span>In exchange for my honest review, I received a copy of the book from <a href="http://cts.vresp.com/c/?BethanyHousePublishe/c4e242b729/a243872c87/28a10c001d" target="_blank">Bethany House</a></u></div>
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<img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uLu5y-tmSBE/UCG8MyfR0BI/AAAAAAAAF60/3DYHpe6dRQU/s1600/signature.png" />Miranda @ Pressing Onhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10919836627194878839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4018816974230495141.post-4440591233005385352013-09-29T14:37:00.001-07:002013-09-29T14:41:45.090-07:00Quick Road Trip<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We made a quick overnight trip to Anchorage this weekend. Dave had a retirement party to attend on Friday and I couldn't resist the opportunity for a Target visit. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> The kids were good sports and we had a really good time. 700 miles of driving over 2 days is a lot, but I think it was still worth it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> The drive was absolutely gorgeous and for the most part, we had great weather. It felt like the final farewell to fall and now I feel a little better prepared to greet the coziness of winter.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ANYoU0BOeNtDl23KPtXf_wCRshNCgWj7vC9TR5QY5q5Qw2R219GWtkFAtzzQ6ZNU3K3bYA8oubMd2zhcX46RHdYYRerzMzQtY0kb6k0KgOfLRTZ2OVnX-xHxFV-vhFWsr7p3OrUASJc/s1600/WP_20130928_004-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ANYoU0BOeNtDl23KPtXf_wCRshNCgWj7vC9TR5QY5q5Qw2R219GWtkFAtzzQ6ZNU3K3bYA8oubMd2zhcX46RHdYYRerzMzQtY0kb6k0KgOfLRTZ2OVnX-xHxFV-vhFWsr7p3OrUASJc/s640/WP_20130928_004-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVbYrYew2s7UMe0ySgBb-Vya94tf4z06q5lmPKXkB0lltz614zD1BiVj4cvreMvnu-wq301G3OMsNu5pbh1eUDDb9676cqiAcBIXo65GTFjBCxGQ0l97ihwBAFSdsSZI6746kMGCQGVEA/s1600/WP_20130928_007-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVbYrYew2s7UMe0ySgBb-Vya94tf4z06q5lmPKXkB0lltz614zD1BiVj4cvreMvnu-wq301G3OMsNu5pbh1eUDDb9676cqiAcBIXo65GTFjBCxGQ0l97ihwBAFSdsSZI6746kMGCQGVEA/s640/WP_20130928_007-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjelCNjbN-1gzodNIBTLPisrvSEDv_U42Su7XVX_ArAXi8cEXw3WlFs4FIe36UMbdr-uhAnflUXj42netC2k7-xor9cbJMm513OTNKv2BAO1pL0BzT-THhO1cawpDVr53-8NN64lUFYo1I/s1600/WP_20130928_014-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjelCNjbN-1gzodNIBTLPisrvSEDv_U42Su7XVX_ArAXi8cEXw3WlFs4FIe36UMbdr-uhAnflUXj42netC2k7-xor9cbJMm513OTNKv2BAO1pL0BzT-THhO1cawpDVr53-8NN64lUFYo1I/s640/WP_20130928_014-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">When we made it back into Fairbanks, we stopped and grabbed some pizza and just had to buy some autumn flowers for my counter.</span> So pretty!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyCGyE0xBu01fyd7GVtRVzZfepPSLSZMHFholiBsM-hUS1HtqMjTynIp0s4h3sBnItgMAkDWE05wudXkaV8yX3_yEXnH419luThrfDv_q6fzQ-6f-IgUmd1LZDwKNbfh3317i36e-CDRM/s1600/DSC_3458-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyCGyE0xBu01fyd7GVtRVzZfepPSLSZMHFholiBsM-hUS1HtqMjTynIp0s4h3sBnItgMAkDWE05wudXkaV8yX3_yEXnH419luThrfDv_q6fzQ-6f-IgUmd1LZDwKNbfh3317i36e-CDRM/s640/DSC_3458-1.jpg" width="424" /></a></span></span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I came back home with a few miscellaneous items, but I'm especially happy with my new rug for the garage entry. It's nice and big and it adds a lot of interest to my hallway. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi41pmheNNhEmnMoAB2nPkPeONppesoiqqxkzX0qj7aHeEqyEz6-YrGsaI3C9Kdm50Qz28fb_1dlfomk4IzE5Gv64L3WsNkhEXtceSh-nc2JyteGB6OgDZH8Z6z4ZUVzARk214SzRoXV3o/s1600/DSC_3446-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi41pmheNNhEmnMoAB2nPkPeONppesoiqqxkzX0qj7aHeEqyEz6-YrGsaI3C9Kdm50Qz28fb_1dlfomk4IzE5Gv64L3WsNkhEXtceSh-nc2JyteGB6OgDZH8Z6z4ZUVzARk214SzRoXV3o/s640/DSC_3446-1.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitAMtS-pl2KAe-O2i1Y8HVWWdOLNwdUFVaFHv1zff2KNiqSOfAqsjiU3XUP3dDKZp6MBHNbPh9QhSQKiZRRTKLRcylkKG1oLZrphh-BMgkwKRie4YkiP9fPyYHfKC4cNvFZFn62DPnh50/s1600/DSC_3451-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitAMtS-pl2KAe-O2i1Y8HVWWdOLNwdUFVaFHv1zff2KNiqSOfAqsjiU3XUP3dDKZp6MBHNbPh9QhSQKiZRRTKLRcylkKG1oLZrphh-BMgkwKRie4YkiP9fPyYHfKC4cNvFZFn62DPnh50/s640/DSC_3451-1.jpg" width="424" /></a></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Love the irregular chevron striping. It's so fun!