tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23451641712495169372024-03-05T09:41:38.435-05:00In This TentI consider it right, as long as I am in this tent,to wake you up with a reminder, knowing that I will soon lay aside my tent, as our Lord Jesus Christ has also shown me. 2 Peter 1:13-14Hannah Attawayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14898483837734598313noreply@blogger.comBlogger484125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345164171249516937.post-91961106793887948042012-05-30T19:17:00.001-04:002012-05-30T19:17:22.364-04:00S'more Station (Imperfectly Pinterest)<div style="text-align: center;">
I found an idea on Pinterest that totally makes up for all of the ridiculous, mommy-acheiver guilt. Using a small flower pot, aluminum foil, and charcoal, you can create a great little s'more station! The idea was originally posted <a href="http://apresfete.blogspot.com/">here</a> as a party idea, but our form is a little more kid friendly and much less fancy. We had s'mores for dessert on Memorial Day, and I completely mimicked the picture on the original post. I realized that filling the pot completely with charcoal made the flame too high, and it was better to light the little fire about an hour before you actually get to s'more making. The result is a perfect, well-contained pile of charcoal with just enough flame to make s'mores with a much smaller threat of burns. The girls and I enjoyed a mini-campout of sorts, making s'mores on our front porch, and it was even a school night!</div>
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DeLaynie loved this idea! She does not like s'mores, but she enjoyed eating half of a Hershey bar between frivolously roasting marshmallows.</div>
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She said that it was just like camping out. I have no intention of correcting her idea of camping. </div>
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Ella enjoys roasting the marshmallows as well, though she does have an unhealthy fear of burning her marshmallows.</div>
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Her favorite part, unlike DeLaynie, is the actual s'more at the end. She was completely chocolate covered and deliriously happy by the end of it!</div>
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For all of you marshmallow perfectionists, you can use a skewer as a spit with this method as well. It's a great method for roasting the ginormous marshmallows that are in stores these days.</div>
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For less than $10, I bought the flower pots, charcoal, and s'more materials, and these things are going to get some serious usage this summer! I love finding something that works!</div>Hannah Attawayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14898483837734598313noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345164171249516937.post-28939294984673420402012-05-23T15:52:00.002-04:002012-05-23T15:53:43.859-04:00Imperfectly Pinterest: Homemade Laundry DetergentPeer pressure is highly overrated in my opinion. I never did anything that I didn't want to do. Honestly, the first time that I heard someone mention making her own laundry detergent, my initial reaction was to question her sanity.<br />
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Then came Pinterest. The ginormous guilt trip to which so many of us subscribe. I found a couple of recipes for both liquid and dry detergent, and it seemed to be a big deal. I made both. I prefer the powder version for whites and lights, but my HE machine makes me nervous when using cold water and powder detergent. You can find the liquid recipe that I used <a href="http://whynotsew.blogspot.com/2010/08/how-to-make-homemade-laundry-detergent.html">here</a>, and the simpler powder detergent recipe <a href="http://www.yellowbrickhome.com/2011/03/16/diy-suds/">here</a>.<br />
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If you want to know why I decided to give it a whirl, I honestly don't know. I think it's my way of compensating for the fact that I do not coupon. If you were looking for a girl who decorates her laundry detergent container, you have come to the wrong place. Don't worry. I'm sure that the next time you stop by, I'll have cricut acrylic letters to label the antique glass jars in which I keep my housekeeping supplies. Because that would make me a better wife and mother.</div>
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A few hints:</div>
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<li>Although you don't have to use Fels Naptha soap, I recommend it. I didn't use it for the first three attempts because I read that it can cause skin irritation. I read further to discover that the old formulation could cause skin irritation, but the new formulation does not. Using Fels Naptha does make a difference in that the clothes smell better. I also add sweet lemon essential oil, which blends well with the soap. It is more difficult to hand grate, though.</li>
<li>I set my machine on "Presoak". It doesn't use any more water, but it does take a few minutes longer. I've found that homemade detergent doesn't have as intense of a smell, but presoaking does help the scent stay longer.</li>
<li>Do NOT feel guilty if you decide to stick with the store-bought stuff. even if you do a ton of laundry, this will only save you a few dollars a week. Although it will make you feel better on that one day that you typically buy laundry detergent, it isn't that big of a deal in the grand scheme of things. If you like making stuff, go for it. If that just isn't your thing, who cares?!</li>
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</ul>Hannah Attawayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14898483837734598313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345164171249516937.post-4277676823102615562012-05-19T13:10:00.001-04:002012-05-19T13:10:48.971-04:00The Power of WordsThey were the most hurtful words that have ever been spoken about me, but they weren't said <em>to</em> me. When Edwin and I got engaged, there were some people who were unhappy about it. My friends and family were ecstatic, but Edwin's friends weren't as thrilled. His family was always supportive, but there were some very important people in his life who were unhappy about the situation. <br />
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On three occasions, different representatives from this group tried to dissuade him from marrying me. They went so far as to say that I would ruin his ministry. Honestly, I was only 19 and I was coming out of the darkest period of my life. It wasn't that they didn't have reason for concern, but what I couldn't understand is why they didn't trust Edwin's judgement. One of the people who was most adamantly against the marriage had never even met me, which meant that there were conversations taking place. My complete ineptness was a topic of conversation. Most of the people discussing the "problem" that was our engagement had met me a handful of times. <br />
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I believe that they thought that they were speaking words of discernment, but they were wrong. Their words did nothing to build up the Body of Christ (of which I am a part), but they did manage to break the heart and crush the spirit of a young, often times foolish, version of myself. Edwin saw something that they didn't see. He believed that God wasn't done with me. They believed that I would end his ministry, but he believed that I would grow it. Where they saw brokenness, he saw usefulness.<br />
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Although they failed at breaking up the most wonderful human relationship in our shared life, they were quite successful in tearing down my self-worth. For the first five years of our marriage, I believed that I owed Edwin. I rarely told him "no" on anything. I rarely gave my input on his ministry. I didn't get involved in church work. My spiritual walk was weaker because I felt so unworthy of my husband, and of God. It took God pursuing me for me to realize that I was not as undesirable to Him as Edwin's friends thought I was. I was not only not damaging, I was able to be beneficial, and I really believe that I am a benefit to Edwin's ministry at this point. <br />
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I remember in college, one of my professors actually bragged about an insult he made in high school. I was appalled, but everyone else in the class had a lovely story made up in which the girl that my professor crushed eventually became a beautiful, successful adult. I'm not sharing my story because I'm angry or bitter. I'm sharing my story because I have come to realize that most people use their words in terrible ways, and then excuse their behavior. Life doesn't work like a country music video or a teen movie. Words hurt. In my case, words left wounds that still haven't gone away. I still become very self-conscious whenever we go to Alabama. I feel like the whole state is watching, just waiting for me to mess up and destroy Edwin's life and ministry. Although God used those words to make me more aware of my own words and to encourage me to be a better pastor's wife, their actions are inexcusable. <br />
