tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24123192032571511812024-02-18T22:48:07.773-08:00Flop or FlourishFollow me on a journey of life to the fullest.Amy DeWitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819952106523463829noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412319203257151181.post-25181129064251670182012-11-03T20:11:00.001-07:002012-11-03T20:15:47.745-07:00Flop or Flourish- $0.00 creative costumes!<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I haven't posted anything for a long time. Not because I haven't completed any projects, but it's been a crazy few weeks. I began a new job as a teaching assistant and I've been working on a few events for our church.</div>
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One of those events was our annual Trunk or Treat. The weather this year was much colder than last year, so we decided at the last minute to move the event inside and do a more "Booth or Treat" kind of thing. We so need a better name for this... </div>
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This year, money for costumes in our family was, well, non-existant. Creativity is the friend of the frugal, so I had to come up with a plan. </div>
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Ally had already planned on doing a cheerleading trunk to promote our annual LCF Sports Camp. A cheerleading costume alone just didn't interest her though. She thought it would be fun to look like a cheerleader Barbie in a box. Tall order, kid.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_v_qfUu8NWJyyd1A1MjZQzvBRYAa_BcSdvyxE5rAEOhSXJ7EZ6KJ4ZgewJ-5ZumAdNFqqI3YiOr_Sn_W-amcoGaYVD2HO82RXBprLSQSOQNALgA9qy93Al6zCBXlenEVnpKKyKzBppmDA/s1600/ally+unfinished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_v_qfUu8NWJyyd1A1MjZQzvBRYAa_BcSdvyxE5rAEOhSXJ7EZ6KJ4ZgewJ-5ZumAdNFqqI3YiOr_Sn_W-amcoGaYVD2HO82RXBprLSQSOQNALgA9qy93Al6zCBXlenEVnpKKyKzBppmDA/s320/ally+unfinished.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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Her father made a trip to Lowe's for some appliance boxes. All of them had already been cut apart, so we used some large pieces. First, Daddy cut what would be the front panel into a shape like a Barbie box she had. Then he used other pieces and duct tape to form a box that would fit our tiny cheerleader. We still had some pink paint leftover from when we painted her bedroom. Yes, her walls are hubbabubba pink. She has a pretty sweet looking pink/black room. I painted her headboard, dressers and desk with this pink/black combo. (Maybe I'll post those pictures later.) </div>
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...So, about two coats of the paint covered the duct tape. I wanted the font to look close to an actual Barbie font, so I googled it. I found a site that had an actual vintage Barbie font. I typed each letter into word and made it as big as the sheet would allow, and printed them onto cardstock. Scissors and an exacto knife helped cut the letters out.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw9JvRjk0vEX33f7HIwcS9Rn-9YQ-0bquRf2-U6f5nOlzy7AVJV9FWOBuLIj86NP5gNRUYA8TQ2r59usg7ObFoI8eXDFC3IyrhRZKVvbBLaXCEJIBYbFiqzr0T8FLpq3QkIY5egkNCyAq4/s1600/ally+vintage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw9JvRjk0vEX33f7HIwcS9Rn-9YQ-0bquRf2-U6f5nOlzy7AVJV9FWOBuLIj86NP5gNRUYA8TQ2r59usg7ObFoI8eXDFC3IyrhRZKVvbBLaXCEJIBYbFiqzr0T8FLpq3QkIY5egkNCyAq4/s320/ally+vintage.jpg" width="187" /></a></div>
For the inside lining, I used some leftover wrapping paper from last year's Christmas. She already had the outfit and pom poms from Sports Camp. Total cost of this costume? Here, I'll give you a breakdown...<br />
Cardboard- $0.00 - Lowe's<br />
Paint- $0.00 - My garage<br />
Font Letters- $0.00 Google find<br />
Costume- $0.00 Her bedroom (probably bedroom floor, if we're being specific... I'm just sayin'...)<br />
Total- Yep, you guessed it, $0.00<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEY312UZ1w7G2R8bCqDeYH0vZvOvmGkOJPOCrNv7wZxbipxfvvQfjT5zldvXtm0bsXAQR0ciWefH0McbbwmX31OB0LQLc-a4YUj6j2A-YbudkPSGcI4pMiCS5Db3ErtMRXhgd8KNBSrC1Z/s1600/ally+barbie+photoshop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEY312UZ1w7G2R8bCqDeYH0vZvOvmGkOJPOCrNv7wZxbipxfvvQfjT5zldvXtm0bsXAQR0ciWefH0McbbwmX31OB0LQLc-a4YUj6j2A-YbudkPSGcI4pMiCS5Db3ErtMRXhgd8KNBSrC1Z/s320/ally+barbie+photoshop.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ydL6NKZFnT1PpHUw4tZSwRjI_Hfw7HPQoO_pWvej-ew6ZY0QxTOIwZO-ym-60skmioz1ooj5pwyLPg5Z9mXl-ZO1BqRlo0cXrfzdcOvrfwaWYJ-lFb-Ne-6OQUWqWigF96TljmTA6BVX/s1600/2012-10-31+00.33.04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ydL6NKZFnT1PpHUw4tZSwRjI_Hfw7HPQoO_pWvej-ew6ZY0QxTOIwZO-ym-60skmioz1ooj5pwyLPg5Z9mXl-ZO1BqRlo0cXrfzdcOvrfwaWYJ-lFb-Ne-6OQUWqWigF96TljmTA6BVX/s320/2012-10-31+00.33.04.jpg" width="180" /></a>Absolutely gorgeous! All night, people asked to get their kids' picture taken with the "Barbie doll girl." I think this is her favorite costume she's ever had. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJ6hAzaRqr6vrGiI_v0EZbFcf_Fd72z7p_00MmPIXHJTvF3aJAfe41TiYjgsSVWFlZWlw5eSRPpJFPbnajqqXCqCDH6umyPMnWUr_bKMdOHpkeI5TYyUwgPJ_LtGnfXNVA3z5tHGmp_gP/s1600/SAM_1449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJ6hAzaRqr6vrGiI_v0EZbFcf_Fd72z7p_00MmPIXHJTvF3aJAfe41TiYjgsSVWFlZWlw5eSRPpJFPbnajqqXCqCDH6umyPMnWUr_bKMdOHpkeI5TYyUwgPJ_LtGnfXNVA3z5tHGmp_gP/s320/SAM_1449.JPG" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcM302AzX7GBV0OW5S9a09hhY8LBn26tHvlX3RwCQpIQ72ndS9ziPkfFeuqjb0Sog1cL1Hi4mERFkvyvL49WVZoga_8NlQCPGXJNgV33b-StjIenqUqf0-xJFpKwjCA3n0nwj50iPo7i3P/s1600/arianna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcM302AzX7GBV0OW5S9a09hhY8LBn26tHvlX3RwCQpIQ72ndS9ziPkfFeuqjb0Sog1cL1Hi4mERFkvyvL49WVZoga_8NlQCPGXJNgV33b-StjIenqUqf0-xJFpKwjCA3n0nwj50iPo7i3P/s320/arianna.jpg" width="151" /></a><br />
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Little sister was not to be outdone. Now, most little girls want to be a princess, butterfly, ballerina, or something else really girly. But my little girl has a big personality. And her personality wasn't fitting in a foofy skirt this year. (Although, she would wear that foofy skirt any other day of the year.) She wanted to be an iphone. I tried and tried to offer her other ideas, because seriously, how do you make a kid look like an iphone? But she was insistent. So, leftover cardboard was back for round two...<br />
Daddy taped some rope and made up a sandwhich board type setup. Black paint, duct tape and more google made this girl incredibly happy!<br />
(I know, she's not your everyday gal, is she?)<br />
Daddy and her Papaw gave up the Apple stickers they got in the package with their ipads to contribute to the costume. Her Sunday school teacher brought her a pair of headphones and "plugged" them into the duct tape.<br />
You may be wondering about the random red bandanas. Well, the ropes rubbed on her neck a little, making her itchy. So she got creative and grabbed some bandanas and tried tying them around the rope. Needless to say, this costume didn't last the whole night. She got irritated when she was trying to play games and it bumped around on her, but her back up plan worked out pretty well. She had a Supergirl costume underneath! Like I said, the kid has personality! <br />
Cost breakdown... I'll spare you the details and just skip to the point. $0.00 total cost!<br />
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I have to say, I love my creative, unique little girls!Amy DeWitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819952106523463829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412319203257151181.post-28686519473219058772012-10-09T18:40:00.002-07:002012-10-09T18:40:30.180-07:00Trunk or Treat 2012!<br />
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Please visit the link below for information about our Trunk or Treat!<br />
This year is our first "all interactive" Trunk or Treat.<br />
Free refreshments! Family or kids photo center with free emailed photo!<br />
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<a href="<a href="http://brownsburglighthouse.eventbrite.com/?ref=elink">http://brownsburglighthouse.eventbrite.com?ref=elink</a>" target="_blank" style="color:#FFCC00">Text for link</a>Amy DeWitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819952106523463829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412319203257151181.post-66275737696606617812012-09-21T23:30:00.002-07:002012-09-21T23:36:00.108-07:00Flop or Flourish Motivotions- Day 16 DIY Sparkly Martini Glasses<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm back! After a long break, I have finally returned! Ever heard of Murphey's Law? Or the term, when it rains, it pours?</div>
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Yep, that's been my life these past few weeks. It all started with my camera. I almost always have my camera with me. After a trip to King's Island, where I took loads of pictures, I couldn't find my camera. The card in my camera contained several of my projects I had planned on posting.</div>
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I always tell my daughter that if she loses something, it's probably time to clean her room. I took my own advice and not only cleaned my room as normal, but decided to clean under my bed. I found the camera under my bed...in my shoe...turned upside down. I did a little victory dance then and there.</div>
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Since my camera incident, it seems like bad news has been coming in droves to the DeWitt family!</div>
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Please keep my husband in your prayers. He was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis two weeks ago. He was also informed he would need surgery on both of his feet to correct the problems he is having with his knees and hips.</div>
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Now we're battling insurance for the surgery pre-auth. Of course, with health in."</div>
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Insurance, we get ten different answers from ten different people. </div>
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"We don't cover podiatry</div>
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"We don't cover surgeries of any kind."</div>
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"Oh, you are in open enrollment, and can switch insurance plans."</div>
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"Your open enrollment isn't until July."</div>
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"My bad, I see where you checked (certain plan) on your application, but you were put on another plan. Sorry, can't change it now."</div>
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"Yes, may be covered, if medically necessary if coded right and not done by your doctor."</div>
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"We'll call you back in a week to let you know."</div>
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With this frustration, and spotting a couple of fleas on my two tiny morkie dogs, studying for classes and writing curriculum for our children's ministry, I obviously have not had much time for new projects. </div>
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I did make a small exception for my daughter's Paris-themed 12th birthday.</div>
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I bought some plain martini glasses from Goodwill for 99 cents each. I also found this glass thingamabobs for 49 cents each. I'm not sure what it was supposed to be. It almost looks like a Christmas bulb, but it's slightly wider and has two random leaves on the side. But when I saw them, I thought a placecard would fit perfectly behind the leaves.</div>
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For each girl attending, I cut their initials on my Cricut Expression. I cut them adhesive backed paper and pressed them onto the glass. I began using Mod Podge over the letter and around the cup before adding the glitter, but I found that a good can of spray adhesive worked much better. After we sprinkled on the glitter, I removed the paper initials.</div>
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I had my husband spray them with a little clearcoat to keep the glitter in place. I filled the dip in the glass with M&Ms and Skittles, and placed a cupcake on top.</div>
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We also glittered up the ornament thingamabob and made placecards for each girl. A napkin, spoon (for the yummy ice cream) and straw was placed into our ornamental whatchamacallit thing.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhviqe6d-hcNm8c5DC0s33V445XaSlUt-0DOhbYiwagAgivw1bqEdwJkL_2b8rjvE0onOV25LbUnvhR2p_55SX57LPlQ3OeVJohhqf3zg54DuqNn8pbMARtmpWXIe3QoKy275EoeqBF2vpd/s1600/SAM_1363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhviqe6d-hcNm8c5DC0s33V445XaSlUt-0DOhbYiwagAgivw1bqEdwJkL_2b8rjvE0onOV25LbUnvhR2p_55SX57LPlQ3OeVJohhqf3zg54DuqNn8pbMARtmpWXIe3QoKy275EoeqBF2vpd/s320/SAM_1363.JPG" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cupcake toppers were made by cutting the Eiffel Tower from the Cricut onto adhesive backed paper. I cut a cupcake wrapper and sandwiched a toothpick between the Tower and the cupcake wrapper. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I threw some fabric onto the table and pinned it up with a hairband/pin flower.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC_lpwSTwyFfy5ryMDSBDeQ-vkZjTGS1Z6F74Tfmyp7YhGbQkkZeV4lWZleF0_QoJ8Kyd85rDuPIq8Y19ygAUoeeehW6UTto4Cguh6O-kGAH2czijxAIjmlabtB6dhYQVZSaRv2h0Q-GSL/s1600/SAM_1365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC_lpwSTwyFfy5ryMDSBDeQ-vkZjTGS1Z6F74Tfmyp7YhGbQkkZeV4lWZleF0_QoJ8Kyd85rDuPIq8Y19ygAUoeeehW6UTto4Cguh6O-kGAH2czijxAIjmlabtB6dhYQVZSaRv2h0Q-GSL/s320/SAM_1365.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwJlZUYeuUwfeiiEgYlQW-_4niroWa4zqXXFma4pwyiXF2cul-ciNFvaHqFrVKq4_KcspcNGWKQkbil-nbgaE6067r7ZIM_Xq2GxfrFyH_-dFfu0yjaOPqS0wKvccrB7lx2QySPoqCMBaB/s1600/SAM_1368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwJlZUYeuUwfeiiEgYlQW-_4niroWa4zqXXFma4pwyiXF2cul-ciNFvaHqFrVKq4_KcspcNGWKQkbil-nbgaE6067r7ZIM_Xq2GxfrFyH_-dFfu0yjaOPqS0wKvccrB7lx2QySPoqCMBaB/s320/SAM_1368.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Girls Night In</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC4YDFmgYKLg8S3i76TAJ-XRpMyIosVwSkyEZK3HQPGubJdPGJmjn3HJc_28vI8xT7ILZo6ZtS6WGKcerqtWEnInGWcoCv8RtaYq0erxfVrPbVlXEQo-WpOmHE1vvF1zL5flwopnRqvECB/s1600/SAM_1367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC4YDFmgYKLg8S3i76TAJ-XRpMyIosVwSkyEZK3HQPGubJdPGJmjn3HJc_28vI8xT7ILZo6ZtS6WGKcerqtWEnInGWcoCv8RtaYq0erxfVrPbVlXEQo-WpOmHE1vvF1zL5flwopnRqvECB/s320/SAM_1367.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My beautiful birthday girl.<br />
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Ciao!</td></tr>
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Amy DeWitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819952106523463829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412319203257151181.post-20011767116625254412012-09-04T20:06:00.003-07:002012-09-04T20:06:51.751-07:00Flop or Flourish Motivotions Day -15 Super simple shirt In the senior adult School of Discipleship, that my husband and I teach, we've been working our way through the book of Genesis. I've gained so much knowledge from our study, but if you know me, you know that I can't just learn the normal stuff. I have to find something weird or funny.<br />
Throughout our study we've been focusing on the family of Abraham. I've realized that if you follow his family, you come to an interesting realization. Abraham's family were the first known drama queens in the Bible. Think about it. If there were a reality show back then, his family would be like the Kardashians or some other reality show, of their time. Overdramatic, jumping the gun and lying to each other and those around them...<br />
<strong>Abraham</strong>- God gives him a promise of a son, (before his name change) and instead of waiting, he tries to go his own route. (16:1) When he and his wife are in another land, he tells them Sarah is his sister instead of his wife out of fear. (20:12)<br />