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIIIH4wyIPFtMvryY52hVFunivjPnXCshFxCKfLl1UYIbhJ8w9h9lKpoziu-1b4sCt3cj3g-i_vOmz5JADgo7XoYXYBdZv_g942y5YVqIEY5qGVHcUb5bQSQpXdYJz0GamPt03-wrN0l4/s1600/DSC_3457-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIIIH4wyIPFtMvryY52hVFunivjPnXCshFxCKfLl1UYIbhJ8w9h9lKpoziu-1b4sCt3cj3g-i_vOmz5JADgo7XoYXYBdZv_g942y5YVqIEY5qGVHcUb5bQSQpXdYJz0GamPt03-wrN0l4/s640/DSC_3457-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today we're just watching football (Go Seahawks!!) and enjoying our new wood stove.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgVGOit9yoneyErf5ORewY7nHggGk1ZAZnVuGJt9-_zasshG8g4am-nhEIYEDGvWno-e_CtWloa_jAscpJa2ArRww_bUOZfBcRx6PPVrklqPhEx8T4mjQuOTNtt6nuyUi_kjsbAGFukVg/s1600/WP_20130923_010-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgVGOit9yoneyErf5ORewY7nHggGk1ZAZnVuGJt9-_zasshG8g4am-nhEIYEDGvWno-e_CtWloa_jAscpJa2ArRww_bUOZfBcRx6PPVrklqPhEx8T4mjQuOTNtt6nuyUi_kjsbAGFukVg/s640/WP_20130923_010-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I hope you've had a great weekend.</span></div>
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<img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uLu5y-tmSBE/UCG8MyfR0BI/AAAAAAAAF60/3DYHpe6dRQU/s1600/signature.png" />Miranda @ Pressing Onhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10919836627194878839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4018816974230495141.post-43690644661915162942013-09-20T13:19:00.001-07:002013-09-20T13:19:22.773-07:00Regrouping<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Where is the year going? I swear time is flying so fast I can't catch up. This is only the 2nd blog post I've written in over a month! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've thrown myself in more heartily with just "being" with my family. We've shut the tv off more frequently and hung out together. I'm enjoying watching my kids' personalities develop and change. I've spent more time alone with my husband in our bedroom after he gets home from work, just chatting and re-connecting before the rest of the night begins.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I haven't felt the need to be on the computer a whole lot. While it puts a cramp in my blogging time, it sure makes our family life flow better. </span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(this photo is from 4 days ago) </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhPmZ233rtvIJde9-iencTIQ9fic0tNeAfBoesogHXNRt50Mh67FD7vs4xESUrd2zgXJ59Vl79pDERUSsabzEiNtD_rW3fHu04qAbx5WLmNCy4bYNnRvspnPbKHy5qNE5rA14AZ4xFxts/s1600/WP_20130916_002.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhPmZ233rtvIJde9-iencTIQ9fic0tNeAfBoesogHXNRt50Mh67FD7vs4xESUrd2zgXJ59Vl79pDERUSsabzEiNtD_rW3fHu04qAbx5WLmNCy4bYNnRvspnPbKHy5qNE5rA14AZ4xFxts/s640/WP_20130916_002.jpg" width="640" /></a></span> </span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">So now I regroup, moving away from the busyness of summer and buckling down for the long cold winter. The summer is over. We got our first dusting of snow this week. While our autumn temps are cool and it's still beautiful outside; winter is coming. It's time to focus harder on academics and get back into the habit of daily book learning.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">(2 days ago)</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYuyrL0masxf1QN59n7het8WUihqEd3YsWzYKao4Yc3i2C2F69Xs5ZlRBXE8_Mi_P4jWRmrzaNyY-Cc63UYYxIKTwLMx9CmEqvJuwcyd7voKuio1tBWCCMnDerf4CI9AW5M83CyvHhmMI/s1600/WP_20130918_001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYuyrL0masxf1QN59n7het8WUihqEd3YsWzYKao4Yc3i2C2F69Xs5ZlRBXE8_Mi_P4jWRmrzaNyY-Cc63UYYxIKTwLMx9CmEqvJuwcyd7voKuio1tBWCCMnDerf4CI9AW5M83CyvHhmMI/s640/WP_20130918_001.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The kids and I switched out all their clothing this week, putting away the shorts and tees and bringing in the long johns and fleece. I still need to go through the winter gear and make sure everyone has a setup that fits them.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(yesterday) </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnfZhZbRTTNY4vzl7LuYsaXfLqpphkV_AP6EJFV8Np3jAziQBfCHIKrfXvpOvvMBrftRnQlLHDWcxQT1riZjDaMRNpxy127i_8wGb7kMa6vxzNktMPvgu2mMdZM_cKIGzFbdVMyn3bzaY/s1600/WP_20130919_009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnfZhZbRTTNY4vzl7LuYsaXfLqpphkV_AP6EJFV8Np3jAziQBfCHIKrfXvpOvvMBrftRnQlLHDWcxQT1riZjDaMRNpxy127i_8wGb7kMa6vxzNktMPvgu2mMdZM_cKIGzFbdVMyn3bzaY/s640/WP_20130919_009.