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To be human is to make an impact on other people. We aren't allowed to take a break and "just get it all out." It's a constant job, a duty that we have as Christians to strengthen each other to do a better job at serving Christ. We don't have the right to have bad discernment. Every word must be tested according to the Holy Spirit and Scripture. To ignore this truth is to deny the essence of relationship, that I can impact you, for good or bad, and you can impact me.Hannah Attawayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14898483837734598313noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345164171249516937.post-14551281227701268312012-05-17T09:00:00.001-04:002012-05-17T09:00:39.999-04:00Unpredictable LifeSince I last blogged, a lot has happened. I've worked a part time job as a reservation agent. I then decided that I wasn't going to be able to work the required number of hours during the summer, and turned in my resignation to take effect on June 5th. Yesterday we received a call from foster care that a couple of boys needed a place to stay, so I turned in an immediate resignation, which my incredibly awesome company accepted with utmost kindness and respect. <br />
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The circumstances have changed drastically, but my heart has changed even more. Working 30 hours a week was the best thing I have ever done for my attitude toward mothering. Since having DeLaynie six years ago, the opportunities to really miss my children have been few and far-between. The experience of a daily routine that required me to stuff quality into the time available has helped me to value the time that I used to have, and will now have again.<br />
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Life is full of surprises. The caveat to foster care is that you never know what's coming next, but when do we really know what the future holds?</div>Hannah Attawayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14898483837734598313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345164171249516937.post-48233600991850390862012-03-21T16:23:00.000-04:002012-03-21T16:23:53.870-04:00Birthday Week Ends with a 4!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The week of birthday madness ends at midnight. I wish that I could show the photos taken at the party, but my card reader is still somewhere in the universe where I cannot find it (and my keys, all of them, have joined it), and I keep forgetting to buy one when I'm in a store. I did take a couple of pics with my iPod of Ella playing with a birthday gift.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There's something downright disturbing about your baby turning four. She isn't a baby anymore. She isn't a toddler. She's a big kid. The good news is that she is a cuddly big kid. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3 and 4 are my favorite ages. I remember when DeLaynie was almost four, and I kept worrying that I preferred DeLaynie over Ella. Now that Ella is at that age, I find myself concerned that I prefer Ella. I suddenly realized that it wasn't the person that I prefer but the age. It's the time in a kid's life when she is independent enough to play alone and with other kids, but not so independent that a mom feels unnecessary. I felt much better with this realization.</div>Hannah Attawayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14898483837734598313noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345164171249516937.post-28354356494929222912012-03-14T18:53:00.000-04:002012-03-14T18:53:24.621-04:00Oh No, She Didn't!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yes. Yes, she did. Today my daughter DeLaynie turned six years old, which is theoretically impossible because yesterday she was a 6 1/2 lb newborn. I keep telling her that she has to stop this whole "growing up" thing, but she is so stubborn that she flatly refuses to listen to her mother. I have a feeling that she is going to continue her rebellious streak right into adulthood. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkMwUzV6TUcFKa0K_hgqpHLYL-c-QWZYfBatc3ouHkROnQ9elbCPNw5Cqmv1hadj3RPX78XbCS2rlBVXUqCosM1TKBXhvZ9H2oRbJdB8A-duJIaTgviJhbB7D-x8PxjS0mz_1NzsPwdAk/s1600/bowlingbirthday+241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkMwUzV6TUcFKa0K_hgqpHLYL-c-QWZYfBatc3ouHkROnQ9elbCPNw5Cqmv1hadj3RPX78XbCS2rlBVXUqCosM1TKBXhvZ9H2oRbJdB8A-duJIaTgviJhbB7D-x8PxjS0mz_1NzsPwdAk/s320/bowlingbirthday+241.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">DeLaynie and Ella will have their combined birthday party on Saturday. They are both anxious for it to get here. I'm anxious to complete the preparations. I'm just glad that their birthdays are close enough that we can celebrate them together. I know that the day will come when they are no longer okay with sharing a party, but I have every intention to ride this train to the very last stop.</div>Hannah Attawayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14898483837734598313noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345164171249516937.post-714566111488324842012-02-15T21:42:00.001-05:002012-02-17T12:29:55.274-05:00When I Listen to Michael Buble...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yesterday was Valentine's Day, which included many romantic additions to my day. My husband began my morning with a cinnamelt from McDonald's, which doesn't sound like much until you take into consideration the fact that the trip to and from McDonald's is thirty minutes or more. I also received 3 Hershey's Cookies and Cream bars at the end of the day. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
In between those treats, the Valentine's Day party at DeLaynie's school, and getting pulled over by Border Patrol for accidentally making a U-turn just before a check point (oops!), I went for a walk. Seeing as it was Valentine's Day, I chose Michael Buble's album, "Crazy Love: Hollywood Edition" as my walking accompaniment. Whenever I listen to Mr. Buble, I imagine what I would be doing if not a Christian. If not for Christ, I am absolutely positive that I would be a lounge singer, with loose ties to non-violent crime, and I would be wearing these shoes:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a2.zassets.com/images/z/1/2/0/1208749-p-2x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Product Image" border="0" class="abPos" data-pshot-height="360" height="300" src="http://a2.zassets.com/images/z/1/2/0/1208749-p-2x.jpg" style="left: 0px; top: 0px;" title="" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And allow me to say, my rendition of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4toIlFUcvrQ">"Baby (You've Got What it Takes)"</a> would rock your world. Then, of course, I am reminded of the bazillions of reasons that I'm not a lounge singer. At the top of that list is the fact that I am, in fact, a Christian, and I think it would be pretty difficult to glorify Christ to the greatest measure if I were a lounge singer. (To all of you Christian lounge singers out there, allow me to encourage you to use your career to the glory of Christ, just as long as it doesn't lead you into sin, because I know just how common of a struggle that is.) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And that's what happens when I listen to Michael Buble.</div>Hannah Attawayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14898483837734598313noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345164171249516937.post-92209441483647015632012-02-07T18:58:00.000-05:002012-02-07T18:58:38.256-05:00Speaking Up and Shutting Up<em>This is an excerpt from "</em><a href="http://www.consumedbygrace.org/thefeast.htm"><em>The Feast</em></a><em>," the Bible Study that I'm organizing for the Sunday School class that I teach. I know that I don't write nearly as many posts as I used to, but it isn't because I'm not writing. I wanted to give you a look at what I've been up to. If you are looking for more information about "</em><a href="http://www.consumedbygrace.org/thefeast.htm"><em>The Feast</em></a><em>," click </em><a href="http://www.consumedbygrace.org/thefeast.htm"><em>here</em></a><em>.</em><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright","serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">I have a difficult time knowing when to speak and when to keep my mouth shut.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember being at the hair salon when I was thirteen. I don’t know how we got there, but I felt the need to tell everyone in the room that, “My dad is completely different guy when he isn’t behind the pulpit.” What I meant was that my dad is at his most interesting when he is preaching. It’s almost like there’s some dormant part of his personality that wakes up as he preaches. As my mother later informed me, it sounded like I was saying that my father is giant hypocrite who doesn’t live the way that he teaches others to live. Oops! Though I’ve learned many lessons in inter-personal communication since I was thirteen, I still spend large amounts of time debating when to speak and what to say, and I often get it wrong. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright","serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Maybe that’s why the story of Abigail is one of my favorites. In 1 Samuel 25, we see a woman who speaks up with boldness and grace, and earns a position as queen. As I re-read her story this week, I suddenly realized that I had never understood the full impact that Abigail had on David. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright","serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Just as a reminder, Abigail is a beautiful and intelligent woman who is married to a “harsh and evil” man named Nabal. David protected Nabal’s shepherds as they sheared Nabal’s flock, but the rich Nabal refuses to share his food and wine with David and his men on a feast day. David reacts violently when his servants return with word of Nabal’s stinginess. David takes 400 of his men to attack Nabal, with the intention of killing every man in his household. That’s when Abigail enters the scene. She takes food and wine and rides out to David, just as he is speaking of his violent intentions toward the house of Nabal. She gets off of her donkey, bows with her face to the ground, and says, <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0.5in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright","serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">"The guilt is mine, my lord, but please let your servant speak to you directly. Listen to the words of your servant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><sup>25</sup> My lord should pay no attention to this worthless man Nabal, for he lives up to his name: His name is Nabal, and stupidity is all he knows. I, your servant, didn't see my lord's young men whom you sent. <sup>26</sup> Now my lord, as surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, it is the LORD who kept you from participating in bloodshed and avenging yourself by your own hand. May your enemies and those who want trouble for my lord be like Nabal. <sup>27</sup> Accept this gift your servant has brought to my lord, and let it be given to the young men who follow my lord. <sup>28</sup> Please forgive your servant's offense, for the LORD is certain to make a lasting dynasty for my lord because he fights the LORD's battles. Throughout your life, may evil not be found in you…”</span></i><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright","serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"> 1Samuel 25:24-28 CSB <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright","serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright","serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>David blesses Abigail for her discernment and refrains from killing Nabal. When Abigail tells her husband what happened, he becomes paralyzed, and he dies ten days later. When David hears about Nabal, he blesses the LORD for restraining him from doing evil, and he sends for Abigail to take her as his wife. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright","serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It’s a pretty cool story, but this week I saw something that I hadn’t noticed before. At the end of 1 Samuel 25, we see that David also took Ahinoam as a wife, but we don’t hear her story. Why is this story more significant that Ahinoam’s? I believe that we see the reason in the next chapter.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright","serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>David and his follower Abishai go into Saul’s camp, where they find the king asleep. Abishai asks David if may kill Saul with the spear that Saul has stuck in the ground next to his head. David’s response is very interesting to me. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0.5in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright","serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">David added, "As the LORD lives, the LORD will certainly strike him down: either his day will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish. <sup>11</sup> However, because of the LORD, I will never lift my hand against the LORD's anointed. Instead, take the spear and the water jug by his head, and let's go."<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0.5in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright","serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">1 Samuel 26:10-11 CSB</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0.5in 0pt;"><br />
</div> <span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright","serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">David seems completely confident that the LORD is going to handle Saul. Just last chapter, David intended on taking matters into his own hands with Nabal, but something has changed since then. It appears that the LORD used the incident with Nabal to prove to David that He is going to bring about justice. In many ways, Nabal is very similar to Saul. He is a wicked man who is very powerful and rich, and who doesn’t recognize the kindness that David has shown him. God used this episode of David’s life to intervene before David took matters into his own hands. God saw the temptation that David would face as he stood over King Saul, and God stepped in through a woman named Abigail.<o:p></o:p></span>Hannah Attawayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14898483837734598313noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345164171249516937.post-59076582561323892192012-02-02T10:06:00.000-05:002012-02-02T10:06:18.839-05:00Un-Illustrated Stories of Our LivesSo, here's the deal: I really wanted to give you some photos in this post, but I can't find my card reader for my camera's memory card. I've looked, but it simply does not desire to be found at the moment. You're just going to have to use your imaginations.<br />
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DeLaynie has lost two teeth. She actually pulled them out herself! When we went to the dentist, the hygienist told me that one was wiggly. I was a little concerned about how DeLaynie would react. She's so sensitive about so many things that I was afraid that the idea of losing a part of herself would be disturbing. I was incredibly wrong. She pulled out the first one while at school. When she got off the bus that day, she kept yelling, "Look, Mommy! Look!" She was pointing into her mouth, but it still took me a second to figure it out. The bus driver filled me in as to her excitement. On Sunday night I was able to witness the encore. DeLaynie had been rolling on a mattress, and she must have bit down on her other wiggly tooth. As I watched, she stuck her little hands into her mouth and yanked out the offender. I'm very grateful that I was completely passive. <br />
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In other news, both DeLaynie and Ella have suddenly become cuddly. They started sleeping in one twin-sized bed last week. We were afraid that one would fall out, so we pushed their beds together. They still end up sleeping in one bed, but they generally pick the one next to the wall, so they should be safe. Ella's always been cuddly, and she adores DeLaynie, so she's positively thrilled that her sister is finally reciprocating her desire to snuggle. <br />
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Finally (for now), I am about to start my first job since having kiddos. I have a friend who has worked as a reservation agent, and has now been promoted to human resources. She mentioned that her company is hiring people for her original job, and I was beginning to look for some work. It's a completely work-from-home gig, but we'll still send Ella to a friend's house one extra morning a week because the job requires a distraction-free environment. Although this job will change our lives as little as any job could, I'm still a little nervous about the adjustment. I'm really not concerned about the kids. Ella's life will only change by one morning a week, and DeLaynie will only realize I'm working on Saturdays because I'll work the rest of my hours while she's at school. It's been a long time since I've had a job, and I'm interested to see how it plays out. The whole truth is that I'm more excited than nervous. Although I have hoped for a writing or ministry opportunity to open up, it hasn't. Until it does, I'm grateful for the opportunity to have a structured job that will allow me to bring in some funds. <br />
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Trust me that I had an adorable pic of the girls all scrunched up on one twin bed and another cute one of a much less toothed DeLaynie. Sadly, you can't see them, but it isn't because I didn't try. I should definitely get some Mommy points for this post, despite the lack of photographic evidence.Hannah Attawayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14898483837734598313noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345164171249516937.post-52204260975024860132012-01-25T22:59:00.002-05:002012-01-25T23:01:49.089-05:00White Chick in Denial<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
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I've had to move my work-outs indoors. I always have a difficult time transitioning from outdoor walks to indoor treading. I can't even cross country ski at the moment because all of our snow melted. The silver lining is that inside work-outs can include Pandora radio on my iPod. I don't have iPhone, so I need an internet connection in order to enjoy Pandora. And I do so enjoy Pandora.<br />
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This finally gets me to my point. I love Lecrae and 116 Pandora stations! My favorite album is "Man Up" by 116. I realize that I couldn't be less of the target audience. The intended listeners are, well, men, and generally from an inner-city background. I'm a white, small-town, suburban kind of chick. But I still love it.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ts4.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=1532405221687&id=0436568591168762b862b5cdf37aecd1&url=http%3a%2f%2fchristiantalentcommunity.com%2fwp-content%2fuploads%2f2011%2f06%2f116-man-up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" class="sg_t" height="400" src="http://ts4.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=1532405221687&id=0436568591168762b862b5cdf37aecd1&url=http%3a%2f%2fchristiantalentcommunity.com%2fwp-content%2fuploads%2f2011%2f06%2f116-man-up.jpg" style="height: 198px; left: 0px; top: 0px; width: 198px;" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I'm not sure if I should ask for permission to borrow the awesomeness of the African American Christian culture, if only for the time that I'm on the treadmill. I want to say a giant, "thank you!" to Lecrae, Tadashii, Trip Lee, and so many others who are producing theologically sound, high-quality, fun music. And thanks for letting me elbow my way to the front of the virtual stage, despite my minivan and complete lack of rhythm. It's definitely a good thing that they don't have to see the desecration that is my praise dancing. I'm pretty sure that the LORD is the only One who gets a kick out of that.Hannah Attawayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14898483837734598313noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345164171249516937.post-88702320931528375432012-01-21T09:37:00.002-05:002012-01-21T09:38:14.151-05:00[Insert Evil Laughter Here]We got ourselves a skunk! My beloved hubby went downstairs to check it out, and there it was: a black and white pain-in-the-neck, behind bars. Somehow, I feel like I've accomplished something, although I had very little to do with it.<br />