<strong>Isaac</strong>- (Abraham's son who eventually was born to Abraham and Sarah) Also lied about his wife, calling her his sister out of fear for their safety. (26:7)<br />
<strong>Rebekah, Jacob and Esau</strong>- (Isaac's wife and children) Esau proclaims to Jacob, “Look, I am about to die. What good is the birthright to me?” Rebekah then helps Jacob deceive his own father. Esau later marries someone his parents do not approve of, out of rebellion.<br />
Rebekah speaks of her son, Jacob, If Jacob takes a wife from among the women of this land, <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-774CB" title="See cross-reference CB">CB</a>)"></sup> from Hittite women like these, my life will not be worth living.” (27:46)<br />
Jacob is then deceived by his uncle and given the wrong bride, (Leah) after working for her for seven years. He has to work 7 more years for his beloved Rachel. (29:15-28)<br />
<strong>Rachel and Leah-</strong> Begin the competition of childbearing. Rachel pleads with Jacob, “Give me children, or I’ll die!” (30:1)<br />
Drama, drama, drama! And you thought your Facebook friends were drama queens!<br />
I actually love this family. They truly show their imperfection, just like me. They go through cycles of extreme faith, and extreme lack thereof, just like me. But God still fulfills promises made to them, over and over.<br />
For some reason, that is what has spoken to me the most through this series. We all go through our highs, lows and the place in-between. Some days we trust God in every situation, and other times we can barely remember His name. But through all this, God is still faithful!<br />
Take heart. If this family could have such a special place in God's eyes, then so do you! I hope this brings encouragement to you today!<br />
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On with a flourish...<br />
I've been trying my hand at sewing. (I have virtually no experience, and it's all new to me.) I saw a simple shirt on Pinterest, and thought, why not? <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeqqGLFhGMa3z9UbkZbzgmvryfhGOC0mk36EYQkImwsZCwaOhhubhLhyD5Ho4iPpK-SgPU3rbdnZ7ICE68iGQoR4luwKZreO_BoMjyDvvX_rTqL5KPDws4kx-KPDCVKtCUrbRxXyoZnNb5/s1600/PICT0037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeqqGLFhGMa3z9UbkZbzgmvryfhGOC0mk36EYQkImwsZCwaOhhubhLhyD5Ho4iPpK-SgPU3rbdnZ7ICE68iGQoR4luwKZreO_BoMjyDvvX_rTqL5KPDws4kx-KPDCVKtCUrbRxXyoZnNb5/s320/PICT0037.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Before I began, I made a French ruler. I had never heard of this before, so I'm not even sure if I've done it right. But I cut mine out of cardboard in almost the shape of half of a heart. <br />
Tracing around the ruler with a pen for my cut marks...<br />
I measured from the widest part of the ruler the same amount of inches from my underarm, across the bustline to the other underarm. (I think it was about 22-24 inches) Make sure you leave your seam allowance.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMvszJ9G8RvgmiCdDJEmAP3Lcd9X_WCiB3lk9Df3EBnJzcJLAF3SkvDJpsIEVuI7o-lPmO29z0pYGiXsVfZCb-n7MMLWxdsv2mXHK2fW5BNUFs-YnR5IfssJLNcmssE7m1zhdVaDGG69yp/s1600/PICT0038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMvszJ9G8RvgmiCdDJEmAP3Lcd9X_WCiB3lk9Df3EBnJzcJLAF3SkvDJpsIEVuI7o-lPmO29z0pYGiXsVfZCb-n7MMLWxdsv2mXHK2fW5BNUFs-YnR5IfssJLNcmssE7m1zhdVaDGG69yp/s320/PICT0038.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I flipped my ruler over and cut the other side to get the shirt in the right shape. I then used this as a pattern to cut the second piece to make the back of the shirt.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDu_IuLlt0VpCs309Etl2D2O_VRd047nPYEkJerfGBJ1fxYPIEEHGZe9RRSm5JxfjXtmRqVhttqBUBbChstLWEXkV9iN7iQvQTZci9xeMoQVM44UOO6xOZYaDQKiSfQ2TmhdQbBYsxC6gb/s1600/PICT0039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDu_IuLlt0VpCs309Etl2D2O_VRd047nPYEkJerfGBJ1fxYPIEEHGZe9RRSm5JxfjXtmRqVhttqBUBbChstLWEXkV9iN7iQvQTZci9xeMoQVM44UOO6xOZYaDQKiSfQ2TmhdQbBYsxC6gb/s320/PICT0039.JPG" width="320" /></a>I measured a half inch hemline at the top and bottom of both pieces, and sewed this down, cutting off any overhang at the angles.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLjiOmtvUrfi9Y71idfjmd-x-gjzvK1A6ZwE1zXhXNNKxDPd3c92bjy7ZYRCpqfVQjdAePGcLPkAePV6wmCxEpk1OqzCRqENIas9kiNXScN3Xa8Kl5KPsbxBu4YuM-d2AXCrVZfyrWnF2A/s1600/PICT0041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLjiOmtvUrfi9Y71idfjmd-x-gjzvK1A6ZwE1zXhXNNKxDPd3c92bjy7ZYRCpqfVQjdAePGcLPkAePV6wmCxEpk1OqzCRqENIas9kiNXScN3Xa8Kl5KPsbxBu4YuM-d2AXCrVZfyrWnF2A/s1600/PICT0041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLjiOmtvUrfi9Y71idfjmd-x-gjzvK1A6ZwE1zXhXNNKxDPd3c92bjy7ZYRCpqfVQjdAePGcLPkAePV6wmCxEpk1OqzCRqENIas9kiNXScN3Xa8Kl5KPsbxBu4YuM-d2AXCrVZfyrWnF2A/s320/PICT0041.JPG" width="320" /></a>Both sides of the shirt were placed back to back, wrong sides out, and pinned into place. I kept the top in a straight line, measuring out the hole for my head, and just sewed each of the sides to that point.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqvYncy_0G91YibQ9-yE5CtCa-LNvAsj6AhXs7N0yj35JZgUJeTOJAP_ejfNtj7RBea-Z6F4ZZWDEeMAm80TKZ5L7y8BFSj8gfeeqXWjzk_Y1qoKigXQ7sfBpf7VqjbPqN9dkNvbfq_T1o/s1600/PICT0043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqvYncy_0G91YibQ9-yE5CtCa-LNvAsj6AhXs7N0yj35JZgUJeTOJAP_ejfNtj7RBea-Z6F4ZZWDEeMAm80TKZ5L7y8BFSj8gfeeqXWjzk_Y1qoKigXQ7sfBpf7VqjbPqN9dkNvbfq_T1o/s320/PICT0043.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Of course, I hemmed the sleeves as well. I love the sort of bell shape they make!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpQ5BjRhyphenhyphen13CjIub0APGITyWhaGs603ndf4i6N5TrpDXXX-hIL8JHH5Ql1u7KpJIZJcM7pBHvt8d4kUDJGKE9rSE2GOp0SwrQMaCNh4XcjCIgazkQlqgkq0CzVE7zuelIXJKJEk84J3Asc/s1600/PICT0044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTfRhE7G9yCUYj7VJ-miKR3xTtZEsPAXvkfklLsylgq72J_QsDgFWLykQJL3fX9TJ2rtRbVU6x-GwFb_K9wlqXiUA9UO87M9LJCz2tekCdCuMZRH3Hetoppu77LOWpYrRc5z_uV8i7Okc2/s1600/PICT0045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTfRhE7G9yCUYj7VJ-miKR3xTtZEsPAXvkfklLsylgq72J_QsDgFWLykQJL3fX9TJ2rtRbVU6x-GwFb_K9wlqXiUA9UO87M9LJCz2tekCdCuMZRH3Hetoppu77LOWpYrRc5z_uV8i7Okc2/s320/PICT0045.JPG" width="240" /></a>Why, yes I am taking a picture of myself in my bathroom!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTAx5-0pd0JX3fB_gKMI2bZkDrdYs6qx7-0IHCgmg6arsJ4BnuAEdnArkyYt9YTxlIiSqTTVSoqgrU2P3XhgSBBDlFaqyyBHkLrK1yelANS_xh_uTDBGASGOLqtdL9jDJ7LDt0NMevo9cz/s1600/PICT0046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTAx5-0pd0JX3fB_gKMI2bZkDrdYs6qx7-0IHCgmg6arsJ4BnuAEdnArkyYt9YTxlIiSqTTVSoqgrU2P3XhgSBBDlFaqyyBHkLrK1yelANS_xh_uTDBGASGOLqtdL9jDJ7LDt0NMevo9cz/s320/PICT0046.JPG" width="320" /></a>Checking the pose in the camera in front of a mirror. Redundant, huh? Ha-ha!</div>
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Ciao!</div>
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Amy DeWitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819952106523463829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412319203257151181.post-75167825580825118722012-08-19T12:00:00.000-07:002012-08-19T12:01:27.941-07:00Flop or Flourish Motivotions Day- 14 It's a double flop day<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sometimes you flourish, but it seems like many more times, you just flop. Too many times in life we become discouraged in the flops. Nothing seems to work out like it's supposed to. </div>
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No matter how hard you try to pay off that bill, another unexpected bill will inevitably make its way to your mailbox. You've told your children repeatedly to not color the furniture with nail polish, and the nail polish calls their name, begging to be opened and poured out...anywhere.</div>
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You struggle to keep your head above water by cleaning, cleaning and cleaning your house, but you always lose the battle as soon as everyone gets home from school and work.</div>
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There are some days when I feel like all I do is live one big flop. And I don't just flop with crafts, and small problems. Often times I've flopped as a mother and wife, causing damage to my family. Other times, I flop in my friendships, hurting the ones I wish to keep closest. </div>
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But the most damaging flop is when I ignore the One whom I am supposed to love the most. </div>
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It's funny, but in ministry is the one place you would think you can never forget God. He is the one your whole job is based around! But it's easy to get caught up in the doing, and forget who we are doing it for!</div>
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I challenge you to take time to remember Him this week. Remember all that He's done, remember where He's brought you from and where you'd be without his grace!</div>
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Sometimes it helps us to know that we're not the only ones who fail at this.</div>
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Here are a few flops to make you feel better and to remind you that we all flop. Just don't forget to get back up and try again!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2pZcpJ-O2l_MHjYgY3Dmcm3UEg7bsozqgl3q3AmFNMQmGWpr8WyHsQK9FzYGx7hiE2OJ7nKxHUBd1uvlLVvBpaGXwWrR_TJ4kIbFPy9YbTN_nSa5iRolMjGyEd4KQDYUfVpg4yn6AuB2G/s1600/SAM_1284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2pZcpJ-O2l_MHjYgY3Dmcm3UEg7bsozqgl3q3AmFNMQmGWpr8WyHsQK9FzYGx7hiE2OJ7nKxHUBd1uvlLVvBpaGXwWrR_TJ4kIbFPy9YbTN_nSa5iRolMjGyEd4KQDYUfVpg4yn6AuB2G/s320/SAM_1284.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Setting up for the big project...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh04JkvTt-62bJ6Hee1xxKq5KrUll0yMYV8P340wTL9RGhPfXqyCuXFjRT8NsLDr4TB1bWc51RfwK6rjkkUF89kSWCWEIDeTWJiixDusoMcJvrKbmDaqPTwMqUG36ZXTeqV-ZpG8Kwcifm5/s1600/SAM_1283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh04JkvTt-62bJ6Hee1xxKq5KrUll0yMYV8P340wTL9RGhPfXqyCuXFjRT8NsLDr4TB1bWc51RfwK6rjkkUF89kSWCWEIDeTWJiixDusoMcJvrKbmDaqPTwMqUG36ZXTeqV-ZpG8Kwcifm5/s320/SAM_1283.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Have you seen all those awesome washer necklace tutorials on Pinterest?<br />
Me, too. Except I didn't read the tutorials. I just tried to wing it.<br />
So I started with some small washers.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixu3jY3smROzVm2DM3zFkxKssXXTkFvRUnw43GVL8z_pxEq2twnfF2iJBZjfiKIWOm_4EMCaKaE2NzgkbexVrt7-zPRLPMbVTaVkSw72g48BdY5OPZGlhe9-u-2Fa_mS-MPetEy48RXQTY/s1600/SAM_1285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixu3jY3smROzVm2DM3zFkxKssXXTkFvRUnw43GVL8z_pxEq2twnfF2iJBZjfiKIWOm_4EMCaKaE2NzgkbexVrt7-zPRLPMbVTaVkSw72g48BdY5OPZGlhe9-u-2Fa_mS-MPetEy48RXQTY/s320/SAM_1285.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I laid them on a sheet of cardstock and painted them with various nail polish colors. I tried scooting them as they dried, but they only ended up stuck to the paper. Total flop. I ended up chucking them all. Here's a link to how to do it right. <br />
<a href="http://www.u-createcrafts.com/2010/06/creative-guest-nail-polish-washers-by.html" target="_blank">Nail Polish Washers</a><span id="goog_762047155"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_762047156"></span></td></tr>
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My biggest problem when crafting is that I neglect to make sure I have all the supplies needed before I begin. This project started out really cool. A whole mess of safety pins, and a stash of various beads. This was going to be an awesome bracelet... Except I only had enough stretchy wire to go through one side...and I ran out of safety pins.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz-iCe_OJgNV0I8Q6-s9M-2vX1aVIXnmnloBgo96SQ_aCBApJg5i2NINuepRnhvE2d_icJVkjOVrjMf3fKgko3b3Jrn3CGDDsollQUEyJiCGyTT8h_dUkgrD5dAMVuLvznxAXs-QkTshIs/s1600/SAM_1288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz-iCe_OJgNV0I8Q6-s9M-2vX1aVIXnmnloBgo96SQ_aCBApJg5i2NINuepRnhvE2d_icJVkjOVrjMf3fKgko3b3Jrn3CGDDsollQUEyJiCGyTT8h_dUkgrD5dAMVuLvznxAXs-QkTshIs/s320/SAM_1288.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
So I thought I'd add some beads to the one stretchy wire to make the bracelet. But the safety pins were so heavy, it just didn't work.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif-XIH90N2N_46LAwwWgCPIVVgYkIEO9h3frK7LJgWmI-rdHrLs28LGcNITgZ5lssycbi4mTBc2GLsFC5WDtBqrgd1_EYzYMYVhdC357SSQeniJ1jn1KTVsu-MKO9P9uvS19gRG8hohgE0/s1600/SAM_1289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif-XIH90N2N_46LAwwWgCPIVVgYkIEO9h3frK7LJgWmI-rdHrLs28LGcNITgZ5lssycbi4mTBc2GLsFC5WDtBqrgd1_EYzYMYVhdC357SSQeniJ1jn1KTVsu-MKO9P9uvS19gRG8hohgE0/s320/SAM_1289.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I hated to waste all that time, so I threaded the pins through a small plastic headband. Which turned out cute...see below.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTRdz07ZTPHmdFmvr2jriKzwM1f88WYvsA0a1W5yldatjcSuDNLheGHOyyxut3-iVWNZ1eLZvjhLzUrflvyGkGib_9j22i00m_51AlUYvOw4wgWEpxwFWYLqr5h0NfcWlIumoy3Hs2M9IN/s1600/SAM_1291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTRdz07ZTPHmdFmvr2jriKzwM1f88WYvsA0a1W5yldatjcSuDNLheGHOyyxut3-iVWNZ1eLZvjhLzUrflvyGkGib_9j22i00m_51AlUYvOw4wgWEpxwFWYLqr5h0NfcWlIumoy3Hs2M9IN/s320/SAM_1291.JPG" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's the floppy, the headband was now so heavy that it all pulls to the side, and continually pushes my hair forward. The headband then ends up on my forehead.<br />
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Want to make the bracelet right? Click <a href="http://thechicandsweet.com/?p=470" target="_blank">Here</a> for instructions for the bracelet above.<br />
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Well, you win some, you lose some. Hopefully these flops give you some inspirations for what not to do! You can't flourish until you've hit a few flops, so count them as an accomplishment.<br />
What flops have you accomplished lately?<br />
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Ciao!</td></tr>
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Amy DeWitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819952106523463829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412319203257151181.post-46025529991507770312012-08-12T11:47:00.000-07:002012-08-19T10:37:43.130-07:00ATTORNEY CLIENT PRIVILEGE BLOG HOP 2012 If you know me, you know that I am an avid reader! My perfect day would involve a hot cup of chamomile tea, a comfy blanket and a good book. <br />
I'm so thankful for good Christian authors and love to be a support to them when I can.<br />
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Thanks for visiting Flop or <span style="color: red;"><em><strong>Flourish</strong></em></span>! This week I am participating in a blog hop! Read about it below...<br />
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We're having a party, and you're invited! <a href="http://www.pamelasamuelsyoung.com/"><strong>Pamela Samuels Young</strong></a>’s new novel, <a href="http://goo.gl/7Wy2I">ATTORNEY-CLIENT PRIVILEGE</a> is now available. To celebrate it’s release Pamela is hosting a two week long E-Event filled with goodies, giveaways, freebies and book fun. <br />
Here’s the details and party schedule: <br />
<strong>August 13, 2012:</strong> Live stream tweet chat. Pamela will be giving away a Vernetta Henderson bag during this chat. <br />
<a href="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/80783387036780937_GONhN2Uu_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="left" alt="Pamela Samuels Young" border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/80783387036780937_GONhN2Uu_b.jpg" style="display: inline;" /></a><strong>August 15, 2012</strong>: BAN radio 8-9:30. Live chat 9:30-10 PM ET live chat. We will be giving away signed set of books and 3 gift bags from EDC partners. You get to talk with Pamela LIVE. <br />
<strong>August 24, 2012:</strong> Facebook group chat.