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">On Monday our new wood stove gets installed. I'm so looking forward to having a heat source that doesn't depend on the power grid. I've been so concerned about the idea of our power going out long term when it's -40 and having no way to keep from freezing to death (literally). Plus, there is something really wonderful about a crackling wood fire.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I hope to be online just a little more, but maybe with a better balance so I don't "check out". </span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I really want to show you all the new projects I've done this summer. I have a redecorated living room, a redesigned master bedroom closet, a stenciled wall and a refreshed laundry room, as well as a really cool industrial style piece I re-did. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I hope you're all ready for winter, especially my Alaska friends. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uLu5y-tmSBE/UCG8MyfR0BI/AAAAAAAAF60/3DYHpe6dRQU/s1600/signature.png" />Miranda @ Pressing Onhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10919836627194878839noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4018816974230495141.post-42003337202748719522013-09-10T12:32:00.000-07:002013-09-10T13:06:03.408-07:0036<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm 36 years old today. How did that happen? </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm closer to 40 than 30. I thought I'd feel older when that happened. But I don't. I feel good...great in fact. Sure, my knees hurt a little more than they used to (they sound pretty bad too!) and the floor grappling that we do in class makes me feel like an old lady. Those are minor things though. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks to <a href="http://pressingon-miranda.blogspot.com/2013/06/krav-maga-level-1.html" target="_blank">Krav </a></span><a href="http://pressingon-miranda.blogspot.com/2013/06/krav-maga-level-1.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Maga </span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> and eating a <a href="http://pressingon-miranda.blogspot.com/2013/08/gmo-free-grocery-shopping.html" target="_blank">GMO-free</a> and mostly grain free diet, I'm at the lowest weight I've been in 13 years, and I'm in better shape than I've ever been in. I am healthy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">After 14 years of marriage, my husband and I are closer than we've ever been. Our relationship has grown into something amazing. I thought I loved him when we got married, but that was nothing compared to how I feel about him now. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The years and the experiences God has given me have molded me into the woman that I am and I am thankful. I care less about what people think about me and more about what my kids and husband think about me. I'm less concerned with what I SHOULD be doing and am focused on what I feel led to do in the moment.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I no longer feel the need to live up to others standards of how I should parent or homeschool. I am more confident in my abilities and intuition as to how we are raising these kids. They were given to us for a reason and I think between us and the Lord, they are turning out pretty darn good. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I feel strong and useful and filled with love. This season of my life is very good and I'm soaking up each moment as best as I know how. I am content, and it is wonderful.</span></div>
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<br />Miranda @ Pressing Onhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10919836627194878839noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4018816974230495141.post-13236092080254748092013-08-11T22:23:00.000-07:002013-08-11T22:41:22.648-07:00GMO Free Grocery Shopping<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Our family has committed to purchasing GMO free foods only. As I talked about in my post <a href="http://pressingon-miranda.blogspot.com/2013/06/genetic-roulette.html" target="_blank"><i>Genetic Roulette</i></a>, we were ALMOST there, but after I attended a March Against Monsanto meeting, the resolve was made.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEharX20R_UtCfWg5UiPOuTi8yZOfhLx5N8iXqWpiIOaV0FAVSw97BJPlTpkBlAaK844GOADVToCeTYf8NlIeZtMjOYyctS-lFnBMMwumBx7WIhtEIgqACt5vVYCcih6qYVjjTKz2O9rhvQ/s1600/DSC_3114-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEharX20R_UtCfWg5UiPOuTi8yZOfhLx5N8iXqWpiIOaV0FAVSw97BJPlTpkBlAaK844GOADVToCeTYf8NlIeZtMjOYyctS-lFnBMMwumBx7WIhtEIgqACt5vVYCcih6qYVjjTKz2O9rhvQ/s640/DSC_3114-1.jpg" width="424" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There was a little bit of sticker shock to our grocery budget initially. However, we were also really surprised at how many convenient options we had available.