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As I mentioned previously, I have no idea how many skunks there are. I'm desperately hoping that they see their friend in a cage and run for their lives. I'm pretty sure that isn't how it works, though. <br />
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This little victory has given us the courage to carry on. And carry we shall.Hannah Attawayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14898483837734598313noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345164171249516937.post-9099938523986170842012-01-19T08:28:00.000-05:002012-01-19T08:28:23.973-05:00Skunk-dateWe checked the trap this morning. The door was shut, but no skunk. Either the animals are getting smarter or the people designing the traps are getting dumber.Hannah Attawayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14898483837734598313noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345164171249516937.post-74308306003267606742012-01-18T20:18:00.001-05:002012-01-18T20:20:40.684-05:00The Smell of Death<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="196" id="il_fi" src="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTI-9MscHh9HqrDMwN0Vr0XmwT7VQxfmtYokYuOqIDlKcHk32c0FT1hyZa2" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="257" /></div>We've been skunked! Thoroughly, unrelentingly skunked! </div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">My initial reaction was guilt enveloped by denial. We're well passed that point now. We have recently learned that our house has had a long, sordid history with skunks, and that it has nothing to do with how much I clean the house or how domestic I am. So don't judge me, or I may just send the skunk to your house.</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
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<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">The good news is that it isn't dead. When a dead skunk decays, the smell can literally run you out of your house. The bad news is that we can't find the demonic thing in order to get rid of it. The other bad news is that our skunk may actually be a family of skunks.</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">We called in a wildlife control guy, who set some traps, but all we've managed to do so far is feed the skunk(s). He came back and re-baited the trap and we're hoping that tonight will be the last night that demon-skunk is with us.</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">Or else we'll become "the stinky people"... and we'll have no friends... and no one will visit... and my daughters will die old maids...<br />
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Maybe I should try some positive thinking. "We will trap the skunk. We will trap the skunk. Oh, please God, let us trap the skunk!"</div>Hannah Attawayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14898483837734598313noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345164171249516937.post-1749722325960759302012-01-14T19:37:00.000-05:002012-01-14T19:37:09.883-05:00Almost BloggingI know that it appears that I haven't blogged since last Saturday, but I've been doing quite a lot of "almost blogging." I've written several drafts, full of wit and pith, but with every almost-post, I came to the conclusion that it was too critical or could easily be misinterpreted. <br />
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Maybe I'm more aware than most of the potentially disastrous effects of a misstep in communication. Pastor's daughters grow up with a higher than average amount of pressure on our words and actions, and I am not someone with a sixth sense of what is appropriate and what is not. I have had to learn the difference between outside thoughts and inside thoughts, a lesson that most people seem to grasp naturally.<br />
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I know that there are many people who hold to the philosophy that the best thing to do is say what is on your mind without concern to those who are offended. I have a couple of problems with this idea. First, communication is a two step process. The communicator expresses a thought, and then the receiver interprets. To ignore the second part of the equation is foolish because you will never be able to fully connect with others without ensuring that the interpretation is consistent with the thought you wish to express. The second problem that I have with the "just get it all out" plan is that we all represent our ideologies to the world. I represent Christ, my husband, women as a whole, my parents, and my church when I express my thoughts. It's just, plain foolish to ignore the responsibility that I have to those whom I represent. <br />
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On the other end of the spectrum is the belief that you should never offend anyone. I have just as big of an issue with this philosophy as I do with the first. It seems like some people like to get their feelings hurt, and they spend their whole lives looking for the opportunity to be offended. It isn't everyone else's job to coddle them in their over-sensitivity. There's also the issue that there are times when the truth must be spoken, even though it is offensive. There are more than a few situations in which healing can only grow from initial hurt.<br />
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So here I dwell on the median between the ditches of complete insensitivity and oversensitivity, guarding each word as if it could be my last. There are times when the only right thing to say is nothing, and the only opinion that needs to be expressed is the opinion that not every opinion should be expressed.Hannah Attawayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14898483837734598313noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345164171249516937.post-34601306042381698862012-01-07T19:38:00.000-05:002012-01-07T19:38:22.871-05:00Kids and Their Imaginations<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Ella loves all things Narnia. She isn't obsessed (yet!), but she asked to buy "Voyage of the Dawn Treader" with her Christmas money, and she has been watching it and its predecessors ever since. As I was watching the original today, I began to think about the process of writing such a story. C.S. Lewis is quite obviously a genius, and his background in medieval literature and preoccupation with mythology obviously had an impact on his work. Still, there's something that Lewis and his friend Tolkien tapped into in a distinctive way. I began thinking about the way that Lewis captured childhood imagination with unmatched artistry.</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="320" id="il_fi" src="http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BNjQ2MDQzMzExNl5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMTYzOTc5Mw@@._V1._SY317_.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="216" /></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">What is it about children that makes them imagine such grand things? Everything that they see can instantly become a part of a mythical adventure that only they can comprehend. I began to consider the possibility that children are more acutely aware of the fact that something is missing in this reality. As they grow older, they become more accustomed to the absurdity of normal, and they slowly lose their grip on the truth within their myths: There is so much more! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">As I read the book of <strong><em>Judges</em></strong>, I found myself questioning such a reality that could house such horrific ideas and such completely broken people. Of course, I am quickly snapped into an equally broken present time, which brings me back to the idea that it isn't children who live in a fairy tale. We are the ones who deny what is so utterly obvious to the younger members of our society. There is something more, something greater, something more real than can be perceived. There is a central part of our reality that demands to be discovered, not by touch or sight or sound, but by the inner person that hungers for something more, something complicated, wonderful, inexhaustible.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Maybe children just like to play pretend because they're so small and their minds haven't learned enough about the world to keep them from wandering. Or... Maybe... they're just holding on to the intrinsic desire of the human heart to return to the greatness of the unfallen glory in which we were meant to reside. I'm not sure which is more likely, but there's still a piece of that child in me that begs to ask Ella's favorite question: </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Why?"</div>Hannah Attawayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14898483837734598313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345164171249516937.post-34415275165342389282012-01-03T10:37:00.001-05:002012-01-03T14:30:45.817-05:00Christmas Stories<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I know that I'm incredibly late in posting these, and that most of you are done with the Christmas holiday, but give yourself permission to re-visit Christmas for a few more minutes in order to enjoy these family photos.