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<strong>August 13-24.2012</strong>: Blog Hop. Another Vernetta Henderson Bag will be given away. Check Rafflecopter below for your chance to enter. Also those who stop by each blog hop stop, you will have the opportunity to receive a free Kindle download of <strong>ATTORNEY CLIENT PRIVILEGE.</strong> <br />
<strong>August 13-24th:</strong> <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/30089-attorney-client-privilege">Goodreads Giveaway</a>. Here’s a chance to win a signed autograph copy of the ATTORNEY-CLIENT PRIVILEGE. <br />
<strong>August 13-24th.</strong> Pinterest loves Pam. Pin your favorite Pamela Samuels Young book to increase your chances of winning the <b><i><span style="color: red;">Vernetta Henderson</span></i></b> Handbag during the blog hop. <a href="http://pinterest.com/deestewart/attorney-client-privilege-giveaway-board/">click here to pin</a> <br />
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Now the Goodies!
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<ul>
<li>During the E-event we will announce a special giveaway for all blogg<img align="right" alt="ATTORNEY-CLIENT PRIVILEGE" src="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/upload/80783387036780930_Piz7i08c_b.jpg" style="display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" />ers and participants. So either subscribe to this post, follow the blog hop, or be present at some of the scheduled events. </li>
<li>In each of the bloggers posts (see list below,) there will be a "secret word." This word will be <i>italicized</i>, so it will be easy to find. All you have to do is make note of this secret word at each blog hop stop. Collect all secret words and submit your list to Dee Stewart at <a href="mailto:deegospelpr@gmail.com">deegospelpr@gmail.com</a> before midnight on <u>Friday, August 24th</u> and you will be entered into the Grand Prize Drawing! </li>
<li>The winner of this drawing will receive a <strong>FREE Vernetta Henderson Handbag Gift Pack </strong>(contains a burgundy Cabas handbag, designer scarf, cosmetics bag, makeup kit, stationery, and an autographed copy of ACP) from Pamela Samuels Young. How fun is that? </li>
<li>Contests are open to residents of the United States only. </li>
</ul>
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We hope you'll join us for this exciting event! Don't forget to tell all of your <strong>Pamela Samuels Young</strong> loving friends! The more, the merrier! <br />
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Add this cute badge to your blog and add you and your blog to the linky link below. We will email the details and where to receive the content you need for the blog hop and your secret word.
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</span>Amy DeWitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819952106523463829noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412319203257151181.post-19770026034731746092012-08-10T22:33:00.000-07:002012-08-19T10:38:20.284-07:00Flop or Flourish Day- 13 Celebrate the Imperfect You!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today's post is a recycled post I wrote a few years ago, but I know there are many out there who can relate to the subject of feeling inadequate.
Sometimes I look at other mothers and compare myself to them. All the other moms seem to have it all together. I visited a mom-friend of mine a few weeks ago. She has two children. A son who is twelve and a daughter who is eight. Her house was immaculate! There was no clutter anywhere. The wood floors were freshly polished, the stainless steel countertops sparkled, everything was in its place. Martha Stewart had nothing on these people!
We walked into her daughter's room. There would be a mess in there for sure. (My daughter is six and I know how messy her room gets. Trust me, I clean it most of the time because she gets overwhelmed by the mountainous piles of clutter and clothes.)
There was no mess in her daughter's room. The bed was made, the toys were neatly stacked in small bins, the carpet had no bits of paper...
Now my house is not a filthy pig pen. But it is not immaculate either. We have clutter. There are a few towels on my bathroom floor as we speak. Last night's pizza boxes still reside on the kitchen counter and my refrigerator probably holds at least one science experiment waiting to happen.
Standing in this woman's beautiful house started to make me self-conscious. "Note to self, do not invite this woman to our home until I have a de-cluttering garage sale." I began to feel ashamed. My furniture was not as nice, my house was not as clean, my children rarely make their beds. I compared and compared. I kept coming up short.
I'm sure I'm not the only mom who compares herself to others. There's always that perfect mom out there that is nothing like us.
I work a few hours a week in a health club daycare. Many of the moms who drop off their children are there to exercise several times a week. They wear size two designer sweat pants and have year round tans. They are the total opposite of me. Most of them had children and then seemed to drop all of the weight overnight. I had children and have steadily gained weight after they were born. I looked at a slice of cake the other day and twenty pounds jumped off the cake and attached itself to my backside.
When these moms drop off their children, I greet the children and quickly compare myself. It's crazy how quickly I can compare and how routine that can become. So routine at times that we don't even realize how much we do this! One quick glance and I've already compared and told myself that I don't measure up. I'm not good enough. I'm not pretty enough. I don't have what she has. My thighs look nothing like that! I could spend hours primping and not look as good as her after she sweated it out in a kickboxing session!
We look at their surface and assume their lives are perfect. It's crazy, but I've even had women try and compare themselves to me. One afternoon I spoke at a women's ministry meeting. One of the women approached me when I was finished. "How do you do it?" She asked. "You just seem to have it all together." I'll admit, I laughed so hard, I snorted like a pig. Why in the world would this woman assume I had it all together? Did she see me? Hadn't she just heard me stutter while I spoke? Had she not caught all of the mistakes I had just made? No. She was too busy comparing her own outfit, her own abilities, her own life... to mine.
The truth is, she was just like me. She was another one of those non-perfect women that God created. Look around you. The world is full of non-perfects.
We look at those around us and see their surface. We assume that their surface is a portrayal of what is inside. But when we look inside, we sometimes see a different story.
I know a woman whose surface is beautiful. She is one of the happiest and prettiest people I've ever known. She has a contagious smile, she is very pretty. Everyone loves her. She is on staff at a big church, she sings beautifully... For years I thought, "Wow, she must have had the perfect life. She really seems to have it all." But that was the surface that we all see.
The reality was, she'd been divorced for years. Her husband had had an affair and it had nearly destroyed her. She was a non-perfect, just like the rest of us.
But she relied on God for strength and God had brought her through. She didn't let her circumstances shape who she was. She let her Heavenly Father shape her future. That is where her joy came from.
We are all non-perfects on the inside. Everyone has a story. God does not want us to compare ourselves to other women. All we end up comparing is the surface. We don't know what circumstances or trials most people have been through.
The only person who knows every one of my hurts and pains is Jesus. We don't let everyone know what burdens us, what are fears are, what keeps us up at night worrying.
Colossians 3: 1-4 "Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits at God's right hand in the place of honor and power. Let heaven fill your thoughts. Do not think only about things down here on earth. For you died when Christ died, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your real life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory."
Your real life is who Christ says you are! Isn't that wonderful? Don't look at others, but set your sights on the realities of heaven. Only through Christ can we find true joy and contentment with our lives.
You're a non-perfect. So am I. Maybe your children have colored on your walls. Maybe your husband leaves his dirty socks on the floor. Maybe you feel like you don't have time to diet and McDonald is a much easier option. Join the club of non-perfects and thank God that our real life is hidden with Christ in God!
May you flourish in the life God has given you.
Ciao!