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">While organics are a pretty safe choice since they cannot be knowingly made with any GMO ingredients, products that have the Non-GMO label are excellent since they've been verified by a third party to be GMO free. The kids and I get really excited to see that awesome stamp on products we love. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzaQh6cuUZKBmYrtLneAy8aSX7hkpDq_LGRjHbZTBfznaQV3nuaj8wlsop_xbY96m_hyO7YCiounEf7PSDrHPcWF9yrxanHVSqto97_2sqY6wckCCtqlvQK0njIgNDjlCXCtZg4n8ADeA/s1600/DSC_3113-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzaQh6cuUZKBmYrtLneAy8aSX7hkpDq_LGRjHbZTBfznaQV3nuaj8wlsop_xbY96m_hyO7YCiounEf7PSDrHPcWF9yrxanHVSqto97_2sqY6wckCCtqlvQK0njIgNDjlCXCtZg4n8ADeA/s640/DSC_3113-1.jpg" width="424" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here in Alaska, groceries are already expensive, but the local options for veggies are improving all of the time, as is the access to a lot of quality products.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here are some of the ways that I keep my family's food intake as GMO-free as possible...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I order through an <a href="https://www.azurestandard.com/" target="_blank">Azure Standard </a>drop each month for bulk groceries and lots of unique natural household items. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We also have a new place named the <a href="http://fairbankscoop.org/" target="_blank">Co-op Market </a>that opened this year and they offer natural and organic items only and have tons of local produce, which is so exciting for me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The local Farmers Market is also an excellent choice wherever you live.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My favorite grocery store is </span><a href="http://www.fredmeyer.com/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Fred Meyer</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: small;">(it almost rivals Target for me, and you know how I adore Target!). <span style="font-size: large;">I can get nearly everything I need there, and their organic/natural section is excellently stocked. </span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghva-8xHpzqm6oSlhGMMI9lbB4Fb3opCkpnqrEjJpaAYU3GeUN_DsMlJg4_mI9fr0JcUfJqakxi7EogCLK-yyPJRIEJJzdWi99pMxOTITedKrUdEcvgxjJvIMJr1cItlu0Y2pf-fDVQ0o/s1600/DSC_3103-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghva-8xHpzqm6oSlhGMMI9lbB4Fb3opCkpnqrEjJpaAYU3GeUN_DsMlJg4_mI9fr0JcUfJqakxi7EogCLK-yyPJRIEJJzdWi99pMxOTITedKrUdEcvgxjJvIMJr1cItlu0Y2pf-fDVQ0o/s640/DSC_3103-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">I did a shopping trip to Fred Meyer and then took some photos when we got back home.<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmKeEQMSMdFm_hRWW5QD9T8H0N5kTPJZIDXZp8gRwFl8ydpfyoX6QMCgHKeFZHKuKCPqWjLIQxab7gGJq1TcVhFzhRsIyLnNhcnWuCpGYpKQneXtQvqcMShljEeZ4-9SvMhyphenhyphenVbmGjIDV0/s1600/DSC_3107-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmKeEQMSMdFm_hRWW5QD9T8H0N5kTPJZIDXZp8gRwFl8ydpfyoX6QMCgHKeFZHKuKCPqWjLIQxab7gGJq1TcVhFzhRsIyLnNhcnWuCpGYpKQneXtQvqcMShljEeZ4-9SvMhyphenhyphenVbmGjIDV0/s640/DSC_3107-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZGrAhc7j7nxOqzk9CmcqYR0a_83N9gme5Tkc0dCohQbkzCoxSF0BSNgEHoOdHCiwR40oyJ4Fpb5MUeo-iokfP9zzU2_k7qjXme1WgGOG6Bf0jY7AmRfI3pQqyP4_YIXglXE5I9X9ZFVw/s1600/DSC_3120-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZGrAhc7j7nxOqzk9CmcqYR0a_83N9gme5Tkc0dCohQbkzCoxSF0BSNgEHoOdHCiwR40oyJ4Fpb5MUeo-iokfP9zzU2_k7qjXme1WgGOG6Bf0jY7AmRfI3pQqyP4_YIXglXE5I9X9ZFVw/s640/DSC_3120-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Most of these products were delicious, though the cultured cottage cheese was too sour for my preference. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">To see the agonizing process that sometimes takes place when purchasing a product, check out what <a href="http://livesimply.me/index.php/2013/07/24/kerrygold-butter-to-buy-or-not/" target="_blank">Kristin at LiveSimply posted about Kerrygold</a> </span></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcEByHamWjhZ77AkKggpvcf1r4WLevdR06U6FUvMHLmbOxcAaiZPHakSlUwGjdyI6pFoMcW7R2B4AxS56bplUSrD9Fa1-aYYfLVPvu6SAgRG9ivt7LX_sZeO9OuLJR4KvieFScPOaAPZ8/s1600/DSC_3104-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcEByHamWjhZ77AkKggpvcf1r4WLevdR06U6FUvMHLmbOxcAaiZPHakSlUwGjdyI6pFoMcW7R2B4AxS56bplUSrD9Fa1-aYYfLVPvu6SAgRG9ivt7LX_sZeO9OuLJR4KvieFScPOaAPZ8/s640/DSC_3104-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisc8k4Zf84aons3OhsBXMbA4FacjtsHueKgQTq57q9Tv9fbP_C9UxtGM5lHMBM2T4iv_RMzRZyfd-OhYA9flxx3B5oYUSDRxQEwTOIr22sDfYPnkVuybLM-ViIv09kknPrvg_2cWxr9kU/s1600/DSC_3106-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisc8k4Zf84aons3OhsBXMbA4FacjtsHueKgQTq57q9Tv9fbP_C9UxtGM5lHMBM2T4iv_RMzRZyfd-OhYA9flxx3B5oYUSDRxQEwTOIr22sDfYPnkVuybLM-ViIv09kknPrvg_2cWxr9kU/s640/DSC_3106-1.jpg" width="640" /></a> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">We don't always buy this many convenience products, but for the sake of this post, I wanted to see how many things I could get GMO free to replace those quick snacks and meals. </span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW12zAJwPGFH74zS6UUP2eubTXAU8ZWY95lQ0j89_QMbNcHejAz3fMZmHf9EjK3Ltg4E2FvvJiK_6lzEuCzaYqfiZojhABVaTj8j8B0bQY_wUU6yEfHTOW4fLVpFcU_jdBjV65gNcsQBY/s1600/DSC_3105-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW12zAJwPGFH74zS6UUP2eubTXAU8ZWY95lQ0j89_QMbNcHejAz3fMZmHf9EjK3Ltg4E2FvvJiK_6lzEuCzaYqfiZojhABVaTj8j8B0bQY_wUU6yEfHTOW4fLVpFcU_jdBjV65gNcsQBY/s640/DSC_3105-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-7-pNEKxrNyiG5W2ShCY7V_Eq2UEjFj68IcL2mZQ9E2YBvhiEEMiAiAirqhCGYOuVCwzq-IKs0QvBF7pSI4-WQPIBVb7TjihaEN4Dg2CJiWRYY_IPF2eP12ryHK2NCcCuVi74hzz2VYM/s1600/DSC_3111-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-7-pNEKxrNyiG5W2ShCY7V_Eq2UEjFj68IcL2mZQ9E2YBvhiEEMiAiAirqhCGYOuVCwzq-IKs0QvBF7pSI4-WQPIBVb7TjihaEN4Dg2CJiWRYY_IPF2eP12ryHK2NCcCuVi74hzz2VYM/s640/DSC_3111-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm1PAlNTccDS84WVqd6_ACRRX7dXnO_N6dkgCKzSG5EPKx1ALnOtkIRNWIRSqU5MPjA7xyl9lHW8PP1nKwwqu3flfGjkrJPirePGVeBsDmyggQdVHrIek30O-2_qVyiA1ZpVVVvWym6wA/s1600/DSC_3110-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm1PAlNTccDS84WVqd6_ACRRX7dXnO_N6dkgCKzSG5EPKx1ALnOtkIRNWIRSqU5MPjA7xyl9lHW8PP1nKwwqu3flfGjkrJPirePGVeBsDmyggQdVHrIek30O-2_qVyiA1ZpVVVvWym6wA/s640/DSC_3110-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiST8dcy_fdnXbs8ICqwmGqUfzEqWuvHSnRgcc9sFXcW-l3DxOxqUcMsEvIQ6eIbEdCN4r0zAP5C72WUEr0Zq8BzWYEQ6IuXLa0YNoEMcv0iTceXjvkTqjLHSwW3-EDmeEJtvO9uzRP4Gw/s1600/DSC_3112-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiST8dcy_fdnXbs8ICqwmGqUfzEqWuvHSnRgcc9sFXcW-l3DxOxqUcMsEvIQ6eIbEdCN4r0zAP5C72WUEr0Zq8BzWYEQ6IuXLa0YNoEMcv0iTceXjvkTqjLHSwW3-EDmeEJtvO9uzRP4Gw/s640/DSC_3112-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">These are delicious replacements for Reese's Peanut Butter cups</span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8xvxJMer0CeazZKm8RuYCXqHDtmqOMbkNkFny6J4jZatPEbLuBOaqBEZz49SLnu0gp-O5RyfyNhw6FwL8GJOio-PJITjSIiPXhWesdbrAniQN-5Ajn8NqLunQPPQkFmqq5zXPMVULdFc/s1600/DSC_3116-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8xvxJMer0CeazZKm8RuYCXqHDtmqOMbkNkFny6J4jZatPEbLuBOaqBEZz49SLnu0gp-O5RyfyNhw6FwL8GJOio-PJITjSIiPXhWesdbrAniQN-5Ajn8NqLunQPPQkFmqq5zXPMVULdFc/s640/DSC_3116-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">The kids are thrilled to have an M&M replacement. The colors are made with vegetable dyes.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSZrgP3Gk5z4LbGKx5SemgTqEbetUku4PQbjvPfmF33iYTtcTxwYkRfKyS8QRBD6zx_CIcl42IberjxaSeH-y6XEPlEUk9WjjO3CTplcF2Ja6Fh4gNIeQcZwSInuwB2vV4dWnMIUXacYg/s1600/DSC_3119-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSZrgP3Gk5z4LbGKx5SemgTqEbetUku4PQbjvPfmF33iYTtcTxwYkRfKyS8QRBD6zx_CIcl42IberjxaSeH-y6XEPlEUk9WjjO3CTplcF2Ja6Fh4gNIeQcZwSInuwB2vV4dWnMIUXacYg/s640/DSC_3119-1.jpg" width="424" /> </a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">These aren't good for teeth, but as a treat, it's nice to have an alternative to Smuckers. </span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0O4WfHgV6Vswx2L_OC2g2V8ly27qeJ_squp83lQUPXnajx_eESgrUEXJ7rjQ8PjpJYG3elNWB7ewQ2NYwXWDnrEc8bo37TT9L_vBSedasDLQO6oC-r4fnJisyw2yLqy0tsJxsWRYCMxM/s1600/DSC_3118-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0O4WfHgV6Vswx2L_OC2g2V8ly27qeJ_squp83lQUPXnajx_eESgrUEXJ7rjQ8PjpJYG3elNWB7ewQ2NYwXWDnrEc8bo37TT9L_vBSedasDLQO6oC-r4fnJisyw2yLqy0tsJxsWRYCMxM/s640/DSC_3118-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This particular load of groceries cost me $303. Yikes! In the lower 48, it would likely be around $200-$225, depending on your location.