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8gk6wwLrI1eWFk4azrBAnxP2kQkCuspo3MxW8DVuu5WFRjCwpYVqnJ5yXFKr92lA8SkAr0eb8uH9JESqNNCmz3oJTC0Dn93F4GKKBxYLJd0G2nkmOVt1-Zxv5paeGO6btiYnw14l-ejE/s1600/IMG_1226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8gk6wwLrI1eWFk4azrBAnxP2kQkCuspo3MxW8DVuu5WFRjCwpYVqnJ5yXFKr92lA8SkAr0eb8uH9JESqNNCmz3oJTC0Dn93F4GKKBxYLJd0G2nkmOVt1-Zxv5paeGO6btiYnw14l-ejE/s320/IMG_1226.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div align="center">This is how Edwin wrapped my present. I really get into wrapping, but I found this method especially adorable because it's from my man.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRCzyHc6B7fKJC-gtNoWQDCngrqUWBi9IAmeeuZQT6YBUtjN9vfo0JmbG-rWvPY_2U7gAHtxoboBbxMXeOEsGKw7eqyR8ViK0YKrpJ0X9hHTVe6mjYb18ZsF1d4Akjz8ar6f22ow3kO88/s1600/IMG_1229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRCzyHc6B7fKJC-gtNoWQDCngrqUWBi9IAmeeuZQT6YBUtjN9vfo0JmbG-rWvPY_2U7gAHtxoboBbxMXeOEsGKw7eqyR8ViK0YKrpJ0X9hHTVe6mjYb18ZsF1d4Akjz8ar6f22ow3kO88/s320/IMG_1229.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Ella snuck down to her presents before we woke up. She came upstairs with the only unwrapped presents (pillow pets that she and DeLaynie bought for each other), and said, "Hey! Mom! There are tons of presents down there!" I was obviously shocked that the gifts had suddenly appeared in our living room. Ella then told me that there were "More than 11 of them!" When asked where they came from, she responded, "Hmmmm. I have no idea." (The baby princess dolls are from Edwin's brother and sister-in-law, and the girls absolutely love them!)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGPU2moFoZiMeqnUdD3IR9DVSWROZfXFbGY908LkNEwwNmHwKV4JkepwRNVumuynyEzsJCJ4Xg41gq-tb7prFUaBr-7ZvlXLw_s-kA4b2cNBPPfwIbOT-xr7k6Iem2zqJ_G3BSJ1L7xkA/s1600/IMG_1232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGPU2moFoZiMeqnUdD3IR9DVSWROZfXFbGY908LkNEwwNmHwKV4JkepwRNVumuynyEzsJCJ4Xg41gq-tb7prFUaBr-7ZvlXLw_s-kA4b2cNBPPfwIbOT-xr7k6Iem2zqJ_G3BSJ1L7xkA/s320/IMG_1232.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center"></div><div align="center">DeLaynie is more experienced in this whole Christmas morning thing, but I don't think she slept more than a couple of hours at a time for a week before the big day, she was just <em>so</em> excited. They both ended up in our bed on Christmas Eve, but I have no idea where Edwin was, probably in their bunk bed. There's nothing quite like seeing a little girl in the midst of a sea of wrapping paper, ripping into a new gift with total excitement.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjbnNjOgCQ2O6-2po8kesSdfbr__Rltyy98PWOa0XeD2WImLPM53O1EEpNSLsi46swJ7esJm2zxQNMXiePJyLOsRfG5ftuH8-8TYiwKhbLkhqyl3R9ek5g_TWv2DJrQCCv7scm_Ophp78/s1600/IMG_1240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjbnNjOgCQ2O6-2po8kesSdfbr__Rltyy98PWOa0XeD2WImLPM53O1EEpNSLsi46swJ7esJm2zxQNMXiePJyLOsRfG5ftuH8-8TYiwKhbLkhqyl3R9ek5g_TWv2DJrQCCv7scm_Ophp78/s320/IMG_1240.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGjneN1HAeb2VHNItqZGO5aT42mhHbAa0ovWuJrCte2moxNkXX8tntbNsxM6ontmUtEPlKGE3YuRd-ZuJExKaH5g7XRx_Ka_7Z8OnfA3Brpo7w1cjUWiRH-5D5cKC7nFmWG_0czsOWJoc/s1600/IMG_1242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGjneN1HAeb2VHNItqZGO5aT42mhHbAa0ovWuJrCte2moxNkXX8tntbNsxM6ontmUtEPlKGE3YuRd-ZuJExKaH5g7XRx_Ka_7Z8OnfA3Brpo7w1cjUWiRH-5D5cKC7nFmWG_0czsOWJoc/s320/IMG_1242.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center">This was the best facial expression of the morning. Although the still photo can't capture the shaking, you can at least see Ella's sweet face about to explode. Edwin and I have no idea why she was so excited about "Sleeping Beauty," but she it appears that she has always wanted it.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHxq1BiG53PI_jIob8rtTJZj8yOabuKSolcqNx1-OAulz09hm4Uilq560zpy4yhOQVw2ZQXldnQZDYISAlHUi1nScYGCNZvNUxGq38B1olnC0F2sV5_pOif0MsoKe_U6-IjfHSy4fO_70/s1600/IMG_1246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHxq1BiG53PI_jIob8rtTJZj8yOabuKSolcqNx1-OAulz09hm4Uilq560zpy4yhOQVw2ZQXldnQZDYISAlHUi1nScYGCNZvNUxGq38B1olnC0F2sV5_pOif0MsoKe_U6-IjfHSy4fO_70/s320/IMG_1246.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div align="center">Christmas on Sunday has its benefits and its challenges, especially when you're a ministry family. Edwin had to preach with very little sleep, and I had the joy of trying to keep two excited, exhausted little girls quiet through a church service. On the other hand, it really was a joy to be with our extended family on Christmas Day, and it was a real privilege to enjoy corporate worship on the day we celebrate the birth of our Savior. </div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">At the end of the service, our church gave us a gift, which the girls helped to open. For some reason that I will never comprehend, DeLaynie yelled out, "Underwear!" as she was helping to open it. Apparently, the same girl who is too shy to get in front of the church and sing Christmas songs is not too shy to get in front of the church and scream out the word, "Underwear!" My sweet DeLaynie is such a mystery at times.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6tBjLFJAiFwNwWf15KNPYjVXgzO1yYJRZcG_6nPxeGM6-wSwg1B0SKDGghoeSrSuCCZMwc5CNaRNDZtMU6v9HxBxwlJFqoOlP4WbcgELj0HehntW8-iJcGCdvyGvGfTZgveR_BrVhEsQ/s1600/IMG_1248b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6tBjLFJAiFwNwWf15KNPYjVXgzO1yYJRZcG_6nPxeGM6-wSwg1B0SKDGghoeSrSuCCZMwc5CNaRNDZtMU6v9HxBxwlJFqoOlP4WbcgELj0HehntW8-iJcGCdvyGvGfTZgveR_BrVhEsQ/s400/IMG_1248b.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center">I hope that you had an equally delightful Christmas, full of stories to tell and pictures to show.</div>Hannah Attawayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14898483837734598313noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345164171249516937.post-27387656198493828072011-12-29T13:15:00.000-05:002011-12-29T13:15:09.534-05:00Read the Bible in 2012!A woman in Sunday School said it the best: "Just by reading the Word of God, I'm seeing changes. I'm not working on anything, but the Holy Spirit is working in me!" <br />
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To be totally honest, I've never liked the "Read the Bible in a Year" reading schedules. I would make it to Leviticus, but after I realized that I wasn't actually digesting anything that I was reading, I would give up. I am strongly against the idea of force-feeding the Bible so that people become bored of it. The Bible should never be boring!<br />
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On the other hand, perseverance is a valuable part of Christian discipline. Even when it's challenging, we will benefit from reading the Word of God, provided that we read it correctly. (Definition of "correctly": Seeking to change, looking to hear from God, allowing God to be exactly who He is without censoring the parts of His character that we find unpleasant.)<br />
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The biggest difference for me has been reading the Bible as a group. I am forced to read correctly when the people around me are discussing the daily readings, and when we are seeking out God's message corporately. <br />
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If you would like to read the Bible this year, let me recommend that you get a group together. Pull together some friends with the same desire. Hold each other accountable. Expect God to act. Discuss, journal, and apply everything that you learn. Love the Bible in all of its occasional mystery and constant wonder.<br />
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If you would like to read the Bible chronologically, you may find the <a href="http://www.consumedbygrace.org/thefeast.htm">curriculum</a> that I'm writing for Sunday School useful. I'm writing it week-by-week, so expect typos and occasional mistakes. On the first week, there is a reading schedule, commitment letter, and the first week's fill-in-the-blank outline. Not everyone benefits from filling in the outline, so don't sweat it if you don't choose to use it. For a full description of the curriculum, <a href="http://www.consumedbygrace.org/thefeast.htm">click here</a>. For the resources to get started, <a href="http://www.consumedbygrace.org/apps/documents/">click here</a>. I will admit that it's a lot of printing, but I believe that anything that helps other women to read, understand, and love their Bibles more is worth paper and ink.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyrePhIale0ziYksRhwfqdraQWksi-yJw0hIx1-BeWmQjRIIoVeJv1_4KcBA23syL2StxOzBAUFZGDgP0ZS1ZMCm1PmM1GFQ301KlInGydUtKBeE53JeDoQU6Lhn1BtNdinwsmSP2whhY/s1600/cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyrePhIale0ziYksRhwfqdraQWksi-yJw0hIx1-BeWmQjRIIoVeJv1_4KcBA23syL2StxOzBAUFZGDgP0ZS1ZMCm1PmM1GFQ301KlInGydUtKBeE53JeDoQU6Lhn1BtNdinwsmSP2whhY/s400/cover.jpg" width="308" /></a></div><br />
If you decide to start a Bible Reading Club, let me know by leaving a comment or Emailing me. I would love to start a group on Facebook so all of the groups may be encouraged and challenged by each other.<br />