PS, Don't forget to join the blog hop on August 13th! Visit my blog that day for a link to other blogs and a chance to win a Kindle Fire. Instructions will be posted!Amy DeWitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819952106523463829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412319203257151181.post-89774023931508640832012-07-26T19:16:00.000-07:002012-07-26T19:16:11.357-07:00Flop or Flourish Motivotions Day- 12 tie walletI spent a day in the unfamiliar. Brand new territory for me. Middle school.<br />
It's crazy to think my daughter, the one I brought home from the hospital as a 7lb. baby, is old enough for middle school. She definitely doesn't look old enough to me. Especially after seeing her new peers.<br />
Since I had volunteered during registration, she was able to explore the school, find all of her classes, and practice opening her locker.<br />
When I joined her at her locker, the air was heavy with stress. I noticed a number of students nearly in tears, some leaning their heads on their lockers and banging on the front panel with their fists.<br />
What had them all in such a state of panic? The trauma of figuring out how to open their lockers with this strange combination code.<br />
One parent refused to leave the school until her daughter could figure out how to open her locker. They were in the hallway an hour and a half later as we left the building...<br />
The unfamiliar can be scary. Getting out of your comfort zone can be even scarier.<br />
I'm pushing myself to do more for the Lord this year than ever before. Not for His satisfaction, because He will love me the same, but for myself. This takes me out of my comfort zone, but the payoff for me is far greater.<br />
Bust out of that comfort zone. You'll be glad you did. Flourish in who God created you to be!<br />
Today, I was inspired by some etsy "window" shopping. I found several upcycled tie ideas, and after deciding a tie skirt was way above my skill level at this point, I went for a wallet. Since my husband used to wear a tie almost every week, (Thank God we've been delivered from always having to dress to the nines just to attend church.) he has a huge collection of ties. The good, the bad, the ugly.<br />
I don't have step by step pictures, but I've included the instructions.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7eCios2JP03JlN3uE3HBtwDF79k2RP7PQK4H-CLe3Kh91s3A89ZyVPjFRN4a4_-sDTfUgGnEV847OhyC5rARldvGKJOX4Ip1YAy_qbnmOKzXwInNsSBrYe59WzDVqsEy1sFx9h-UlpcM0/s1600/SAM_1259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7eCios2JP03JlN3uE3HBtwDF79k2RP7PQK4H-CLe3Kh91s3A89ZyVPjFRN4a4_-sDTfUgGnEV847OhyC5rARldvGKJOX4Ip1YAy_qbnmOKzXwInNsSBrYe59WzDVqsEy1sFx9h-UlpcM0/s320/SAM_1259.JPG" width="320" /></a>First, I cut the thinnest piece of the tie. I cut about a 3 inch piece, and cut in half to make the tab. Then, I cut the tie to the desired length. I wanted it to be just big enough to fit a cell phone. I sewed a hemline before I began the edges.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4WSQjbiKM0XFCmVygFwvyiZP8sqPM7iznW_xhpNdJsN2I3tmK4SEyUsT51kAk_pLbJwB5PnEC2X3B78FgR44jPhPEbRXj9CrtTNCfNQqWZOgk-z6gQ4mFyym0JRGNqsNc5Az5w9stfhuJ/s1600/SAM_1260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4WSQjbiKM0XFCmVygFwvyiZP8sqPM7iznW_xhpNdJsN2I3tmK4SEyUsT51kAk_pLbJwB5PnEC2X3B78FgR44jPhPEbRXj9CrtTNCfNQqWZOgk-z6gQ4mFyym0JRGNqsNc5Az5w9stfhuJ/s320/SAM_1260.JPG" width="180" /></a>I then sewed all three edges, placing the tab as I sewed the last edge. A key ring was added to the tab. I will probably add a button of some type to the flap to finish it off. A cell phone fits perfectly behind the diamond shape, and credit cards fit in the pouch. Love this, and going to make more! Let me know what you think!</div>
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Ciao!</div>
<br />Amy DeWitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819952106523463829noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412319203257151181.post-63175797241367849402012-07-21T18:17:00.001-07:002012-08-19T10:38:20.288-07:00Flop or Flourish Motivotions Day- 11 Writing awayWriting is something I've done since I was very young. I still have a few copies of novels I began when I was about 11 years old.<br />
At that age, my stories were always about a girl who moves to a new house. I think that was because we had never moved. I lived for 19 years in the same house. Since I've been married and in ministry that same amount of time, (13 years) we've now moved at least a dozen times. I'm not entirely sure. I've lost count. But I digress.<br />
I've written story after story, piece after piece. But my favorite piece was one I'd written about my Grandma a few weeks after she passed away. I never wrote more than this first draft. I don't have the heart to polish it up.<br />
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<em>Grandma's hands looked bare without all of the rings she usually wore. Her hands were too swollen from the medication to be able to wear them.<br /><br /> I held her right hand in mine. Her skin completely pale against the stark white of the hospital bed sheets. I gently rubbed the wrinkled hand with my thumb.<br /><br /> My memory took me back to a place in time when those hands were much different.<br /><br /> I remembered not too long ago on a trip to visit with Grandma. She hugged me and placed that same right hand on one of my cheeks as she kissed the other. "I love you, Sweetheart." She had smiled and patted my cheek ever so gently. Then she squeezed my hand before I walked out the door.<br /><br /> As I sat at her bedside, I was joined by my mom and younger sister. Tears rolled down all of our cheeks as we faced an unwelcome reality; Grandma wouldn't be with us much longer.<br /><br /> The three of us held onto a part of Grandma's hand. They were hands that had brought so much comfort through the years. Her hands had made necklaces for Christmas gifts. They had smacked teasingly at ours when jokes were made. Most importantly, her hands had folded in prayer time after time for all of her children and grandchildren.<br /><br /> I think it was my sister that spoke up as we sat holding Grandma's hand.<br /><br /> "Did you ever realize how much all of our hands look alike?" I studied the four hands clasped together. My younger sister's hands were soft, dainty and smooth. Mine looked like a slightly older version of hers. Mom's hands were beginning to look more and more like Grandma's.<br /><br /> My aunt, who was across the room came to stand by us, her cell phone in hand. "Put your hands next to each other." She motioned with one hand. "I'll take a picture with my cell phone."<br /><br />We arranged one of each of our hands around Grandma's. Grandma slept peacefully as that phone captured our memory. A memory that will live on forever in our hearts.<br /><br /> That was the last picture taken with the four of us.<br /><br /> Grandma passed away two days later. I will forever cherish that picture. The picture that will always remind me of the loving times spent holding Grandma's hand.</em><br />
Don't forget to hang on to the time you have with your loved ones. Sure, flourishing is sometimes accomplished in your "me" time. But don't forget to include those closest to you. You never know how long you will get with your loved ones. Cherish the small moments.<br />
Ciao!Amy DeWitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819952106523463829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412319203257151181.post-90264131106753688532012-07-19T20:04:00.000-07:002012-07-28T18:33:31.972-07:00Tolerance... How does it apply to you?Lately I've been thinking about society's idea of tolerance. Everywhere you look, the idea of tolerance is not only presented, but pushed. It's a word that carries controversy all on its own.<br />
As a Christian woman, when I hear this word, it's usually in reference to issues such as homosexuality or alternative lifestyles. And usually it comes with a great deal of anger pointed at the Christian community for not agreeing with these types of living. Christians are often called intolerant, hateful, and unaccepting for their non-agreement.<br />
Case in point, the Chick-Fil-A controversy.<br />
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We are taught by society that we all must be tolerant. But what does that really mean? Does tolerance mean you can disagree with someone, but still love and accept them? If that is the meaning, I can deal with that. Most times, though, the only acceptable versions of "tolerance" are agreeing, don't say anything negative about the issue, even promote the issue positively at times.<br />
What is the real meaning, and where should a true <u>Christian</u> fall on the spectrum of tolerance?<br />
And are Christians the only ones in this battle, or do those living in their chosen lifestyles need to be tolerant of Christians and their views?<br />
In other words, is tolerance only one-sided?<br />
What's your view, as a Christian? How should a Christian respond to Chick-Fil-A's statements recently? How should we respond to the world around us when they come against those views?<br />
Let me know what you think.<br />
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<br />Amy DeWitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819952106523463829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412319203257151181.post-7464677597093488212012-07-19T19:38:00.000-07:002012-07-19T19:38:45.925-07:00Flop or Flourish Motivotions Day- 10 diy kid's apron refashionWhen you're in ministry, sometimes you can spend whole days at church. Attending to business, working on music, and like today...working on months of backlogged attendance, due to a change in systems.<br />
In the summertime my girls end up in the church office with us. They usually have plenty to do. Netflix, craft projects, riding scooters in the fellowship hall... But when we get home, we like to hang out with the girls. Tonight the girls and I planned on dinner and some crafts. Tacos and sewing it is!<br />
I've been a little hooked on sewing lately. My hubby bought me a sewing machine a few years ago, and until lately, it had only been used 3 or 4 times.<br />
Tonight we decided on a kid's apron. My girls liked mine so much that they wanted one of their own. I debated on how to make this particular version. There are so many ideas, but we decided to freestyle and try our own version, made up as we go.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz2rXYkGcjaEwyjAgkjact-SWYcxwkB1-PXKdY2vOX613g1qiUFQSQpxJbvUJbWHVUrkZzauvlovBBUI8dWAZBZXOP-GTILgmeZ3PJO2hGCMAjWY5Ky3TDxO8uxXB0fbBDOHDZX9N2tzbB/s1600/SAM_1252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz2rXYkGcjaEwyjAgkjact-SWYcxwkB1-PXKdY2vOX613g1qiUFQSQpxJbvUJbWHVUrkZzauvlovBBUI8dWAZBZXOP-GTILgmeZ3PJO2hGCMAjWY5Ky3TDxO8uxXB0fbBDOHDZX9N2tzbB/s320/SAM_1252.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We began with a couple of sleep shirts.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMPaYGzGSuEQr2wBKv1lCrEM8pdcEbQfETnlGPaNb5Yn3Gam1AI126WO8YVbSbW9IeLN8MB3W1z4mX6EJiR2P8QrTpdq4Gp3y1BJdLM5YTPvih8yPogrhYKAh8biAfXRtLd-HyY3v-_5ma/s1600/SAM_1253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMPaYGzGSuEQr2wBKv1lCrEM8pdcEbQfETnlGPaNb5Yn3Gam1AI126WO8YVbSbW9IeLN8MB3W1z4mX6EJiR2P8QrTpdq4Gp3y1BJdLM5YTPvih8yPogrhYKAh8biAfXRtLd-HyY3v-_5ma/s320/SAM_1253.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A straight line was cut removing the top portion.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVeCbguN2I4JXB9cFn6AcZRwjTJffN3Wbi_0ZuFZV2lgI1KzSSk-8OIC8vA1OgtEcBhE6TBdJBYF5lulTpcK_pSdswSW0fI8FYR0UyMDHR9RFyz6i2-9R8s5nJSuA9hkGH9Ri4-wuaL6qh/s1600/SAM_1254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVeCbguN2I4JXB9cFn6AcZRwjTJffN3Wbi_0ZuFZV2lgI1KzSSk-8OIC8vA1OgtEcBhE6TBdJBYF5lulTpcK_pSdswSW0fI8FYR0UyMDHR9RFyz6i2-9R8s5nJSuA9hkGH9Ri4-wuaL6qh/s320/SAM_1254.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We simply folded over about 2 inches, and sewed a line. Using the second sleep shirt, we cut a pocket shape and sewed to the front.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO2frys-Et_YKO5UviSoGSHC-8pGpb4S3HYo3YByHFmCJS_lYCMVNPk-WWtl4aS7PHaIy603mXp1vcIo4TKNo067oo3u9H4rUrsv8LV3aVdUmWLOS6XK76U97_j01QxNFY8qWiWhN_IWtl/s1600/SAM_1255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO2frys-Et_YKO5UviSoGSHC-8pGpb4S3HYo3YByHFmCJS_lYCMVNPk-WWtl4aS7PHaIy603mXp1vcIo4TKNo067oo3u9H4rUrsv8LV3aVdUmWLOS6XK76U97_j01QxNFY8qWiWhN_IWtl/s320/SAM_1255.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
We took one arm of the second sleep shirt and cut two pieces, folded them over and sewed down the edge.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3xZUD3w_WTRVmUd7Mm1dIzqtB-Hrxdw1fpkc8SYwEKUS3-9u50h_ImH8co4ca-iSdHIsDDwucUc4147iYEViHHWkv87BxJ_g60CkcIcqjgG93o5oXmrFf6tRSNhB4D1BC2_9zF34ZfBme/s1600/SAM_1256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3xZUD3w_WTRVmUd7Mm1dIzqtB-Hrxdw1fpkc8SYwEKUS3-9u50h_ImH8co4ca-iSdHIsDDwucUc4147iYEViHHWkv87BxJ_g60CkcIcqjgG93o5oXmrFf6tRSNhB4D1BC2_9zF34ZfBme/s320/SAM_1256.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After we flipped the sleeves inside out, I inserted only the edges into the back side of the apron and sewed down the edges.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiguBEEfy9LymzExX84wKF20AUWrtx2kMrFL5CwRCamffi2a_vvVJQw8B57U_-Jl0C3oKKTpPdUx2AolHPKJlmFs1w7_C_r84It6-_vMGkwb0O58MecCliv5aaaT6GDehixXh_BOFQ3XOGq/s1600/SAM_1258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiguBEEfy9LymzExX84wKF20AUWrtx2kMrFL5CwRCamffi2a_vvVJQw8B57U_-Jl0C3oKKTpPdUx2AolHPKJlmFs1w7_C_r84It6-_vMGkwb0O58MecCliv5aaaT6GDehixXh_BOFQ3XOGq/s320/SAM_1258.JPG" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adorable!<br />
<br />
Ciao!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Amy DeWitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819952106523463829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412319203257151181.post-48388337143215505862012-07-16T21:08:00.000-07:002012-07-16T21:08:50.641-07:00Flop or Flourish Motivotions Day-9 DIY Locker organizerThe whole idea of this balanced school year is throwing me for a loop. Kids beginning school on the second day of August is a little crazy. I feel like we have barely begun with summer, and I'm already looking for school supply lists.<br />
With one in first grade and another in middle school, the amount of supplies we need to purchase is outrageous. The teachers have gotten so specific with their supply demands, too. Ari needs a tri-write single Dixon pencil. Who knows what that is? I sure don't.<br />