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmKeEQMSMdFm_hRWW5QD9T8H0N5kTPJZIDXZp8gRwFl8ydpfyoX6QMCgHKeFZHKuKCPqWjLIQxab7gGJq1TcVhFzhRsIyLnNhcnWuCpGYpKQneXtQvqcMShljEeZ4-9SvMhyphenhyphenVbmGjIDV0/s1600/DSC_3107-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmKeEQMSMdFm_hRWW5QD9T8H0N5kTPJZIDXZp8gRwFl8ydpfyoX6QMCgHKeFZHKuKCPqWjLIQxab7gGJq1TcVhFzhRsIyLnNhcnWuCpGYpKQneXtQvqcMShljEeZ4-9SvMhyphenhyphenVbmGjIDV0/s640/DSC_3107-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There is no meat in there as we buy that in large quantities at <a href="http://www.alaskahomegrown.com/" target="_blank">Homegrown Market.</a> I am able to occasionally purchase a 1/2 beef, lamb or pig from local farms.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Dave has also started fishing for salmon and trout and will hopefully bag us a Moose or Caribou this season. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My next goal is checking our wine, beer and spirits to make sure they're GMO free. Also, deciding what to eat when out and about.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Thanks so much for reading about my journey to get my family healthier and I hope it might inspire you to start looking for GMO free ingredients for your own family. </span></div>
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<img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uLu5y-tmSBE/UCG8MyfR0BI/AAAAAAAAF60/3DYHpe6dRQU/s1600/signature.png" />Miranda @ Pressing Onhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10919836627194878839noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4018816974230495141.post-4839512631966167102013-07-30T08:45:00.000-07:002013-07-30T08:47:56.002-07:00Alaskan Summer<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We've been really busy lately around here. Until this year, we haven't really done many traditional "Alaskan" things. We're trying to get into those things, so our life has taken on a busier pace than we're used to. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Since I haven't had a chance this week (until now) to sit down at the computer, here's a random grouping of what we've been up to. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The weather has been gorgeous lately here in the interior. Warm with very little rain (though there has been enough to help a little with the fire season)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJuuD4lZ-Vgd8Z2Yoz8UhzI3i-46Mn1XmKLKy9cg39MRlDVZVoEMHlwrxwwdv502Lf_8PtRFHflZbW3ztmef9b3YR9PMxBDP5SEykoIoVdT1Lc_IDsQBKiPoHUOaUvHAlkkAfp5zvze_U/s1600/WP_20130724_006-1-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJuuD4lZ-Vgd8Z2Yoz8UhzI3i-46Mn1XmKLKy9cg39MRlDVZVoEMHlwrxwwdv502Lf_8PtRFHflZbW3ztmef9b3YR9PMxBDP5SEykoIoVdT1Lc_IDsQBKiPoHUOaUvHAlkkAfp5zvze_U/s640/WP_20130724_006-1-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Dave spent the weekend in Soldatna dipnetting Chinook Salmon. They didn't get mass amounts of fish (the weekend before would have been more successful), but he got the experience, and I think he's hooked! We're planning a family trip to Valdez next month to fish for Silvers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuyFaErhVSEKXzHq5oOqucUmlcuGLIJOgfcFiGor6gpswn_wn5MX5SxHT6DV4xqw73BMaE8ivcQtXDW1Ef4M-5yytke1hLzmtcmc0UmnFs2634Mm1ZUQDF0Ho0SShQsuQvokZ7c48rJrk/s1600/WP_20130725_003-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuyFaErhVSEKXzHq5oOqucUmlcuGLIJOgfcFiGor6gpswn_wn5MX5SxHT6DV4xqw73BMaE8ivcQtXDW1Ef4M-5yytke1hLzmtcmc0UmnFs2634Mm1ZUQDF0Ho0SShQsuQvokZ7c48rJrk/s640/WP_20130725_003-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We're going to spend the evening processing the fish they were able to catch. There's a high learning curve for all of this, but I'm determined to learn. Part of living here in Alaska is the desire to harvest from the wild what you can and I want to embrace that a lot more. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNyLQilBsAZjqELaSp2XNQMH5IuRpqGVsYbFxA5m3d-VGLycuNic_k4uCwvgt0A0U5aaQK1TS_5IjT3Ob626R0DsBJ2aHRZTuZtEZXWVKm1KVtAJ0SFmA0fEZit6PzpJOK0yzWl_CspR0/s1600/V__B573-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNyLQilBsAZjqELaSp2XNQMH5IuRpqGVsYbFxA5m3d-VGLycuNic_k4uCwvgt0A0U5aaQK1TS_5IjT3Ob626R0DsBJ2aHRZTuZtEZXWVKm1KVtAJ0SFmA0fEZit6PzpJOK0yzWl_CspR0/s640/V__B573-1.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">************************************</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I did one trip so far this year to pick blueberries. I gotta say, I pretty much hate picking wild blueberries. It's a lot of work for not a lot of harvest. The mosquitoes are plentiful when you're out there and I feel a little crazy with those bloodsuckers trying to find a spot that doesn't have bug spray on it (they even bite through your clothes!) For now, I'm swearing I'll never go again, but since I'm a glutton for punishment, I probably will. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd5hQ2rpplg6N4cQs_hmtIFtKP2HQaJ2JWAE1zr2805PVtgIlXGpuZI52l5KQJ1K2PGlO3gg7jp1sOsik7_nEjfQvXFB98Gq8QZcAOQVUvOHOVkv5pvNi4YovYSUScSmLZeIpDimk4q0E/s1600/DSC_3146-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd5hQ2rpplg6N4cQs_hmtIFtKP2HQaJ2JWAE1zr2805PVtgIlXGpuZI52l5KQJ1K2PGlO3gg7jp1sOsik7_nEjfQvXFB98Gq8QZcAOQVUvOHOVkv5pvNi4YovYSUScSmLZeIpDimk4q0E/s640/DSC_3146-1.jpg" width="424" /> </a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is bear country, so we go armed <span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">(remind me to never where that outfit again...so unflattering, even for berry picking)</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilDRWSBnpa-xZ-fHgS5ao2MPLBNto_lRECNvQ_W2_7vEJqfJJo73HQDFYuro5VL9rIg83LkSxpqpoJ7Rno_ibBxSqpdbn30lpsuY3lHUmQTFXcQbTg0eq5cdvZrU2OCYxN0F1r86YrESA/s1600/DSC_3150-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilDRWSBnpa-xZ-fHgS5ao2MPLBNto_lRECNvQ_W2_7vEJqfJJo73HQDFYuro5VL9rIg83LkSxpqpoJ7Rno_ibBxSqpdbn30lpsuY3lHUmQTFXcQbTg0eq5cdvZrU2OCYxN0F1r86YrESA/s640/DSC_3150-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsp-AdwKJLDFhK1QLqrehR8c969RzOUz4Zu3ib7RE4HtDtbKJIRYTj6foFquJj34bBh6mjz82SLwH4m8qMMY_i8o1A9K_e3qGNJv81qc69iNxJnYoTr8oNsYfxUZtPS9y3h9gF6e46_-A/s1600/DSC_3129-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsp-AdwKJLDFhK1QLqrehR8c969RzOUz4Zu3ib7RE4HtDtbKJIRYTj6foFquJj34bBh6mjz82SLwH4m8qMMY_i8o1A9K_e3qGNJv81qc69iNxJnYoTr8oNsYfxUZtPS9y3h9gF6e46_-A/s640/DSC_3129-1.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Though the kids are so loud, we're likely very safe</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheMxNYH8EQasb3bxk-0hDZSeTSOlGmQHqpD82dE8W1M5Lj1ni76xWr25Y5DmtpcUSXchFi-KyBsSpuvYc4i4hj9JNmH0nzk6qaFEZcHdjYAUxl2bRbnyg5HO_qL1noQtEgc2lvpa3oxPQ/s1600/DSC_3123-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheMxNYH8EQasb3bxk-0hDZSeTSOlGmQHqpD82dE8W1M5Lj1ni76xWr25Y5DmtpcUSXchFi-KyBsSpuvYc4i4hj9JNmH0nzk6qaFEZcHdjYAUxl2bRbnyg5HO_qL1noQtEgc2lvpa3oxPQ/s640/DSC_3123-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Lydia is getting good at picking berries for herself</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSGY4asLqGodxAAkPIzxRgKylcy15lb8GgAKKMHhrk3tYp3xhXLUNVokHP7HK6lDJg_G67jvwwum48jKIfy9b9WB3mfC8WNd4pMI-X2-ZtnUlEKZzUAyjAinskX5ElMb1uKbztoWIsCzY/s1600/DSC_3136-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSGY4asLqGodxAAkPIzxRgKylcy15lb8GgAKKMHhrk3tYp3xhXLUNVokHP7HK6lDJg_G67jvwwum48jKIfy9b9WB3mfC8WNd4pMI-X2-ZtnUlEKZzUAyjAinskX5ElMb1uKbztoWIsCzY/s640/DSC_3136-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4p6PjWJftW5bm6AdGQ4AlWXhaic2TpKGJ_vb-vXQTokmPx8nqpOoQ3Ej_ery0jkpGJ6TwkU4d0xR11qSTHNikADoNbF9scV0sR3082-BxSXCPlNYdij1g2SsPUv0shB0ql668u3zb95g/s1600/DSC_3144-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4p6PjWJftW5bm6AdGQ4AlWXhaic2TpKGJ_vb-vXQTokmPx8nqpOoQ3Ej_ery0jkpGJ6TwkU4d0xR11qSTHNikADoNbF9scV0sR3082-BxSXCPlNYdij1g2SsPUv0shB0ql668u3zb95g/s640/DSC_3144-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br />My kids got to ride on their friends' little 4 wheeler for the first time</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii3pf2ERsDytkKWnE5AIhsl6CjQrRWIkemjaUlE7HGYOJBw4SnG2dwgH5mVHyv4g_L9WWkjnp5Y3bwYccLSKXwxddKWOfgxHvgdxTzpC9-El1dyzj8W65uU8SmoMzttS49MK8ilbiW8bM/s1600/DSC_3163-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii3pf2ERsDytkKWnE5AIhsl6CjQrRWIkemjaUlE7HGYOJBw4SnG2dwgH5mVHyv4g_L9WWkjnp5Y3bwYccLSKXwxddKWOfgxHvgdxTzpC9-El1dyzj8W65uU8SmoMzttS49MK8ilbiW8bM/s640/DSC_3163-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj88klKTy51nGIIlrRwDgwGz0V4xB_UDUEAQrQyaByIgSaJ1cfj8lG8a9c57_uaRwoRcrrZG0wPc7lndvHivQ3sBTgsZC5YsC9hltto0SntcZaabOL4yRbzss2eoF0NsuFMgCQYRAY5COI/s1600/DSC_3166-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj88klKTy51nGIIlrRwDgwGz0V4xB_UDUEAQrQyaByIgSaJ1cfj8lG8a9c57_uaRwoRcrrZG0wPc7lndvHivQ3sBTgsZC5YsC9hltto0SntcZaabOL4yRbzss2eoF0NsuFMgCQYRAY5COI/s640/DSC_3166-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Even Lydia got in on the action. They had so much fun!!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1636jkZKppT1CkE_QjS2omfCUeWvNQw4qabBoJGy1nP5gQuPS6giTQqQaov2XMKOl0we9i_Eo2QihS1Tgz2cqctBDhFyLigODkDjNlHaJUhDskIW32mspgszkjuT47CMYmuxTbqU8z2U/s1600/DSC_3157-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1636jkZKppT1CkE_QjS2omfCUeWvNQw4qabBoJGy1nP5gQuPS6giTQqQaov2XMKOl0we9i_Eo2QihS1Tgz2cqctBDhFyLigODkDjNlHaJUhDskIW32mspgszkjuT47CMYmuxTbqU8z2U/s640/DSC_3157-1.