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I'm not going to play down the challenge. It will be difficult, but it will be oh! so worth it!Hannah Attawayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14898483837734598313noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345164171249516937.post-80636299423024105942011-12-20T12:39:00.001-05:002011-12-20T12:39:37.864-05:00My Favorite Hat Pattern (Knitting)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I finally made myself a hat, and I have been wearing the mess out of it. It's a slouchy beanie style hat, but I can fold the ribbed edge and wear it as a typical toque. You can find the pattern <a href="http://www.macyarns.com/?p=279">here</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR5btNppoZRPGTuUUBzXA1pAiNnsuAO4JpKkLeYBPetf1GBUT-zxyqtK-rh3pAXubI_J3ar81vMrLbwN3gC3lYzjleQOsNp1ITBONrJQJaNE3Hggzkl58dvnySkoo8pIAo-tMlTwrozkg/s1600/IMG_1054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR5btNppoZRPGTuUUBzXA1pAiNnsuAO4JpKkLeYBPetf1GBUT-zxyqtK-rh3pAXubI_J3ar81vMrLbwN3gC3lYzjleQOsNp1ITBONrJQJaNE3Hggzkl58dvnySkoo8pIAo-tMlTwrozkg/s320/IMG_1054.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's a very warm, versatile hat. It's loose enough that it doesn't mess up my hair too much. Depending on your knitting style, you may need to adjust needles or reduce the cast-on stitches to keep it from being too loose.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNMKA0yAgzoulqRTLjh-CxST91cZYVgZLduzULGtDRdkjR4AWNoX78MRLaGN8rL5WAEWzozqZE1BHijQBsWaKpZTNLnxx5gtUyZJ7kXiPmNM7XkzgDeK9M_TZBXIjTNXhRbk61GnU23SM/s1600/IMG_1065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNMKA0yAgzoulqRTLjh-CxST91cZYVgZLduzULGtDRdkjR4AWNoX78MRLaGN8rL5WAEWzozqZE1BHijQBsWaKpZTNLnxx5gtUyZJ7kXiPmNM7XkzgDeK9M_TZBXIjTNXhRbk61GnU23SM/s320/IMG_1065.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzMQ33Wa9YzF4Wa2sbcxXEftwzflcUGo1lRC3fbXYkislm89qHR5ueUj0a_A6UnHmLq57LvnXsdfHS135ZCGl48pPW5GFvs7Ts9aTWc8je_dTZGoikfD1HoTnIZhONou5aE_X1sc3Iao8/s1600/IMG_1063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzMQ33Wa9YzF4Wa2sbcxXEftwzflcUGo1lRC3fbXYkislm89qHR5ueUj0a_A6UnHmLq57LvnXsdfHS135ZCGl48pPW5GFvs7Ts9aTWc8je_dTZGoikfD1HoTnIZhONou5aE_X1sc3Iao8/s320/IMG_1063.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Hannah Attawayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14898483837734598313noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345164171249516937.post-31474844571520314032011-12-12T13:58:00.002-05:002011-12-12T22:55:00.486-05:00Homemade Christmas: Bath Salts and Sugar Scrubs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Blog #4 of the Imperfectly Pinterest Series.</span></em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpIXMIGJtGjNSOzJPWNy69kfYV0xk4N3OPjhs_60H98zVzfTVN5r3Sn6_BZxUQN8hxhbm6neZye73XHqmN62eHA0t9ixhjb46oz8G5VAWRH-yBK78EsJUhv8xE2vl1Uvnb8BaBcm8Hyxg/s1600/IMG_1217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpIXMIGJtGjNSOzJPWNy69kfYV0xk4N3OPjhs_60H98zVzfTVN5r3Sn6_BZxUQN8hxhbm6neZye73XHqmN62eHA0t9ixhjb46oz8G5VAWRH-yBK78EsJUhv8xE2vl1Uvnb8BaBcm8Hyxg/s640/IMG_1217.JPG" width="424" /></a></div><br />
I wrote last week about how to make lotion bars. This week's post is geared toward last minute gift ideas for groups. The only ingredient that may be difficult to find is the essential oil, depending on where you live. I ordered everything from New Directions Aromatics (who did not pay for me to mention their name or give me anything free, though they are welcome to do so.) because we live nowhere near anywhere. <br />
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For the sugar scrub you will need:<br />
<ul><li>3 cups of granulated sugar</li>
<li>1 plus 1/8th cup oil (Olive oil, sunflower oil, etc. Any oil that has a nice smell will work. I don't recommend vegetable oil.)</li>
<li>About 10 drops of essential oil per recipe.</li>
</ul>This is really easy stuff to make. All you need to do is mix it together. This recipe will make three large jars or six small (2 oz.) jars. The most expensive thing is finding packaging. I ordered twenty small jars a few weeks ago, so packaging really wasn't an issue. You can find some pretty cute glass jars at Dollar Tree, but if you're making a whole lot of them, that will be pretty expensive. For the really small gifts I packaged it in small baggies. I printed labels onto small shipping labels that I cut in half width-wise. I recommend putting the ingredients on the label so recipients can be aware of any allergens.<br />
<div><div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLXymINa6BmoR9mIiNYrlW6wHm8MGJfPq5gNf4KRa_Iaksl0X9HVyifeXARWbe_61MQDOkS37ZTDEbmXzBDNuOW5CuSoGiSSrsupPfENf2PpZVdEiyIn-hN4OWXacpSmNJ2-OVKEk2ICs/s1600/IMG_1219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLXymINa6BmoR9mIiNYrlW6wHm8MGJfPq5gNf4KRa_Iaksl0X9HVyifeXARWbe_61MQDOkS37ZTDEbmXzBDNuOW5CuSoGiSSrsupPfENf2PpZVdEiyIn-hN4OWXacpSmNJ2-OVKEk2ICs/s320/IMG_1219.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To use the scrub: Rub on rough, dry skin and rinse to reveal smoother skin.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This stuff really works! Living in such a dry climate, I have a feeling that sugar scrubs may be a pretty regular ritual.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Bath salts are even easier. All you need is salt and fragrance. The big question becomes what type of salt, which is probably going to depend on what types of stores are near-by at this point in the game.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I used:</div><ul><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Half Epsom Salt (I used some fine grain and some typical, coarse salt)</div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Half Dead Sea Salt</div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Plus I added Dendritic Salt to help it maintain its fragrance. You only need a small amount (5%-10% of the total) for it to do its job.</div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Essential oil. I added it until I was happy with the scent.</div></li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In a pinch, you can use half Epsom salt and half ionized salt, or you can use Sea salt in place of the Epsom salt. I will say that the Dead Sea Salt and Dendritic Salt make a difference. I used some of it, and it was the best bath salt ever.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All you need to do is mix it together and package it. Some people add color, but I haven't added any coloring to any of the gifts I've made this year because I wanted to keep it simple and reduce the risk of allergic reactions. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I made lots of these, so I packaged them in small baggies. I know that I could have packaged them up super-cute, like this gal did with her sugar scrubs:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://inbetweenlaundry.blogspot.com/p/year-of-sugar-scrubs.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pinned Image" height="263" id="pinCloseupImage" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/128915608053085230_EsRv2R9X_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But that would have defeated the purpose of easy, inexpensive gifting. (I mean, hand cutting felt flowers? They're really cute, but c'mon!) I do recommend including a label on the package, though. After wrapping in tissue paper (as in the first pic), they were still pretty cute.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><em>To use bath salt: Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of salt to warm bath water and relax.</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I hope that these ideas help you as you attempt to complete your gift-giving ritual this year. Let lots of people know that you care this season with imperfect, heart-felt gifts.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Hannah Attawayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14898483837734598313noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345164171249516937.post-45714545062183056222011-12-05T18:28:00.003-05:002011-12-14T12:40:08.775-05:00Homemade Christmas: How to Make Lotion Bars<div style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Blog #3 of the Imperfectly Pinterest Series</span></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMeUtcZx72NK3pFTCfOLiSwiN3mA_19btnoJyrFK23I3yDZouktFhP6aoAsigUea-qWkGCHXYCVTE4a4Hk7u2xVDa7cb3TGaSuwS-vuIrNxxGRhIziBACKyMsSy09q0g7xz56xIfGF_yI/s1600/IMG_1173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMeUtcZx72NK3pFTCfOLiSwiN3mA_19btnoJyrFK23I3yDZouktFhP6aoAsigUea-qWkGCHXYCVTE4a4Hk7u2xVDa7cb3TGaSuwS-vuIrNxxGRhIziBACKyMsSy09q0g7xz56xIfGF_yI/s400/IMG_1173.JPG" width="398" /></a></div><br />
A couple of weeks ago, I counted up the number of gifts that needed to be purchased. I realized that there were a lot of people who work with my children each week, and I became a bit concerned. There are almost thirty people who interact with my precious children when you include teachers, therapists, Sunday School teachers, and AWANA workers! I don't know about you, but I am not totally sure how to pay for thirty teacher gifts. <br />
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So I'm making them. <br />
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After searching the internet, mostly with the help of Pinterest, I discovered a ton of bath and body products that looked pretty fun. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>My favorite idea was homemade lotion bars. These bad puppies are made from beeswax, cocoa butter, oil, and fragrance. When you rub them in your hands, a little melts into your hands, and you can rub in like lotion. Although the product is a little greasier than lotion, it's also more effective on dry, chapped skin, and you can leave it in your car when the temperatures get crazy low without fear of freezing. (This may come in handy more up here than where you live.)<br />
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<em>Update: I do want to mention that lotion bars really aren't lotion. They are definitely waxy, and are perfect for using on your hands and feet before putting on socks and gloves, and are also great for protecting your hands against repeated hand-washings if you use it just before washing your hands. But it really isn't a regular lotion.</em><br />
The recipe that I found is extremely simple:<br />
<ul><li>One part cocoa butter</li>
<li>One part beeswax</li>
<li>One part oil, such as sunflower or olive oil (I reduced this to 2/3 of the other two ingredients to reduce greasiness and raise the melting point, but I think that 3/4 or above would have been better) </li>