We made a trip tonight to our favorite place in the whole world. The Mart of Wal. Or, Wal-Mart. While there we were drawn by an irresistible force to the school supply aisle. Of course, no kid wants the plain twenty-cent folders, or the yellow #2 pencils. They want the Lisa Frank folders, (which cost ten times the amount of the plain folders, I'm pretty sure.) the neon mechanical pencils and the Angry Bird notebooks. Ally will have a locker this year, and has already been told she can decorate her locker when she comes for registration.<br />
All these items add up. It's not cheap. Throw in textbook rental, (Indiana is one of the very few states that still has textbook rental.) classroom supply fees, lunch boxes, backpacks... I think I need to get a job to cover it all!<br />
When Ally found the locker organizers she was so excited. Tiny mirrors, dry-erase boards, pockets for pens, all in cute little patterns. But I am so proud of my daughter. She looked at the prices and exclaimed, "Mom, we can so make our own organizer." My own little Proverbs 31 daughter.<br />
This is what we came up with for today's flourish:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO3VgM0neWdnMqlEXXNkaTUu_4bQOVcNWxzWLUFfP2Vf8kEQ_RmJ8UuyAk1Czt-gkCCzG5VxojyUmQap-sMyfNQnqW5ntZvYRVUp_Edyw6sdl7MxsOWdvjIJCEjF0xE5DMR_3D64WMAWBu/s1600/SAM_1226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO3VgM0neWdnMqlEXXNkaTUu_4bQOVcNWxzWLUFfP2Vf8kEQ_RmJ8UuyAk1Czt-gkCCzG5VxojyUmQap-sMyfNQnqW5ntZvYRVUp_Edyw6sdl7MxsOWdvjIJCEjF0xE5DMR_3D64WMAWBu/s320/SAM_1226.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I cut this rectangle from an old dress shirt. When folded in half, it measured 8.5 x 11. I folded all the edges in about a quarter inch and ironed them flat for easier sewing.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZGnMCqVxiFbSk_ZEWsReXbVLmmlTge3pnIYZmwYsdM23r4ccJv7bSW8Dzz48YWZWW_ww_UuVSW_FDQv5XkQp0Xmk4QWl3uWOQt4e-fNMVIcYxSfcGFTBi-aCNULUQDrv-Vup-VDROhGO/s1600/SAM_1228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZGnMCqVxiFbSk_ZEWsReXbVLmmlTge3pnIYZmwYsdM23r4ccJv7bSW8Dzz48YWZWW_ww_UuVSW_FDQv5XkQp0Xmk4QWl3uWOQt4e-fNMVIcYxSfcGFTBi-aCNULUQDrv-Vup-VDROhGO/s320/SAM_1228.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From Arianna's old skirt, I cut several pockets. I only ended up using one pocket and the long strip. I folded in the edges of these and ironed them as well. (Except the bottom. Since I cut from the bottom of the skirt, this already had a finished edge.) I cut one strip that I had planned on using a metal strip inside for a magnetic strip, but later nixed that idea.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlNolyohvD4KK31JAMYV4KodJQS3qSYYGxI6nwgG3DD63KOAw5bjK7iXXD0QehA746q3AHYfuEauAw5RnROYejXJMoWntMSY_ZI-O4xSFL794p-1zz2VwoqhH1XbrzQLvByZ4fnKzrA877/s1600/SAM_1229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlNolyohvD4KK31JAMYV4KodJQS3qSYYGxI6nwgG3DD63KOAw5bjK7iXXD0QehA746q3AHYfuEauAw5RnROYejXJMoWntMSY_ZI-O4xSFL794p-1zz2VwoqhH1XbrzQLvByZ4fnKzrA877/s320/SAM_1229.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig61eeMlMWgK88cODfTfIQmNIM2pG6x9DNFN2oyfAzz2bnE7C5w0SQQtGJjxajCuCvSxUSERl4weOUfOE2kW3LJ1UCBx2Tj4okJMbpcy-VCmtdvmAd9EZgyfH3JJcYV5l1jGTmxkTgFjW2/s1600/SAM_1230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig61eeMlMWgK88cODfTfIQmNIM2pG6x9DNFN2oyfAzz2bnE7C5w0SQQtGJjxajCuCvSxUSERl4weOUfOE2kW3LJ1UCBx2Tj4okJMbpcy-VCmtdvmAd9EZgyfH3JJcYV5l1jGTmxkTgFjW2/s320/SAM_1230.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After I had sewn in the hemline, I sewed the gray material together, leaving the top open. To make is sturdier, I ripped the cover and back from a spiral notebook and inserted into the gray material. Yes, I should have sewn on the pockets first, but I didn't. What to do? Well, since it wasn't incredibly thick, I changed out my needle to a heavy-duty needle made for denim, and sewed the pocket over the whole thing. It worked out just fine. I wouldn't recommend doing it that way, but sometimes it's the way things go around here. <br />
I used a stretchy material for the pockets. I underestimated how much it would stretch and move on me. But it's another lesson learned.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj12ec94vtu39kepIfURAmFd3K4McyhPfsBxwIgtzRirAn6JJ3oUfgoypdlVDa9ugillql9ZXf63X7wEKbPezLkRq1k7vhj0ZPBYOEiVkBFnwUgp0nhJ9brnkf96ZGOSP4TGs_xMVEL9X-h/s1600/SAM_1232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj12ec94vtu39kepIfURAmFd3K4McyhPfsBxwIgtzRirAn6JJ3oUfgoypdlVDa9ugillql9ZXf63X7wEKbPezLkRq1k7vhj0ZPBYOEiVkBFnwUgp0nhJ9brnkf96ZGOSP4TGs_xMVEL9X-h/s320/SAM_1232.JPG" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I added a tiny calendar with pins to hold it in place. I also added her favorite girl scout SWAP pin that has a mini tic-tac-to game, just for fun. The strip I had cut ended up just being a decorative element. I searched the house for a small mirror, and came up with a contact case.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxRkVgbvimXBIpNRq8o8D7pAaKVHQF12ad06AgnrC5yOx_BGCkNYgBSJPZ6-gMNwM_d2Pi1-w3uXI1OSqtBafrnPsBL32f6_wcS2HKt9gbl3XKjORqVqrljW7EGMuCkxWEJ7NBJ6nxBtJT/s1600/SAM_1234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxRkVgbvimXBIpNRq8o8D7pAaKVHQF12ad06AgnrC5yOx_BGCkNYgBSJPZ6-gMNwM_d2Pi1-w3uXI1OSqtBafrnPsBL32f6_wcS2HKt9gbl3XKjORqVqrljW7EGMuCkxWEJ7NBJ6nxBtJT/s320/SAM_1234.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I figured the case has a mirror, and she can store her lip gloss in the case. Magnets were added to the back so she can attach the organizer to her locker.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFn-eaNYzZQNVVJXTADYG3bnCV3FAQp7NvDXG6Vo7dp5kSTCwTVkOu43pZvmjUzhxvmLIaFSVTLaA-7NV_QlkqUQr81TyCgMSyrGOhTXCv7StfBeBh3xSWEz3CH65Cp08Kje58suQSDPOh/s1600/SAM_1235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFn-eaNYzZQNVVJXTADYG3bnCV3FAQp7NvDXG6Vo7dp5kSTCwTVkOu43pZvmjUzhxvmLIaFSVTLaA-7NV_QlkqUQr81TyCgMSyrGOhTXCv7StfBeBh3xSWEz3CH65Cp08Kje58suQSDPOh/s320/SAM_1235.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ally loved it. I think I would have failed home-ec with this stitching, but hey, she likes it and it's kind of cute. <br />
So is it a flop or flourish? I guess it's all a matter of opinion. I've learned some more dos and don'ts on my sewing machine, I got to spend time with my girls making it, and Arianna wants me to make one with her as well.<br />
<br />
Don't be afraid to take a chance that something may not turn out right. You never know until you try!<br />
Ciao!</td></tr>
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<br />Amy DeWitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819952106523463829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412319203257151181.post-36915151715585546132012-07-15T18:41:00.003-07:002012-07-15T18:41:43.019-07:00Flop or Flourish Motivotions Day- 8 kids -Tshirts into tank topsToday we managed to surprise our pastor and his wife with a surprise party. Pastor's birthday and anniversary were this past week. We honored them in our service with a video of birthday/anniversary greetings, special thank-you's and a dinner afterwards.<br />
I know they appreciated all the kind words. In Romans, there is a short passage that came to mind as we honored them.<br />
<div class="heading passage-class-0">
<h3>
Romans 12:10</h3>
<div class="txt-sm">
The Message (MSG)</div>
</div>
<div class="result-text-style-normal text-html ">
<sup class="versenum" id="en-MSG-12081">9-10</sup>Love from the center of who you are; don't fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. <u>Be good friends who love deeply</u>; practice playing second fiddle.<br />
(Taken from <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/" target="_blank">www.biblegateway.com</a> )<br />
<br />
What a good reminder for us. This should be true of every relationship in our lives!<br />
<br />
Today's Flourish actually came from my daughter, Ally. This was her project, so I gave her basic instructions and let her roll with it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzlP2sR7lcy3pTkYSe5YHc9yoP1RxYGvOi1zV4TsvGgNMwCGNeYsxqjNAhkFQeshSJFCHnCaaWsjI05vskswjiIWRJakbBCFdVv-Wn7CvgatZVzsbi2jsjEi8phDNqRT3xXcnPehTugnN4/s1600/SAM_1206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzlP2sR7lcy3pTkYSe5YHc9yoP1RxYGvOi1zV4TsvGgNMwCGNeYsxqjNAhkFQeshSJFCHnCaaWsjI05vskswjiIWRJakbBCFdVv-Wn7CvgatZVzsbi2jsjEi8phDNqRT3xXcnPehTugnN4/s320/SAM_1206.JPG" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She took an old shirt that was way too long. It's Angelica because she is the oldest cousin, and she likes to boss the younger cousins around.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifYvHYC6QBBcsJFtF9aSUKFxZcUXd8FVApqA-frNealls-TNbUOXeBAaLffyW-3fCYaFseL_ebEQsLfJ86UeirLfBjl25G5Ch7OmY77jNEHqZg0KIOCgqA94xY9p6OhRTxa7sg5BZGziFV/s1600/SAM_1207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifYvHYC6QBBcsJFtF9aSUKFxZcUXd8FVApqA-frNealls-TNbUOXeBAaLffyW-3fCYaFseL_ebEQsLfJ86UeirLfBjl25G5Ch7OmY77jNEHqZg0KIOCgqA94xY9p6OhRTxa7sg5BZGziFV/s320/SAM_1207.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She cut off both sleeves just inside the seems.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg_pEWbe9vckSh_QYvKvVUtSyaBBK4yZ8KlhBN49e_fLJK8z7xWS2qKPP0mIpsfJ9fJcy40Gu8vzieF6lloqKOzCvX2uh1bAPKCLcpvfXLoRcz5YGw20LLj91jBhOfRyUreL8RXKHHF-48/s1600/SAM_1209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg_pEWbe9vckSh_QYvKvVUtSyaBBK4yZ8KlhBN49e_fLJK8z7xWS2qKPP0mIpsfJ9fJcy40Gu8vzieF6lloqKOzCvX2uh1bAPKCLcpvfXLoRcz5YGw20LLj91jBhOfRyUreL8RXKHHF-48/s320/SAM_1209.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The top was cut off straight across.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgps8u8Q87HQsVZRJ5Vqi5dRFgG0yUPj8WGwOOOIS5mmZ7V1BjuEe_MDrFYmrHX2qw4QJhyfNxMzoujkQvFJELqJDCgee97Z7_XUReXAOlW777cE_56giCGv4nbYA_SDkUt_CBgHDpK4gjL/s1600/SAM_1210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgps8u8Q87HQsVZRJ5Vqi5dRFgG0yUPj8WGwOOOIS5mmZ7V1BjuEe_MDrFYmrHX2qw4QJhyfNxMzoujkQvFJELqJDCgee97Z7_XUReXAOlW777cE_56giCGv4nbYA_SDkUt_CBgHDpK4gjL/s320/SAM_1210.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She pinned down about 1.5 inches on both sides.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqlJ0fzqHVIaARiSe0J2UCQ0yyxjURXyxw_sjmcR5CGxvKFCJp1wY4DygDDAJEjr3UfR9P2WQnhg05wiTPuvhxkwLU7-L84__2WeV68_-j8mZSYGzOapg47uoW-Kj3zOKWrh8-rjK6ueNr/s1600/SAM_1211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqlJ0fzqHVIaARiSe0J2UCQ0yyxjURXyxw_sjmcR5CGxvKFCJp1wY4DygDDAJEjr3UfR9P2WQnhg05wiTPuvhxkwLU7-L84__2WeV68_-j8mZSYGzOapg47uoW-Kj3zOKWrh8-rjK6ueNr/s320/SAM_1211.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking it to the machine, she sewed the pinned-down strips to make a tube.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6MRXy4Lb7ucEWv95T-Hc5sb2PMXKN_59_kauZkO6ECfmka927S8xET9llYPI9evQr1f3L4QlVValgUKCGGOV47fwR0s_DOCgX8LhlIXNEaywNF7ZZs5T4tJRwuLUMZxoWIMQWj-wpEz9e/s1600/SAM_1213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6MRXy4Lb7ucEWv95T-Hc5sb2PMXKN_59_kauZkO6ECfmka927S8xET9llYPI9evQr1f3L4QlVValgUKCGGOV47fwR0s_DOCgX8LhlIXNEaywNF7ZZs5T4tJRwuLUMZxoWIMQWj-wpEz9e/s320/SAM_1213.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I took a wire hanger and made a hook. Pushing it through the tube, I grabbed onto the string that would make the ties and pulled the strings through the tubes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-4b8qhtSBxjyaR20ZIeoqJYY_PoHy-PqVb4fECZkNPPrxjUxLXw6RQlJ968mO8uzv2aMqVjrrQxt0334QPY1hSyiiMGawqodCV2eY8eVsdTMwO9fvKBsvdd3UQa0V1HLculgPMQX8PIAf/s1600/SAM_1214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-4b8qhtSBxjyaR20ZIeoqJYY_PoHy-PqVb4fECZkNPPrxjUxLXw6RQlJ968mO8uzv2aMqVjrrQxt0334QPY1hSyiiMGawqodCV2eY8eVsdTMwO9fvKBsvdd3UQa0V1HLculgPMQX8PIAf/s320/SAM_1214.JPG" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After both strings were added for ties, it looked like this.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtbtCuJWW-pCUodIL7A7ANVSe7QqY1ZjzJE56cRfPp3iK8E5mORTs52ZgWxOzUblFZWm5-D6uGe_AomdyUrQIPU5twyU1abtBEeDeaaoUD3ovQgDBJ2x0c0gyFJMGCwvumcCYnvm473w8F/s1600/SAM_1216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtbtCuJWW-pCUodIL7A7ANVSe7QqY1ZjzJE56cRfPp3iK8E5mORTs52ZgWxOzUblFZWm5-D6uGe_AomdyUrQIPU5twyU1abtBEeDeaaoUD3ovQgDBJ2x0c0gyFJMGCwvumcCYnvm473w8F/s320/SAM_1216.JPG" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From plain T-shirt, to cute tank in about 10 minutes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJsCDzpL2piDIZvzrBgmHzTeEvpmPpUQsGBI9h7BBXSCTbt-9teOfpWgznm1I4lacQDDUbowcsLCEhQzE8Nfp2BjZOYb7F3Mcvr9OjOPGskCSKF0qMcbcAiSWFKH5k3vr_GrGo8841jSi2/s1600/SAM_1217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJsCDzpL2piDIZvzrBgmHzTeEvpmPpUQsGBI9h7BBXSCTbt-9teOfpWgznm1I4lacQDDUbowcsLCEhQzE8Nfp2BjZOYb7F3Mcvr9OjOPGskCSKF0qMcbcAiSWFKH5k3vr_GrGo8841jSi2/s320/SAM_1217.JPG" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And of course, when she was done, little sister wanted one as well....<br />
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Thanks for stopping by. Hope you've been inspired!<br />
Ciao!</td></tr>
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</div>Amy DeWitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819952106523463829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412319203257151181.post-63742869771149292412012-07-15T12:41:00.000-07:002012-07-15T12:41:00.143-07:00How to become a follower of my blog, step-by-step instructionsI've had many ask how to join my blog. If you've never followed a blog before, I've taken screen shots to lead you step-by-step through this short, simple process.<br />
1. Go to amyndewitt.blogspot.com (Note the "n") Click on the "Join this site" button towards the top of the page. Next click on yellow "Agree" button<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRr7XslT47g3_Pqc1l5zz2t0qqw7-CyL90VaTpJADIJD0okb607_hP1Z7dunHrkbjocD1IBALqqgwSranq5NiIFBhyphenhyphenHB6EG-LatGn79fH50MNZXvNG2UaUTEQVPBjtJc4ymsbhS9xUYjFH/s1600/agree+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRr7XslT47g3_Pqc1l5zz2t0qqw7-CyL90VaTpJADIJD0okb607_hP1Z7dunHrkbjocD1IBALqqgwSranq5NiIFBhyphenhyphenHB6EG-LatGn79fH50MNZXvNG2UaUTEQVPBjtJc4ymsbhS9xUYjFH/s1600/agree+3.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
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2. Sign into your Google, Twitter, Yahoo, AIM, Netlog or OpenID account.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkrufpXST68iJ85UiTJKiu6tTdCRORYbfg7PUE0jBDi5fOhdBJ10-b6ummQAUK_agVZDNnpkVgT3Va2KLU1BxGVb5RotLr1hSTpG6pliHGtGO2_vuH2GMzbH3vz1xHZUo0OoJ2bDBHH4Eh/s1600/step+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="127" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkrufpXST68iJ85UiTJKiu6tTdCRORYbfg7PUE0jBDi5fOhdBJ10-b6ummQAUK_agVZDNnpkVgT3Va2KLU1BxGVb5RotLr1hSTpG6pliHGtGO2_vuH2GMzbH3vz1xHZUo0OoJ2bDBHH4Eh/s320/step+4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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3. Make sure that you follow publicly. If you do not, your name will not show up and be used in the count to determine if I am able to do book reviews or not.</div>