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I got to spend some time picking <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chamerion_angustifolium" target="_blank">fireweed</a> to make jelly. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDTYe8K23cJ4-nV8GLX9R11YHVOicJDbmxO8iHekf9gsp3CFhof7_Q2CjgMRIKNr1AFapacZoPnlX185T87tIG0emejy-EVnajF9zvfgCFnS7xWSLHX4xfgj5dZq6RJUeBMuuZEOnUpMo/s1600/WP_20130724_012-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDTYe8K23cJ4-nV8GLX9R11YHVOicJDbmxO8iHekf9gsp3CFhof7_Q2CjgMRIKNr1AFapacZoPnlX185T87tIG0emejy-EVnajF9zvfgCFnS7xWSLHX4xfgj5dZq6RJUeBMuuZEOnUpMo/s640/WP_20130724_012-1.jpg" width="360" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My friend, Candice (a true Alaskan woman for sure) and I picked during a light drizzle of rain and it was so peaceful and lovely. I had a great time. I'll go fireweed picking any day! We were soaked by the time we got done, but it was a lot of fun.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE-graFqG9qNl3VlvJB9PpXU61ZBS5Xce8uKO4f1EnEsX43lW5k8YnwBBRrl9uI3MKjAtZQuwGigJkmPcCNdykWGBPtvm32Svdju1_vozkslflPhBJ-t82oTOx024y4jIFB7bVMfWBlLQ/s1600/WP_20130718_002-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE-graFqG9qNl3VlvJB9PpXU61ZBS5Xce8uKO4f1EnEsX43lW5k8YnwBBRrl9uI3MKjAtZQuwGigJkmPcCNdykWGBPtvm32Svdju1_vozkslflPhBJ-t82oTOx024y4jIFB7bVMfWBlLQ/s640/WP_20130718_002-1.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgclnnZNMltNvPVkPX_OQpbgbNdflHr5pVMOUiVb-79A0SE84Gan5etNZ1OajP4dcY2oz9pz9epjkYQEz5P9y8rMU14by5QWWH8X4WkILhIsj6PXEQwEYOnp_8Xd5_nCKgIXCZPbrfWqRY/s1600/WP_20130718_001-1-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgclnnZNMltNvPVkPX_OQpbgbNdflHr5pVMOUiVb-79A0SE84Gan5etNZ1OajP4dcY2oz9pz9epjkYQEz5P9y8rMU14by5QWWH8X4WkILhIsj6PXEQwEYOnp_8Xd5_nCKgIXCZPbrfWqRY/s640/WP_20130718_001-1-1.jpg" width="360" /> </a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'll post about what I did with these beautiful flowers next week</span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb7FNkt6TFsrutsArh8qIFCx95NSL0TLkSvRmbMX7BlfbTBGNuVjJk-xToon6nQdCfhTTofU4lKeOAMckEEGgKRpL-uo_duOtbEXkFbMRGt8p0Tm_YxKBvFfLmPaT8D0Z4lG8Zv3yQW2E/s1600/WP_20130718_004-1-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb7FNkt6TFsrutsArh8qIFCx95NSL0TLkSvRmbMX7BlfbTBGNuVjJk-xToon6nQdCfhTTofU4lKeOAMckEEGgKRpL-uo_duOtbEXkFbMRGt8p0Tm_YxKBvFfLmPaT8D0Z4lG8Zv3yQW2E/s640/WP_20130718_004-1-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The kids have been going to fun day camps, which keeps us busy with all the driving. We also went to Chena Lakes for the first time since we've been here. Man, have I been missing out. The lake is awesome and I can actually get a tan out there since the mosquitoes aren't that bad. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_cfR5r7gdz6tF4_yfooZeYiO0shfwhOI5aLL1VWRmF2CaCMKN1ZyllgG0Doj-oNArjZDJGQuYh2gtb9uqOkUIXvEU9CoNDobXt2b3yR2LDvyQGgTmNHtVFO8efbmhdVNf_uphdFKh1Gc/s1600/WP_20130728_001-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_cfR5r7gdz6tF4_yfooZeYiO0shfwhOI5aLL1VWRmF2CaCMKN1ZyllgG0Doj-oNArjZDJGQuYh2gtb9uqOkUIXvEU9CoNDobXt2b3yR2LDvyQGgTmNHtVFO8efbmhdVNf_uphdFKh1Gc/s640/WP_20130728_001-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We were out there from 6:30-9:30...check out that 9pm sunshine!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRsL3YBgfbzaV_v9Xorlp9HCwHD1wNHZLsOP2o4auM9Oh6bS7Qc1meSgCw3gBUX8SX7Hu6Qhp4SrWhe-6VpptKBo1S4oD6cdgkdYIKzdiiqXDPj5izMdWub7mo3CO_9B2doCldVGUGp_Y/s1600/WP_20130728_002-1-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRsL3YBgfbzaV_v9Xorlp9HCwHD1wNHZLsOP2o4auM9Oh6bS7Qc1meSgCw3gBUX8SX7Hu6Qhp4SrWhe-6VpptKBo1S4oD6cdgkdYIKzdiiqXDPj5izMdWub7mo3CO_9B2doCldVGUGp_Y/s640/WP_20130728_002-1-1.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hopefully I'll have a chance to get some photos of the salmon processing tonight. I'm excited to learn how to freeze, can and smoke those beauties. Wild caught, healthy fish to feed our family over the winter is a huge blessing and I'm so glad to get the chance to experience.</span></div>
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<img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uLu5y-tmSBE/UCG8MyfR0BI/AAAAAAAAF60/3DYHpe6dRQU/s1600/signature.png" />Miranda @ Pressing Onhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10919836627194878839noreply@blogger.com2