<li>A small amount of essential oil (About 6 teaspoons per kilo of cocoa butter/beeswax)</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhccScTiy6f0cVvX89bj6QY7EvLyq8XE6phxoVSaSrGWEN9G1EWAkZ8jtZ4-lLMcLGK4x6fBLVVRRrICMbpy0_c_zRIPwejsCCiFd4Kq1nfSiobU4U-m9CkhtWSAe0d7Ox7N6iD8vvW7xs/s1600/_MG_1136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhccScTiy6f0cVvX89bj6QY7EvLyq8XE6phxoVSaSrGWEN9G1EWAkZ8jtZ4-lLMcLGK4x6fBLVVRRrICMbpy0_c_zRIPwejsCCiFd4Kq1nfSiobU4U-m9CkhtWSAe0d7Ox7N6iD8vvW7xs/s320/_MG_1136.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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After deciding to make lotion bars, sugar scrubs, and bath salts, I went online to find the products that I needed. After quite a bit of Googling and keyword brainstorming, I came across <a href="http://www.newdirectionsaromatics.com/">New Directions Aromatics</a>. I ordered a kilo of wax, a kilo of cocoa butter, and 33.3 oz of sunflower oil. I also ordered two tray molds that make 16 square bars each. In the same order I purchased what I needed for bath salts. I am going to write a blog on the bath salts and sugar scrubs next week, but if you plan on making them, you may want to purchase the items along with lotion bar ingredients. <br />
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For bath salts you can use almost any type of salt, but I used 2 parts Epsom, 1 part dead sea, and 1 part dendritic salt. I bought a kilo of Epsom and 1.1 lbs of the other two. You'll also need essential oil or fragrant oil. <br />
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For the sugar scrub, the only things that you will need to buy online are the oils. The recipe that I'm using calls for three cups of sugar with 1 and 1/8 cups oil (again, sunflower) with three cups of sugar. Thirty drops of essential oil are required for the recipe.<br />
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Even when making all three items, you won't go through a bottle of essential oil unless you're making a ton of them! <br />
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As far as molds go, I ended up using a cookie sheet that I bought at Joann's Fabrics on sale. Each cavity has a different snowflake shape. I also made three trays worth of square bars to give to other people that I would like to let know that I love them, but I can't afford to buy everyone I love a $50 giftcard.<br />
<br />
One warning: Make sure that you wear old clothes and use kitchen supplies that aren't particularly important to you. This stuff leaves oil spots if you splash some on your clothes, and it is nearly impossible to clean it off of spoons and measuring cups, though it can be done.<br />
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Now, for the actual steps:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNLhb-8Eu_AnpCyPNH-2zMMxPWzCTpbS3vsbg5J2yuf4gRehBfeuytFv0ZoCrqxz5u6HLNZu9aMTABPM__uFBfeEFuOGO27ZvaW3opi5plL8x77ZHP6172z0NDrdi0THkiMARCqJJmTDE/s1600/_MG_1142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNLhb-8Eu_AnpCyPNH-2zMMxPWzCTpbS3vsbg5J2yuf4gRehBfeuytFv0ZoCrqxz5u6HLNZu9aMTABPM__uFBfeEFuOGO27ZvaW3opi5plL8x77ZHP6172z0NDrdi0THkiMARCqJJmTDE/s200/_MG_1142.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<ol><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnC3e7juBMoJZF9LV-or_hhO7G6Lj8PTWmRKoI-FOfKLoOubFtliNyCxwP2jhHDr-ue6KoVexNP9UuE_zrRkYEQS00PCupf0rA7xqjTv7_Lbp294aE8h2iNmr7JaQ-vm4Uu-u9LwWSHvA/s1600/_MG_1143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnC3e7juBMoJZF9LV-or_hhO7G6Lj8PTWmRKoI-FOfKLoOubFtliNyCxwP2jhHDr-ue6KoVexNP9UuE_zrRkYEQS00PCupf0rA7xqjTv7_Lbp294aE8h2iNmr7JaQ-vm4Uu-u9LwWSHvA/s200/_MG_1143.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx2X_o2gx7nhQYfwUXnAirokxwJq96SAWLVqjsYqEytyxJ_YfANOcK8Wma_GhizTrpN2YfGqfNbl4QIahnvUbp9K8RwajRL_nuUfubf4vQaQgGFHE5rwCNLPcCzQJL6UbnhSN16Fyu-zI/s1600/IMG_1170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx2X_o2gx7nhQYfwUXnAirokxwJq96SAWLVqjsYqEytyxJ_YfANOcK8Wma_GhizTrpN2YfGqfNbl4QIahnvUbp9K8RwajRL_nuUfubf4vQaQgGFHE5rwCNLPcCzQJL6UbnhSN16Fyu-zI/s200/IMG_1170.JPG" width="200" /></a>
<li>Melt the cocoa butter and beeswax in a double boiler, or, as I did, a Crock Pot.</li>
<li>Remove from heat or turn the power off your Crock Pot, and add the oil and essential or fragrant oil. (If you are using more than one scent, you can pour the mixture into separate bowls after adding the main oil and before adding the fragrance.)</li>
<li>Pour into molds and carefully place in the refrigerator. If not all of the mixture fits into your molds, you can leave it in the Crock Pot with it set on "warm," so it stays melted. Do not put the bars into the freezer, or they may crack!</li>
<li>Wait until the bars are completely hardened, and remove from the molds. </li>
<li>Package the bars. I had a couple of ideas for packaging. One was to wrap them in foil and press the foil so it shows the pretty design. For most of them, I will probably put them in small treat bags with swing tags that I made from printable business cards that I bought from WalMart. The reason that I'm leaning toward this option is so I can explain what they are and let the recipient know what the ingredients are in order to prevent allergic reactions.</li>
</ol><br />
Here is a picture of what I put on the tags:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPNOuTpqlxcGTjOtV6-arVxtUrn3LlUsYyE0iAOFI4PvRcEwRuacLsH9Gk4C8rHmUvw_rEVwXsvVid_6nC8SJoybcFUcMmuF3GUnsIduqtYv7LLeCwFuYN74ymw1eKJinmv1YQ8sy5LBU/s1600/Publication2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPNOuTpqlxcGTjOtV6-arVxtUrn3LlUsYyE0iAOFI4PvRcEwRuacLsH9Gk4C8rHmUvw_rEVwXsvVid_6nC8SJoybcFUcMmuF3GUnsIduqtYv7LLeCwFuYN74ymw1eKJinmv1YQ8sy5LBU/s320/Publication2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><em>Update: I recommend changing the instructions based on what I now know about the texture of the final products Rubbing in completely is not going to happen.</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I hope that this tutorial helps you if you have decided to make some of the gifts on your Christmas list next year. To tell you the truth, I enjoyed making these things so much that I have considered starting my own little company. "Consider," being a key word. </div>Hannah Attawayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14898483837734598313noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345164171249516937.post-20528233269112162632011-12-05T10:41:00.000-05:002011-12-05T10:41:43.893-05:00A Monday Without ZumbaI taught my last Zumba class last week. My certificate ran out, and I wasn't making enough to justify renewing it. I really enjoyed the experience of teaching classes, and I have gotten to know several wonderful women because of it. In all actuality, that was the primary reason that I started teaching in the first place. I don't have many opportunities to meet women outside of church, so I have to find ways to get into the community in order to be around other circles of women. Zumba was extremely effective at the task. <br />
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I met some fantastic women. They are so sweet, in fact, that they gave me an ornament and a good-bye party. Although the idea of freeing up some time to write and be with my family is really nice, I am going to miss the women with whom I have spent almost every Monday night for a year and a half. <br />
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Each phase has surprises of its own, and I look forward to seeing what the next phase holds.Hannah Attawayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14898483837734598313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345164171249516937.post-17271460899113217542011-11-29T10:34:00.003-05:002011-12-01T00:10:37.814-05:00Hannah's Christmas List: Trash the Dress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I mentioned in a previous post that I asked Edwin for a trash-the-dress photo shoot as a Christmas gift. I loved the idea of actually getting to wear my pretty wedding gown one more time, and I also loved the idea of having some pictures of me in front of a camera. (I'm usually the one taking the photo.) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaDe0NP1NUrM-aM-V588pDG3H5J-C0uDR4zUB-kTi_6az0ygZqzwv_L9hK2P3kGH8xJ-Q1DSEFzTRHMSXE_-gqvnIX01W5X3W-eBFUSjFN0IOh6ylhEoNA2p-6OJo83Lm4N-06tlqdxfk/s1600/edwintothe+side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaDe0NP1NUrM-aM-V588pDG3H5J-C0uDR4zUB-kTi_6az0ygZqzwv_L9hK2P3kGH8xJ-Q1DSEFzTRHMSXE_-gqvnIX01W5X3W-eBFUSjFN0IOh6ylhEoNA2p-6OJo83Lm4N-06tlqdxfk/s320/edwintothe+side.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT5i-DNByZRN91_cZNFF9yXtkEXLSmeYY4F95lEMLdH1up3pw-t_dhxLaN_RuCMz-92ILz9KpUXSSGzdOv-slEBV7EfP7ia9LhI9QRng0ldF_jCEVxB394eLe4f6HJ_8Zhlmuf4jKzpLc/s1600/edwinbehind.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/AVvXsEhT5i-DNByZRN91_cZNFF9yXtkEXLSmeYY4F95lEMLdH1up3pw-t_dhxLaN_RuCMz-92ILz9KpUXSSGzdOv-slEBV7EfP7ia9LhI9QRng0ldF_jCEVxB394eLe4f6HJ_8Zhlmuf4jKzpLc/s320/edwinbehind.jpg" width="212" /></a>Allow me to say this: If you've been contemplating a trash-the-dress, I highly recommend that you follow through. We were able to remember our wedding day, and we now have lots of fun photographic evidence that we really like each other. (It's a great thing to remember.) It would be an excellent anniversary gift from a husband to wife, or a great Christmas present. Just a thought...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTkICzqSJel2caEJbfaS_Z5FozjMVvDrCEvIdlabHEK8fROga4aLcOEgZRZivwHruOVbFFjdwJHrjzUy-6AuXANZDo0i33a78GT409ub4HYDcqUKrgCC7cZ_9OAiNSIpGO5JMXnv6OFZk/s1600/Roll2001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTkICzqSJel2caEJbfaS_Z5FozjMVvDrCEvIdlabHEK8fROga4aLcOEgZRZivwHruOVbFFjdwJHrjzUy-6AuXANZDo0i33a78GT409ub4HYDcqUKrgCC7cZ_9OAiNSIpGO5JMXnv6OFZk/s320/Roll2001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGDHCL2kM3qdECnBHRZ8Q8ql8TeadEupL-aAatusB8i4zeZaLkIGd1OjZeFXoRfUBInNdBwMVmApRNUYov8J46RZb4XIUuhc0ruTi-tad7EOX7exJpVNprpAqISnFfboj1pQ18xZUxi3M/s1600/Roll3002b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGDHCL2kM3qdECnBHRZ8Q8ql8TeadEupL-aAatusB8i4zeZaLkIGd1OjZeFXoRfUBInNdBwMVmApRNUYov8J46RZb4XIUuhc0ruTi-tad7EOX7exJpVNprpAqISnFfboj1pQ18xZUxi3M/s400/Roll3002b.