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4. Click "Done", and you are...done!<br />
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Thanks everyone! I appreciate the help!Amy DeWitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819952106523463829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412319203257151181.post-66284123696043657872012-07-14T19:26:00.001-07:002016-07-06T15:04:31.648-07:00Flop or Flourish Day 7- refashioned shirt/jeans into apronI am having an incredible time working on my motivotions! (Motivation+Devotions)<br />
<br />
Today I've been reading in Psalms.<br />
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+31:3&version=MSG"><strong>Psalm 31:3-5</strong></a><br />
You're my cave to hide in, my cliff to climb. Be my safe leader, be my true mountain guide. Free me from hidden traps; I want to hide in you. I've put my <b>life</b> in your hands. You won't drop me, you'll never let me down.<br />
I've been stressing out lately about many things, and this is where I turn when I need comfort, reassurance that God is still there, and that He cares what I'm facing.<br />
<br />
Please know that He cares for you as well. No matter what dilemma you are dealing with, know that His strength will get you through. The joy of this knowledge is priceless!<br />
<br />
Today's Flop and Flourish:<br />
As I mentioned before, I have never done much sewing, and I'm still learning. I've been watching some tutorials to help me out, and I'm starting to learn a few things. If only I had the patience for sewing correctly...<br />
I don't like the idea of sewing with a pattern and fabric that I have to purchase. One, because it's more expensive than buying new clothes anymore, and two, I like the idea of taking something old and making it new.<br />
I saw an idea for an apron from jeans. I wasn't crazy about that particular apron, so I made my own version.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBuCzC4eXLbm0Ocs6sZKem1XPr14dFFw_XtTrDoOur8jdD5tkggCctmzKilpI6HdIBwK2a7pdbbgGqLiwkgZV9FTfbflY3oSrY7PAPaLiE9Z-2gpxbc7zFgxcoTQ_EpswmGLuL5-I-vH7y/s1600/SAM_1218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBuCzC4eXLbm0Ocs6sZKem1XPr14dFFw_XtTrDoOur8jdD5tkggCctmzKilpI6HdIBwK2a7pdbbgGqLiwkgZV9FTfbflY3oSrY7PAPaLiE9Z-2gpxbc7zFgxcoTQ_EpswmGLuL5-I-vH7y/s320/SAM_1218.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I started with a pair of Aaron's discarded jeans. I liked the back because it would give me two pockets. I cut them off right above the crotch and cut the front of the jeans completely off, leaving me with a square-ish panel.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1JlsD6Gov8Ufk7hTxlE07o8UZ4YSrV9p_Wpbhbv5Mk662rHumu2deOlnq1o03Kv7G0I_xNnv3ScSutYWDAf0RUqukJDw7I5wwUWxUqaVKM4Tcfx5I9BHpGX7uGZksjMYyKlbswQ9pLeT/s1600/SAM_1219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1JlsD6Gov8Ufk7hTxlE07o8UZ4YSrV9p_Wpbhbv5Mk662rHumu2deOlnq1o03Kv7G0I_xNnv3ScSutYWDAf0RUqukJDw7I5wwUWxUqaVKM4Tcfx5I9BHpGX7uGZksjMYyKlbswQ9pLeT/s320/SAM_1219.JPG" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Again, an Aaron discard. (He lost some weight over this last year, so these are clothes that no longer fit right.)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ0OVDRUFZR1OCBbFfE0PUWKGSRnP5jJ3drSGgId0jowZggijOLetXS_d57u3zOMc_oPnTmfaoE453fyIIQ0tFJGKOYrirl94rO_KZWVrwyasI1eyRGZr6YPhCk1iHb1Coq9FXhTwrDddG/s1600/SAM_1220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ0OVDRUFZR1OCBbFfE0PUWKGSRnP5jJ3drSGgId0jowZggijOLetXS_d57u3zOMc_oPnTmfaoE453fyIIQ0tFJGKOYrirl94rO_KZWVrwyasI1eyRGZr6YPhCk1iHb1Coq9FXhTwrDddG/s320/SAM_1220.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I used bar soap and a straight edge to mark my lines. I cut the sleeves at an angle from the corner of the collar, to below the underarm of the sleeve.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13XvsATEZNWix4gmfv7YvTNY25eATBoi1pTKWOB7oKLW66AEpAtt1B0m5oXmP-9veVXbi2wn7Sj5m-PI_SyGtWgR_exr0LWx1oDcYpeoau2GBcM_1klRJkxXjkwIwKGCwhk_MK3s9XMc-/s1600/SAM_1221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13XvsATEZNWix4gmfv7YvTNY25eATBoi1pTKWOB7oKLW66AEpAtt1B0m5oXmP-9veVXbi2wn7Sj5m-PI_SyGtWgR_exr0LWx1oDcYpeoau2GBcM_1klRJkxXjkwIwKGCwhk_MK3s9XMc-/s320/SAM_1221.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I cut the back off entirely, starting behind the side seem edge. But I left the collar. I tucked in the edges and sewed so there would be no fraying.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyUQw-DE5sOJawkcK_QsdCDavV3GWYrhEPOnoQTBBEXzap6_qfiunUy2s6NelZmdHTCdDYy6jEJNZtg3n1PxbaAkCHStGmpybsxO22JOVXxxHISiE1gtCANFsimGzSuoiV0LgpcPYyHXhe/s1600/SAM_1222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyUQw-DE5sOJawkcK_QsdCDavV3GWYrhEPOnoQTBBEXzap6_qfiunUy2s6NelZmdHTCdDYy6jEJNZtg3n1PxbaAkCHStGmpybsxO22JOVXxxHISiE1gtCANFsimGzSuoiV0LgpcPYyHXhe/s320/SAM_1222.JPG" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I placed the halter top looking half shirt onto the dress dummy and pinned on the piece of jeans I had cut. Before I sewed the jeans to the shirt, I changed the needle in my machine to a heavy duty needle made for denim. I also purchased thread made for denim. I used a zig-zag stitch and stitched the top of the jeans to the shirt.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7cBGD8kTTJupJ_tre7vZjN-l6nlub-ZRa_jqjdXQNVfw1YUU-5PLV74B8qLFaJEuo1gYCITIN3xDl4GumqYC4hkzmBd7G7wwFqv7aFOiXWRlu0rIzU1qbp8U1A0gOwiCYSyDHELmn-Lon/s1600/SAM_1223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7cBGD8kTTJupJ_tre7vZjN-l6nlub-ZRa_jqjdXQNVfw1YUU-5PLV74B8qLFaJEuo1gYCITIN3xDl4GumqYC4hkzmBd7G7wwFqv7aFOiXWRlu0rIzU1qbp8U1A0gOwiCYSyDHELmn-Lon/s320/SAM_1223.JPG" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I added an old scarf for the belt. (The skirt looks a little crooked, but that's because the dress dummy is off on one side by a few inches.)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRHe7WgKr07rytorEFNGs-CLe1I7aHMx4MSLvtZpjDD0yMSRmzk-6WvMGN8BP2D9ySKHo9MR8gTPbbE-s78V0EctVDmm62ORB6sSL7ipqhSYhHf4g1gEENVvV4AQV2V61UBdhLVkViA8as/s1600/SAM_1225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRHe7WgKr07rytorEFNGs-CLe1I7aHMx4MSLvtZpjDD0yMSRmzk-6WvMGN8BP2D9ySKHo9MR8gTPbbE-s78V0EctVDmm62ORB6sSL7ipqhSYhHf4g1gEENVvV4AQV2V61UBdhLVkViA8as/s640/SAM_1225.JPG" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The final result is a super-cute apron that looks like it's part of an outfit, but there's no back except the scarf-belt tie.<br />
Thanks for reading! Make sure you join the blog, or sign up for email updates!<br />
Tomorrow, we will be making over kid's T-shirts into summer tank tops!<br />
Ciao!</td></tr>
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<br />Amy DeWitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819952106523463829noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412319203257151181.post-48661091590703177392012-07-13T18:57:00.001-07:002012-07-13T18:57:47.565-07:00Flop or Flourish Day-6 Family Exploding box<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivfD2egxuyru1VJubeAFmfcfEpUBtmQqrGGAGrUxHmMS8c3Xcb_G1rmdRpTAvLm44POhVXMdYrt22WcxwIAO0-LvWykFbHjEKpULubuqSlHHvOP2KeBy9gkr5rsH4MoL_orYUtIFstcdOp/s1600/SAM_1190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivfD2egxuyru1VJubeAFmfcfEpUBtmQqrGGAGrUxHmMS8c3Xcb_G1rmdRpTAvLm44POhVXMdYrt22WcxwIAO0-LvWykFbHjEKpULubuqSlHHvOP2KeBy9gkr5rsH4MoL_orYUtIFstcdOp/s320/SAM_1190.JPG" width="320" /></a>Family is of greatest importance in our household. My husband regularly takes our girls out for special daddy-daughter date nights. My favorite time is our family movie nights, where we get out the sleeping bags and spread them across the living room floor. Popcorn and usually cinnamon rolls are usually shared with a Disney backdrop.<br />
Today we picked up Allycat from camp and decided to do nothing for the rest of the day, but relax together. Sure, there are a few dishes to be done, some laundry still waiting in her very large suitcase, and there are always random messes to clean. But time together as a family, ignoring the tasks at hand, is the blessing we had tonight.<br />
This afternoon I spent a few hours working on random crafts with my girls. My Allycat has gotten into making fancy-schmancy friendship bracelets. We used to braid three threads together and tie them when I was a kid. She works with all kinds of different knots to make crazy-cool designs.<br />
So, as the girls worked on bracelets, I put together the exploding box I'd seen on Pinterest. Supplies needed:<br />
4 sheets of 12 x 12 cardstock, scissors, a measuring board or ruler, glue, and embellishments.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoZTISLt_sQilqQ-5LO2pFnyfQdCXC6V4v2qHHqoesUpHZx9iiuSYfasNPD-tYjFl380nbrnpTrxbbYg1buQZhk4wt81lrz7UOySTnVGw7oyG7Mu7tQrPwR81tCX3jplf0e-fYzsW-39kx/s1600/SAM_1154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoZTISLt_sQilqQ-5LO2pFnyfQdCXC6V4v2qHHqoesUpHZx9iiuSYfasNPD-tYjFl380nbrnpTrxbbYg1buQZhk4wt81lrz7UOySTnVGw7oyG7Mu7tQrPwR81tCX3jplf0e-fYzsW-39kx/s320/SAM_1154.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Using 3 sheets of the 12x12 cardstock, I cut the following:<br />
9 x 9<br />
8 5/8 x 8 5/8<br />
8 1/4 x 8 1/4<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEKz5km9ew8GWjD7eiJkun9sDCyVnMzCdoailZfaJnKyw8dT3jdIZB8AYCSiw39rWs4bx1pAvRu2_vNoiXZrtTZOa_0qfPtpza1fHNOGWFvFjkFUyHwJjxNXVvnYk5USdKjuL4F_xGPVCq/s1600/SAM_1155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEKz5km9ew8GWjD7eiJkun9sDCyVnMzCdoailZfaJnKyw8dT3jdIZB8AYCSiw39rWs4bx1pAvRu2_vNoiXZrtTZOa_0qfPtpza1fHNOGWFvFjkFUyHwJjxNXVvnYk5USdKjuL4F_xGPVCq/s320/SAM_1155.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I folded the sides in so there were 3 equal sides.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkLm2Pz0v3czye1Q2FtHjHMh6Wm1bYqsPKXaeSfujPDLZvO83IFiGm4kx5Kt8wt45dj2xcEbh0wpOIm7dIqTM62u6bRN-yJA3bt_46NWAIjFZ4ecHXT8A5nC3Z05eCYcBTkpb3iyU5-3Kt/s1600/SAM_1156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkLm2Pz0v3czye1Q2FtHjHMh6Wm1bYqsPKXaeSfujPDLZvO83IFiGm4kx5Kt8wt45dj2xcEbh0wpOIm7dIqTM62u6bRN-yJA3bt_46NWAIjFZ4ecHXT8A5nC3Z05eCYcBTkpb3iyU5-3Kt/s320/SAM_1156.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then I turned it and folded it again, making 3 more equal sides. This gave the appearance of 9 boxes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvuKUKhaywJNFdyTb1-klnlYPNxc7Lgmgtr0jrL43HTtAmUv0kBurS39l-2aYnkUczasSYx3jgy6ca8BLkGFZSWcztQCp0zOds4MPjFDhhCSmnETAW-WNbFGXRUWrmtstaIuU3Aq_mghZy/s1600/SAM_1158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvuKUKhaywJNFdyTb1-klnlYPNxc7Lgmgtr0jrL43HTtAmUv0kBurS39l-2aYnkUczasSYx3jgy6ca8BLkGFZSWcztQCp0zOds4MPjFDhhCSmnETAW-WNbFGXRUWrmtstaIuU3Aq_mghZy/s320/SAM_1158.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I cut off the four corners, leaving a "plus sign."<br />
I repeated this process with the other papers I had cut.<br />
Layering the papers from largest to smallest, I glued the centers together. This forms the box.<br />
What you place on the inside flaps is up to you. I was experimenting, so I didn't really have much picked out to do on the inside of the box.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFeUBgZImpgdxfoN7m70VXBsjwTQus9pmXBmB4xAfEiOIdE9b6IZ1MpZwD4QDqAovut1Hemg95r9ryA6Izq-C1sutfCPpzRJMvQrTgfry4Igm6thQmzwdyYNvi9e-MOQQDWiCjXEiXIssH/s1600/SAM_1162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFeUBgZImpgdxfoN7m70VXBsjwTQus9pmXBmB4xAfEiOIdE9b6IZ1MpZwD4QDqAovut1Hemg95r9ryA6Izq-C1sutfCPpzRJMvQrTgfry4Igm6thQmzwdyYNvi9e-MOQQDWiCjXEiXIssH/s320/SAM_1162.JPG" width="320" /></a>The lid of the box was cut from cardstock as well. I trimmed the page to 6 1/4 x 6 1/4. I folded this piece just like the others, but instead of cutting the four corners, I folded them in 3 inches on each side, to look like this,<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB77Uoya2Lc3s6Ew3ciVlNnhk6iG9mNP-9METFDj1QpdA9FrNAm8a0PDqW_rcHf-pz5Vcc9KF9LrF7GMArzjnzykNifnEyD41O2bcE8fnmln8ugz2lcMcNkZdWyTZV6p5wCvrDgt4Ojioz/s1600/SAM_1164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB77Uoya2Lc3s6Ew3ciVlNnhk6iG9mNP-9METFDj1QpdA9FrNAm8a0PDqW_rcHf-pz5Vcc9KF9LrF7GMArzjnzykNifnEyD41O2bcE8fnmln8ugz2lcMcNkZdWyTZV6p5wCvrDgt4Ojioz/s320/SAM_1164.JPG" width="320" /></a> and glued the corners in, thus forming the shape of the lid. I paper-clipped the corners as the glue dried.<br />
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Decorate as you wish, and when you open the box, all the flaps are exposed.<br />
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What flourish have you accomplished lately? Tell me about it!</div>
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Ciao!</div>
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<br /></div>Amy DeWitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819952106523463829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412319203257151181.post-88938985009726943222012-07-12T21:08:00.000-07:002012-07-16T06:50:30.894-07:00Flop or Flourish Motivotions Day- 5 diy ruffle tank topToo many times I hold back for fear of failure. I almost didn't even start my blog, that I've wanted to do for a long time, for fear of "flop" <br />
I've had publisher rejections, and the last thing I want is to experience rejection from my lack of response. However, I decided to start living a little differently, and the response has been incredible. <br />
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But how do you keep going with something like this? There are only so many projects out there that I know how to do. I have to find things I haven't done, try something totally new. But just like in life, the unfamiliar can be scary.<br />
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I'm reminded of the verse that says, "Concentrate on doing your best for God, work you won't be ashamed of, laying out the truth plain and simple." (2 Timothy 2:15, The Message) Now, I realize the projects I've been working on have no spiritual significance, but I'm challenging myself to not only try a new project each day, but to also study something new in God's Word each day. It's amazing how much fun I'm having with all of this, and how much God is speaking to me through His Word each day! I am going to do my best for God, and in all the projects I attempt.<br />
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Today's flourish is another repurposed fashion item. I started with a tank top I no longer wear because I'm not crazy about the length.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcYHmofxMpkRKdPQXMSw9TundpKeoPCk5kvaK0EJKriWMOrhrAfZ0hssArPN4RVWCZfuyjk2ZO2YCryc2bkV9RPCHdvJG9JY2nC5DwfRqm3I5PvUj8lYhKhofc8RITbxop9cv-QqL_7YzO/s1600/SAM_1169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcYHmofxMpkRKdPQXMSw9TundpKeoPCk5kvaK0EJKriWMOrhrAfZ0hssArPN4RVWCZfuyjk2ZO2YCryc2bkV9RPCHdvJG9JY2nC5DwfRqm3I5PvUj8lYhKhofc8RITbxop9cv-QqL_7YzO/s320/SAM_1169.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I got this back when the initial craze first hit.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj17IV815Q8k7xM9BXDr2ItiY3WoNnWAKIbBwUKaELaT0xgmzTWFeEZ5ko4Y357LWus0HN-0BB-X5yTXBUF0HOxvADHGuwNuVPnXBlYqWHqnrqdBRrOljHpeWyrtFyHC7JxvN-gZOy5M0fL/s1600/SAM_1170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj17IV815Q8k7xM9BXDr2ItiY3WoNnWAKIbBwUKaELaT0xgmzTWFeEZ5ko4Y357LWus0HN-0BB-X5yTXBUF0HOxvADHGuwNuVPnXBlYqWHqnrqdBRrOljHpeWyrtFyHC7JxvN-gZOy5M0fL/s320/SAM_1170.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I used this second tank to slice up and detail the first tank.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYqUd9Y7Iu5S70pLkLsJg4LD-d_olZ5Z28UC1X6kV6qsqeRxEWmZfBFsHvXHpfckjGaV_sOx6eiX1O4bnbvGKnBGrl31C3VCiCnGLmUSO9na5ISsJ8ORjls3OZ78-qPunoL2sIJKcUGJYO/s1600/SAM_1171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYqUd9Y7Iu5S70pLkLsJg4LD-d_olZ5Z28UC1X6kV6qsqeRxEWmZfBFsHvXHpfckjGaV_sOx6eiX1O4bnbvGKnBGrl31C3VCiCnGLmUSO9na5ISsJ8ORjls3OZ78-qPunoL2sIJKcUGJYO/s320/SAM_1171.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I began by cutting off the bottom.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbTMhw7_Cx5wwpFTYP2ry_e4bf7Po-jRzgBVJyw6t2WYHl8olzSYVbFVMRXyHM9ayVyQmRcZ3DCxi5KNReHeW1keCoLJJj6XCoHHcYU1w16-Fxs1fQyC1sR05lLWYGtyepUQdkQLIJoT3x/s1600/SAM_1172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbTMhw7_Cx5wwpFTYP2ry_e4bf7Po-jRzgBVJyw6t2WYHl8olzSYVbFVMRXyHM9ayVyQmRcZ3DCxi5KNReHeW1keCoLJJj6XCoHHcYU1w16-Fxs1fQyC1sR05lLWYGtyepUQdkQLIJoT3x/s320/SAM_1172.JPG" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I sewed that strip to the inside edge of the first tank top.<br />
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As you can see, I'm very new to the whole sewing thing, and I had a crazy crooked spot! But we'll cover that up later.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtqoODu4GhKOkJwHhrmdvrU5aYGWzOgVEehpBYSekTnN2HQ6_U850zhWhrNKGH1KnMqXNkq4JIiK4eUu7qXQ_7P47UW3bUbnzDVR2lU8POsPOIUSKOpdLjEkHVWoblhamhjO-_prJlhQTE/s1600/SAM_1174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtqoODu4GhKOkJwHhrmdvrU5aYGWzOgVEehpBYSekTnN2HQ6_U850zhWhrNKGH1KnMqXNkq4JIiK4eUu7qXQ_7P47UW3bUbnzDVR2lU8POsPOIUSKOpdLjEkHVWoblhamhjO-_prJlhQTE/s320/SAM_1174.JPG" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I cut several strips that I will bunch up to make ruffle detail.<br />
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I hand sewed the strips by running a line of thread down the middle and pulling the string at the end for the bunched effect. I took a fourth strip, bunched it as well, then sewed in a circle for the flower. I added a button in the middle to finish it off.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpcUkOXfXdFM7VHroj0fbXBdi4nDghVfDjditpl81t6FOtTHvmk88gRrFh8caHErgqbB-gvN58rdTsybb-xXeVknYMoanvvektjNpF8ZK6eExGMHoOmi8mCaadHg8du1fKv1HSzY5o2aJj/s1600/SAM_1177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpcUkOXfXdFM7VHroj0fbXBdi4nDghVfDjditpl81t6FOtTHvmk88gRrFh8caHErgqbB-gvN58rdTsybb-xXeVknYMoanvvektjNpF8ZK6eExGMHoOmi8mCaadHg8du1fKv1HSzY5o2aJj/s320/SAM_1177.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>
Remember that lousy machine sewn line? I just added another strip to the side of the shirt to cover that up.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj7CKyUGJMiTzSMbdDZc4RLMpZ-wgv-u-o6roqCypr-6pJnzjzClU3bDs7BS4v_7nQXTuXyMJitIJLCyR0UAkiIz-Wx-Fo5fQxm6rqkcFflm1_M8GvU3NCkaRw1KDi7ewvsLV0Zh0bHWlh/s1600/SAM_1175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj7CKyUGJMiTzSMbdDZc4RLMpZ-wgv-u-o6roqCypr-6pJnzjzClU3bDs7BS4v_7nQXTuXyMJitIJLCyR0UAkiIz-Wx-Fo5fQxm6rqkcFflm1_M8GvU3NCkaRw1KDi7ewvsLV0Zh0bHWlh/s320/SAM_1175.JPG" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished off with some ribbon bows tied on the straps. Not too bad for a girl that has never sewn more than an occasional seem fix, or pant hem.<br />
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I'm going to wear this tomorrow to go pick up my daughter from camp. Yay for new projects!<br />
Ciao!</td></tr>
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<br />Amy DeWitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819952106523463829noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412319203257151181.post-13988637466026462802012-07-11T14:19:00.001-07:002012-07-11T14:19:49.236-07:00Flop or Flourish Motivotional Day- 4 Time for me...This morning, I was reading in the book of Habakkuk. (That's not a phrase you hear very often, is it?)<br />
Habakkuk 3:17 seems to describe our area right now.<br />
<strong> <sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">17 </span></sup>Though the fig tree does not bud<br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Hab-3-17">and there are no grapes on the vines,</span></span><br /><span class="text Hab-3-17">though the olive crop fails</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Hab-3-17">and the fields produce no food, <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-22786AP" title="See cross-reference AP">AP</a>)"></sup> </span></span><br /><span class="text Hab-3-17">though there are no sheep in the pen</span></strong><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"><strong> </strong></span><span class="text Hab-3-17"><strong>and no cattle in the stalls</strong>,</span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Hab-3-17">I'm not sure about the sheep or cattle, but I do know that we have been facing drought conditions for some time now. But the next verse is what hit me.</span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Hab-3-17"><strong><sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">18 </span></sup>yet I will rejoice in the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-22787AR" title="See cross-reference AR">AR</a>)"></sup> <br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Hab-3-18">I will be joyful in God my Savior.</span></span></strong></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Hab-3-17"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Hab-3-18">I mentioned in a previous blog about how Jesus came to give us life more abundantly. I believe our lives are meant to be lived, and to be lived joyfully, despite any circumstances in our lives.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Hab-3-17"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Hab-3-18">Too many Christians are under this illusion that are only purpose is to serve God and point others to Him. I agree, this is a big part of our purpose, but I also know that He, (God) wants us to enjoy life. Why else would he create us with likes and dislikes, or with passion for certain things? We were made to have fun!</span></span></span></span><br />
Instead of your normal boring routine, shake it up! Do something crazy, fun, creative or relaxing. Whatever it is that you enjoy, do it today! That is how I plan to flourish today. (I'm even wearing my Flourish T-shirt) Yeah, not the best picture, but whatever.<br />
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I've compiled a short list of my favorite things to do. Maybe it will give you some ideas.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMYwAunGjhxVtLiyNoflvBW8FAalb92gghYt_N9a7-bfEwJKd-_cx_i7Rlpc148LVcvgs8ctv2GfBwfE0pA9VULEjEhwGFLDKKNqWn6jNglGZ9JlL6AOnD_79ED5Ozyg3esUSMOH8oAB02/s1600/pillowtalk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMYwAunGjhxVtLiyNoflvBW8FAalb92gghYt_N9a7-bfEwJKd-_cx_i7Rlpc148LVcvgs8ctv2GfBwfE0pA9VULEjEhwGFLDKKNqWn6jNglGZ9JlL6AOnD_79ED5Ozyg3esUSMOH8oAB02/s200/pillowtalk.jpg" width="136" /></a>If you're a movie person, my favorite fun movie of all time is Doris Day and Rock Hudson's Pillow Talk. Doris Day and Rock Hudson share a party line, and she overhears him romancing several women, by phone, over a short time (My kids have no idea why these two share a phone line...or why their phones have cords.) When Rock Hudson meets Doris Day, he doesn't want to reveal his true identity, because she wouldn't like him... So he pretends he is someone else. I don't believe this is on Netflix, but Amazon.com would be a great place to find this movie.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbApjYKqretD6FFQuYHmXhTFPwY1jF6RHvWHMLKRSgv_XUUvdrNCIsfzcWpS87y-Xh1azOw9Kja7QAQJJA5RD4qRgCeAoDSdazHD19LftU0XqCV6EG3DR8Qf7FShSixwvnnzBzqm_15Jdp/s1600/swap+game.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbApjYKqretD6FFQuYHmXhTFPwY1jF6RHvWHMLKRSgv_XUUvdrNCIsfzcWpS87y-Xh1azOw9Kja7QAQJJA5RD4qRgCeAoDSdazHD19LftU0XqCV6EG3DR8Qf7FShSixwvnnzBzqm_15Jdp/s200/swap+game.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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If you're into games, I have two favorites. SWAP is a card game you can purchase at Wal-Mart for about $6. This game is similar to UNO, in the fact that you are trying to get rid of your cards by discarding by color. But there are swap cards, and when played, you can swap hands of cards with whomever you wish. There are also slap cards. When played, the last person to slap the deck has to draw a card. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk568-0vZm7YZ3CJTEU4fXGyT5mSNznaHOeFwKfiUJPcRiLGhRv8mj-a_objV1-ufWzq7XF2bkgr_BMStLxPiWvj8_wrPdGUMliRDTE2bd0n4iN2DNiNfkDCofU-arXFRIKgAnIPZSJ_Hs/s1600/quelf+game.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk568-0vZm7YZ3CJTEU4fXGyT5mSNznaHOeFwKfiUJPcRiLGhRv8mj-a_objV1-ufWzq7XF2bkgr_BMStLxPiWvj8_wrPdGUMliRDTE2bd0n4iN2DNiNfkDCofU-arXFRIKgAnIPZSJ_Hs/s1600/quelf+game.jpg" /></a>I also really like the game Quelf. It's a little more costly at around $25. (But well-worth it.) There is a board that you advance around by drawing cards and following instructions. There are different categories of cards. Some cards require you to perform an action, a usually ridiculous action. Some we've played have included making a homemade snorkel and wearing through the remainder of the game. One required a friend to shout, "Serves you right, Captain Poopy Pants" every time someone rolled the dice. With everyone following different crazy rules, it turns into chaos. Very fun!<br />
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Reading is one of my greatest enjoyments, and when I come across a good book, I'm all over it. I can read a book in a day. (When my kids are in school, and Aaron's at work, and there's nothing else I need to do. That never happens.) A couple of suggestions here. If you like historical romance-type books, try Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. I normally hate historical fiction, but this book is exceptionally well-written.<br />
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Terri Blackstock has an awesome series called the Restoration series. Last Light is the first book. I got this as a free book on my NookColor. After I read the first one, I had to get all four. If you've seen the old series Jericho on TV, the main plot has some similarities, but it goes a different direction.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidwhm3SH_dglStfUJxoHozePD3bOlEg4051CJAeNYdXtS14OuL-8kXeoAz-Adh8BW-jytrQWlZLeK4FuWDZbEQ0pn5CnkMitIdsgdPf_swD478xPYI80RsyJxdKcTSHEKcNxLcg-u4IQAg/s1600/terri+blackstock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidwhm3SH_dglStfUJxoHozePD3bOlEg4051CJAeNYdXtS14OuL-8kXeoAz-Adh8BW-jytrQWlZLeK4FuWDZbEQ0pn5CnkMitIdsgdPf_swD478xPYI80RsyJxdKcTSHEKcNxLcg-u4IQAg/s200/terri+blackstock.jpg" width="129" /></a>Today I don't have a flop or flourish for you. Today is your day to decide what you will do. Flop or Flourish, the choice is yours.<br />
Ciao!<br />
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<br />Amy DeWitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819952106523463829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412319203257151181.post-63937704452871651422012-07-10T20:10:00.000-07:002012-07-10T20:10:39.799-07:00Flop or Flourish Motivotions- Day 3 (Hair tie jar)Real and true friendships are very rare. I'm so blessed to have a true best friend right now. (Besides my husband. It's a given that your husband should also be your best friend.) I have a friend that calls me every day. Sometimes up to five or more times a day. She always wants to know what's going on in my life. She shares what is going on in her life. We laugh together, we pray for each other, and we share our crafting ideas.<br />
My best friend is my sister, Jenessa. When I was thirteen years old, I never would have guessed that the friend that I would look forward to hanging out with would be my little sister!<br />
As part of this motivotional, I've been praying for some new friendships as well. Funny how God works.<br />
As soon as I began praying for this, Aaron and I were invited to dinner with some friends from church, and I received a message from one of our former youth ministry students inviting me to lunch.<br />
God desires for our needs and wants to be met.<br />
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm 37:4&version=NIV"><strong>Psalm 37:4</strong></a><br />Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the <b>desires</b> <b>of</b> <b>your</b> <b>heart</b>. <br />
By the way, if you ever need to look up a Bible verse, hop on over to <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/">www.biblegateway.com</a><br />
Bible Gateway is one of the best sites if you only know a word or phrase of a verse and you want to search for it quickly.<br />
Today's Flop or Flourish was, thankfully, a flourish. (Did I mention before that I'm not a fan of having something flop?)<br />
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I've seen lots of repurposed mason and spaghetti sauce jars on Pinterest. Since my girls have loads of ponytail holders and they never seem to stay in one place, I thought I'd try a jar for this.<br />
But then, I saw my beautiful backyard in the background of this picture and obviously had to stop to take another picture... I'm pretty sure I have ADOS. Attention Deficit Oooh Shiny! Look, there's my yellow hose....<br />
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Back to the project at hand. I cleaned the jar and peeled the label. There was a lot of sticky still on the glass, so I grabbed some Goo Gone. Great stuff. Once it was all clear, I loaded up the Cricut and cut out "Hair" on some pretty cardstock.<br />
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The font had a little loop on the end, so I used some string tied around the jar to "hang" the letters.<br />
I used a glittery Mod Podge to stick and coat the letters. I also coated the entire jar to give it a glittery effect. Don't worry, it looks totally different when it dries.<br />
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I then traced the jar lid with the same paper I used for the letters. I Mod Podged that to the top of the lid. A Sharpie around the edge of the lid covered up the Ragu logo.<br />
It still seemed to be missing something, so I had Aaron drill a hole in the lid. I added an extra drawer knob that we've had laying around since we remodeled the house a few months ago.<br />
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The finished product had an almost antique type feel. I really thought this one was going to be a flop, but I think it turned out great.</div>
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Don't be afraid to try something new! You never know when you'll surprise yourself.</div>
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Ciao!</div>
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<br />Amy DeWitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819952106523463829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412319203257151181.post-89815683223793563822012-07-09T20:34:00.000-07:002012-07-09T21:10:46.803-07:00Flop or Flourish Motivotions- Day 2Today I dropped off my oldest daughter at camp. This is her third year going to camp, but this year it was harder for me to leave. This seems like a very significant year. She is now officially a pre-teener, and has moved up from kid's camp to pre-teen camp. Why is this significant? Partially because it made me realize just how old I am. But, mostly because I still remember my years at pre-teen camp.<br />
When I was eleven years old, I was a camper at the same church camp where I left Ally today. During that week of camp, I don't remember who the camp speaker was. I don't remember what team I was on for activities, and I don't remember who my friends were. I do remember vividly what happened in one of the altar times. When I was eleven years old, I felt God call me into a full-time ministry. I knew that one day, I would serve my church in some kind of capacity. Of course, being eleven, I thought that I would start out singing in small churches, and eventually become the next Sandy Patty. (A famous contemporary Christian artist of the time.)<br />
I never became famous. But I did make it into full-time ministry. It didn't quite start out the way I imagined, though. I was certain that full-time ministry involved sitting on the platform during services, speaking to large crowds of people who are hanging on every word you preach, and spending time praying for lovely, grateful people.<br />
When I was about seventeen, I told my pastor that I felt called to ministry. I was sure he would ask me to speak in church, or put me in charge of some kind of ministry. He did. He told me that he was glad God called me, and he really needed someone to pick up the used Kleenex, in between church services, from the altar areas. I didn't complain, I just started doing this each week for several months. That was my first ministry experience, and I have to say, it was the best lesson to learn. You can't do ministry unless you can serve and do the menial, thankless jobs.<br />
Now, I know that ministry is not glamorous. It's about serving others, whether they appreciate the things you do or not. It's about serving behind the scenes, at times. <br />
Today was a good reminder of how I began ministry. I hope I never forget that ministry can be as simple as a booger-tissue, cleaner-upper.<br />
My favorite Bible verses are in 1 Corinthians. Chapter 15:57-58 "Therefore my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable. Always abounding in the work of the Lord, for you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."<br />
Anything you do for the Lord is important, no matter how small! Flourish in the small stuff!<br />
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<strong><span style="color: #20124d;">Today's Flop or Flourish came from a few weeks ago...</span></strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaSpP7TKkYeDSiUlxoLj1uvfpDrOdJ-OewbVHhK-jwWF8MUF3CEJLiVVbT3_QFYWB3VA0Ige8jrocVTjFWtuoLgfJdoNKsemk7MH5tfsAQF53slZvtFlCRO4g2Yxrm_h5qmpg-5UasTqdY/s1600/SAM_1136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaSpP7TKkYeDSiUlxoLj1uvfpDrOdJ-OewbVHhK-jwWF8MUF3CEJLiVVbT3_QFYWB3VA0Ige8jrocVTjFWtuoLgfJdoNKsemk7MH5tfsAQF53slZvtFlCRO4g2Yxrm_h5qmpg-5UasTqdY/s320/SAM_1136.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Flop: <br />
I saw a great (or so I thought) idea on Pinterest. Ice cube painting. I teach kid's church, and it has been an insanely hot summer. I loved the idea, but I didn't have the watercolors the pin suggested using. I'm not big on following directions, so I thought, hey, why not just use food coloring. Some of you are already groaning because you know what's coming next. We took the ice cubes and fabric to the picnic tables and began to paint. Very quickly, fingers were stained, and kids were wiping their hands on their clothes...Sorry to all the moms. After about a minute, they all wanted to stop because their tiny fingers were frozen. Ah, well, you don't always flourish, but you gotta keep trying!<br />
Ciao!<br />
<br />Amy DeWitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819952106523463829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412319203257151181.post-9975176664258169322012-07-08T19:20:00.000-07:002012-07-08T19:55:16.844-07:00Flop or Flourish Motivotions- Day 1I think God may be desperately trying to get my attention on the subject of living instead of dreaming. As soon as I began this spiritual experiment, the idea surrounds everything I hear.<br />
Today's sermon at church was about fulfilling our purpose and daring to dream big. This is exactly what God has been speaking to me this past month!<br />
Whenever there is a purpose and destiny for our life, there is always a giant standing in the way. What will you do about it?<br />
1. Begin to dream again! What would you love to do, but seems impossible? What things would you accomplish if you weren't afraid?<br />
2. Learn from David's example in 1 Samuel. David faced his giant with courage and assurance that his God would see him through. David walked out onto that field with no armor. No sword. A slingshot and a stone brought down a giant that had taunted the Israelites for so long. David knew he didn't have to be the most powerful. He relied on strength that was not his own.<br />
3. Remember how powerful your God is! When we know who God is, we know that He will never leave us or forsake us. We know that all things work together for God for those who love Him. We know that through Christ all things are possible.<br />
In this journey, I have committed to trying new things and have a little fun with life. So today's first experiment with Flop or Flourish was...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX4uIYcv524v84rV-JubbwG96CRnUcwsePliirGUcIYDUGE9fLZMdpkIh-6oOGy_wVfaFfG3RvwaJkAFyJBSi-0eIm-TDOYn1rBC5cU0oaccMk_JMqFAKFiVcPtu_BhYHdq2uY_6PxaOa7/s1600/SAM_1133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX4uIYcv524v84rV-JubbwG96CRnUcwsePliirGUcIYDUGE9fLZMdpkIh-6oOGy_wVfaFfG3RvwaJkAFyJBSi-0eIm-TDOYn1rBC5cU0oaccMk_JMqFAKFiVcPtu_BhYHdq2uY_6PxaOa7/s400/SAM_1133.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ghetto-fab</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNnDMMPKJ4DnqoVpqbj1hz87AmBV5UFCtNf7Ug3fTzdTdvxuuedbUz3twt64V7_vRb6y5R7qG-WqZ0iaDKb-ImEwCmQWk34X5kkOImGSoBqYXRpwJhypXgClR0EM06SaQfiPHAJasPFcI_/s1600/SAM_1132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNnDMMPKJ4DnqoVpqbj1hz87AmBV5UFCtNf7Ug3fTzdTdvxuuedbUz3twt64V7_vRb6y5R7qG-WqZ0iaDKb-ImEwCmQWk34X5kkOImGSoBqYXRpwJhypXgClR0EM06SaQfiPHAJasPFcI_/s320/SAM_1132.JPG" width="180" /></a>A flourish! Yay! I saw a picture on Pinterest of a girl in a very cute little dress. When I clicked on the picture, I was taken to <a href="http://www.refashionista.net/">www.refashionista.net</a>. This is an amazing site. A young woman made a new outfit from an old (and usually hideous) outfit each day for a year, with little or new sewing. I thought I'd give it a try. So I took my husband's old ghetto fab shirt. I cut off the collar right around the edge, and cut the sleeves in half. I put it on and tied the bottom strips first, then the top strips to make a cute top. I paired it with a little jacket and voila! I was a little leery of wearing it to church because I didn't want to look like I just chopped a T-shirt, but I got more compliments on this outfit today than I have on anything in weeks! No one had a clue...until I told them. (I can never just say thanks.)<br />
I hope you are motivated to try something new this week!<br />
Ciao!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC1ljP651ifUdL-mfwe02i031tw4N_o3PRQMTOuyVm3XVadNjEtZGPpXOsbW1SRhzkSfxJnvxRuyetq7T5K32rus973RTtATjZe-29G3LhYQrlt0-KHWK-xvOcOyqMm7shoGeMuti7gjc5/s1600/SAM_1131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC1ljP651ifUdL-mfwe02i031tw4N_o3PRQMTOuyVm3XVadNjEtZGPpXOsbW1SRhzkSfxJnvxRuyetq7T5K32rus973RTtATjZe-29G3LhYQrlt0-KHWK-xvOcOyqMm7shoGeMuti7gjc5/s320/SAM_1131.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>Amy DeWitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819952106523463829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412319203257151181.post-55051092957617241202012-07-07T21:20:00.000-07:002012-07-07T21:20:25.148-07:00Flop or Flourish Motivotions- Day 0A few months ago I stumbled upon something that would change my entire world. Pinterest. So many pins, so little time.<br />
I could waste precious hours pinning everything from the best crock pot recipes, to the top ten best places to shop for discounts. And so far, the drama factor that is ever present in Facebook, is not haunting my Pinterest.<br />
Like many others, though, I find myself pinning fabulous idea afer fabulous idea, but never taking those ideas from the screen to reality. For a while, I blamed the clock. My husband and I were working on staff at two churches, I lead a Girl Scout troop, and was room-mom for my girls' kindergarten and 5th grade classes. <br />
Aaron and I resigned from one of our churches a short time ago, I quit leading Girl Scouts for the summer and school is out. (Until August 2nd, anyways. The 2nd! Can you believe that? But I digress...)<br />
Since I've opened up more time in my schedule, I've actually begun to try some of these projects from my Pinterest account. Some have flourished, others have flopped. Okay, many have flopped. But at least I'm trying now.<br />
I decided to take all the things I want to accomplish, and put those plans into motion. As I pondered these thoughts, I thought about how I had been doing the same thing with my life. Dreaming, but not doing.<br />
It's easy to dream about all the things we want to do, but never accomplish anything of real value. It's so much easier to dream than to work. There are several reasons that at least I have for this. <br />
1. What if it doesn't work?<br />
2. I don't have the time.<br />
3. It requires too much effort.<br />
Maybe you have a different set of excuses, but they're still excuses.<br />
What if it doesn't work? Then, at least you know, and you can try something different. If at first you don't succeed....<br />
I don't have the time. This was a big one for me. But then I realized, uh, I set my own schedule. I do the things that are important to me. I sometimes watch waaaay too much TV, and spend even more time on Pinterest. The truth is, there are twenty-four hours in a day for everyone. I don't have any less time than anyone else.<br />
It requires too much effort. Nothing of value is obtained without sacrifice. Sometimes the more difficult a task, the more fulfilling the reward.<br />
In all things, remember, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." Philippians 4:8<br />
With all this in mind, I have decided to begin working on this motivotional blog. Flop or Flourish.<br />
Maybe you'll come away with some awesome diy ideas, maybe you'll be inspired by one ordinary person's quest for something more out of life. Whatever the outcome, I will trust in the Lord, and start living out the daydreams.<br />
Ciao!<br />
<br />Amy DeWitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819952106523463829noreply@blogger.com0Indianapolis, IN, USA39.7685155 -86.158073639.57324 -86.473930599999989 39.963791 -85.8422166tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2412319203257151181.post-53718986787718067782012-03-23T09:43:00.000-07:002012-03-23T09:43:33.953-07:00Blog about it to write about it...I think I'm about 10 years behind the times by social media times. Blogging has never really been my thing, but I'm trying to get back into the habit of writing.<br />
Like I need another thing to occupy my time. Working at two churches, leading a Girl Scout troop and taking my girls to dance lessons doesn't seem to fill up every second, so why not add something else, right?<br />
I've been really motivated to write lately. I've worked on a devotional before, but want to do something a little crazy or different. I saw an ad for a girl who had written what she called a "motivotional." A devotion with challenges to fulfill each day.<br />
I think a 30 day motivotional would be awesome, but I've wondered what kind of spiritual and physical type of experiment would I want to complete for myself, and share with others.<br />
What's your thought? What would you want to see someone do that would motivate you as well?<br />
Weight loss, becoming a neat freak, becoming a crafting superhero...or something else.<br />
Of course, I would add in Biblical principles and stories of encouragement.<br />
This is not something I would necessarly publish, but am writing more for personal satisfaction, but who knows?<br />
So tell me your thoughts.<br />
~Amy<br />Amy DeWitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10819952106523463829noreply@blogger.com2