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj6eNrhkpc-i45kpGonRh-Eo_YYkFcffpq-Ls4gaMIflyrfO7g5bHsI2YQGqVYDK12y8WQFw4Mf-yNxaUBsr1k85RyJ6dsq6SnNwFDN9fo4aij6JVcf2waDZ3bOsrdfFcwOxTtUe4YCso/s1600/Roll2005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj6eNrhkpc-i45kpGonRh-Eo_YYkFcffpq-Ls4gaMIflyrfO7g5bHsI2YQGqVYDK12y8WQFw4Mf-yNxaUBsr1k85RyJ6dsq6SnNwFDN9fo4aij6JVcf2waDZ3bOsrdfFcwOxTtUe4YCso/s320/Roll2005.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvDesYMGEb7jNN5p-96mLh66arglUGgR5ygMKGlS6KpsJ1huIKI9lFIrGqbNi5BVt1NGt8fzl4rFyRKXE-zeyabOw1jxuvqVFekZcfTrwzb23aiesbm9Hfn_AFAkPHwcT2AxJR5Sa1yAQ/s1600/Roll4006+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvDesYMGEb7jNN5p-96mLh66arglUGgR5ygMKGlS6KpsJ1huIKI9lFIrGqbNi5BVt1NGt8fzl4rFyRKXE-zeyabOw1jxuvqVFekZcfTrwzb23aiesbm9Hfn_AFAkPHwcT2AxJR5Sa1yAQ/s400/Roll4006+%25281%2529.jpg" width="265" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1vocs3VuqhQUWWy9Qla7tawskq1yUrIsZLtWnmlRilFNQFX_kHCpf7PK2T3rvXe7pJO5VvBnIfJLnt37Bc6ykE4Sim985F6nB8ZIfKlxLxMCjsxc_hKF8UfGZZrHNubyfh1L3oHhZWUQ/s1600/Roll3012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1vocs3VuqhQUWWy9Qla7tawskq1yUrIsZLtWnmlRilFNQFX_kHCpf7PK2T3rvXe7pJO5VvBnIfJLnt37Bc6ykE4Sim985F6nB8ZIfKlxLxMCjsxc_hKF8UfGZZrHNubyfh1L3oHhZWUQ/s400/Roll3012.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi31U_tjclmsdP97zLZS1B63RLkTAYrIru0EXuIhWdmTpiTRSUNUwda6MNua7uqsxwmip5GBhc77Nncn-kQYJTWi0jhaKMeG1KNqmnHvSMxB7048xSZUw_1g2AlvhiQzkzftHV5uENZiEY/s1600/backwardchair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi31U_tjclmsdP97zLZS1B63RLkTAYrIru0EXuIhWdmTpiTRSUNUwda6MNua7uqsxwmip5GBhc77Nncn-kQYJTWi0jhaKMeG1KNqmnHvSMxB7048xSZUw_1g2AlvhiQzkzftHV5uENZiEY/s400/backwardchair.jpg" width="265" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQQGTIP43Z2zE0E9JZ61I-LFRiuyBdgCV-e1c0eEIbIrKjFL6I62NaIHsn6Ksop96X1-Suh2YV-P-XBuWTM-HZp0WRU1eK96RLlCzJm5v-J_5eLySbZV72Ucah4xF8WWvStWIXD8kZaKA/s1600/ry%253D480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQQGTIP43Z2zE0E9JZ61I-LFRiuyBdgCV-e1c0eEIbIrKjFL6I62NaIHsn6Ksop96X1-Suh2YV-P-XBuWTM-HZp0WRU1eK96RLlCzJm5v-J_5eLySbZV72Ucah4xF8WWvStWIXD8kZaKA/s400/ry%253D480.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">We also had some family photos taken. Marriage is about more than romance, after all. Plus, our kids are really cute, and they make us look good.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTr0Iw-uOaV7hWdq9SFriJGkvvyKdDEOvmpOtntgNW_pDY7zcs7YlQ2vhErzQZbMLGPjG54qoOq8lVKlOMSGOY9V4iAzgyyPUsPbQmoA4WkZ0t8fdGCPx6L-clvAI4f7bZ_1BVDIxmgLI/s1600/Roll1002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTr0Iw-uOaV7hWdq9SFriJGkvvyKdDEOvmpOtntgNW_pDY7zcs7YlQ2vhErzQZbMLGPjG54qoOq8lVKlOMSGOY9V4iAzgyyPUsPbQmoA4WkZ0t8fdGCPx6L-clvAI4f7bZ_1BVDIxmgLI/s400/Roll1002.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">If you live in the North Country, and are in need of a photographer, allow me to recommend <a href="http://specialtycakedesign.shutterfly.com/">Krista</a>. She does a fabulous job. If you go to her website, you can also check our her ridiculously amazing cakes. They're incredible!</div>Hannah Attawayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14898483837734598313noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345164171249516937.post-80287912626629097392011-11-25T21:36:00.000-05:002011-11-25T21:36:59.229-05:00$20 for 3 Christmas Windows<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">The second blog in the Imperfectly Pinterest Series.</span></em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After looking through several ideas on the <a href="http://bhg.com/">Better Homes and Gardens</a> website and friends' <a href="http://pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a> boards, I decided to give myself a challenge to see how far I could stretch $20 and change when it comes to Christmas decorations.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I started with this:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWODq2xjCwcC6dcQEV1KwkuUGOC6HVXfO0lKbXrK-ncuIGQPZH5tig0_XcMFGeYVkn3dJodAG9OLLcXQIW0iVBFZtlY2-r-WMurngJd9_4W49Onv_2CvSLX4G9JBmM5ij_3BJsR17dMqo/s1600/IMG_0967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWODq2xjCwcC6dcQEV1KwkuUGOC6HVXfO0lKbXrK-ncuIGQPZH5tig0_XcMFGeYVkn3dJodAG9OLLcXQIW0iVBFZtlY2-r-WMurngJd9_4W49Onv_2CvSLX4G9JBmM5ij_3BJsR17dMqo/s320/IMG_0967.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This is what I was able to purchase, mostly from Dollar Tree:</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNc9LWyWGQ5VRY009RHGqn0NtAXjmTBJZxzjsxuemeyck9TRMDxHaxnxFLwF8hp2HAhyphenhyphendn3OELeU3NyZnwghB2ca1QnWmNYEHmVSl7t80QH0xtxkiaYd45Cnu1qgH1GKSDhowk75WGJXY/s1600/IMG_0972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNc9LWyWGQ5VRY009RHGqn0NtAXjmTBJZxzjsxuemeyck9TRMDxHaxnxFLwF8hp2HAhyphenhyphendn3OELeU3NyZnwghB2ca1QnWmNYEHmVSl7t80QH0xtxkiaYd45Cnu1qgH1GKSDhowk75WGJXY/s320/IMG_0972.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(The lollipops were to reward my children for being semi-patient while I calculated, recalculated, and recalculated again.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I used the directions from <a href="http://www.eddieross.com/eddie_ross/crafts/page/14/">this tutorial</a> that a friend of mine pinned on her Pinterest board to create a mini-wreath. I cut the wire hanger in two to make the wreath smaller because I didn't want to use that many ornaments, and I didn't feel like a large wreath was needed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhagUv1prpHDDnA-oGo5COnIWK30JU1_SeguCix-z3xyxJdt5BmHsvwrza-NKTArkTd_-SinCmCBM6qo0Nc2zqqiDznQFd3Lvbsr8tKOxKQYhgW5OZAxS6oiM45zS9r_BKnyjV3hUAT_pk/s1600/IMG_0976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhagUv1prpHDDnA-oGo5COnIWK30JU1_SeguCix-z3xyxJdt5BmHsvwrza-NKTArkTd_-SinCmCBM6qo0Nc2zqqiDznQFd3Lvbsr8tKOxKQYhgW5OZAxS6oiM45zS9r_BKnyjV3hUAT_pk/s320/IMG_0976.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> I seriously debated the gardland, but I have decided that I like it around the curtain rod and a part of a bow. Here is how the window turned out:</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ZdqQ1S_7Tz-KLwdkp7J2oZoOMpObU8VqAmqRrT2I7R-JNUKL1oUXd0Ie0I5Cf4tFAcjz6mNksOLXolR94Z25jXbk3-CS5eTMtbODStlTT2rJUYExcXvIM41YRaSksbQNo6Oscp0YQBk/s1600/IMG_1048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ZdqQ1S_7Tz-KLwdkp7J2oZoOMpObU8VqAmqRrT2I7R-JNUKL1oUXd0Ie0I5Cf4tFAcjz6mNksOLXolR94Z25jXbk3-CS5eTMtbODStlTT2rJUYExcXvIM41YRaSksbQNo6Oscp0YQBk/s320/IMG_1048.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I noticed that there is a trend in hanging ornaments everywhere, so for a simple decoration on the kitchen window, I wrapped the curtain rod in some ribbon that was left over from my wedding and hung a few ornaments at varying lengths. I have to say, it looks much better in person.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMiz_60HapOK7soALpp4oMcfBf6CarQXMtrBi331OeUpzmK9ckkJ9PBZcazEH1IdykIPZN3aOyP6OmoI9_eeJ6JjMccE5SkUeSQzGlA3SkG1f4p13NlFxv2kHgTWZKVzZp2m6d-KjJso/s1600/IMG_1045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMiz_60HapOK7soALpp4oMcfBf6CarQXMtrBi331OeUpzmK9ckkJ9PBZcazEH1IdykIPZN3aOyP6OmoI9_eeJ6JjMccE5SkUeSQzGlA3SkG1f4p13NlFxv2kHgTWZKVzZp2m6d-KjJso/s320/IMG_1045.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of my favorite ideas from bhg.com was to hang ornaments in picture frames. The round ornaments in the frames are also left over from my wedding. The middle angel ornament was given to us as a wedding gift. The frames were originally black, and I wish I would have just bought them in white, but I didn't, so I painted them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxBNzwKqxLz9aQv8D-xulbxrwwNRlRqn3DgIWA0888AivNZ171Byq9ulBPl_holxAn0X837TN7esJpsHdYROByCUipQ9bW0JkSlnYOmqCb_rLsNEppWLRrOS8Pq3lrAOmMC39DwAHMNuE/s1600/IMG_1032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxBNzwKqxLz9aQv8D-xulbxrwwNRlRqn3DgIWA0888AivNZ171Byq9ulBPl_holxAn0X837TN7esJpsHdYROByCUipQ9bW0JkSlnYOmqCb_rLsNEppWLRrOS8Pq3lrAOmMC39DwAHMNuE/s320/IMG_1032.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8VTf2Bhp3bXS9JvI8ES4aDNTIPDQkx5PzTNwP0GDw7_88UkKUnPSO_-c_Zqo0DFqVKe3Cz50wPt6wttX52QZpUiNACF7aASnvh2KnmRCi9oktSMeWFM-bceaYTu-EY3V0dlaOEm03o1c/s1600/IMG_1026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8VTf2Bhp3bXS9JvI8ES4aDNTIPDQkx5PzTNwP0GDw7_88UkKUnPSO_-c_Zqo0DFqVKe3Cz50wPt6wttX52QZpUiNACF7aASnvh2KnmRCi9oktSMeWFM-bceaYTu-EY3V0dlaOEm03o1c/s320/IMG_1026.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I hope that your decorating is off to a great beginning, or that it will be when you get to it. I also wish you a <a href="http://ten-injured-after-woman-uses-pepper-spray-on-black-friday-crowd/">pepper-spray free</a> holiday season. I mean, seriously? Does that video game cure cancer or something? Okay, ranting over. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy decorating, celebrating, shopping, eating, and (oh, yeah!) worshiping Christ this Christmas season.</div>Hannah Attawayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14898483837734598313noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345164171249516937.post-59717148592752057092011-11-22T09:58:00.000-05:002011-11-22T09:58:42.707-05:00How to Make a Photo Canvas<div style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Blog #1 of the Imperfectly Pinterest series.</span></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Edwin requested some Scripture for his office walls as a birthday gift. This is how he became the first family victim of <a href="http://pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a>. I found the <a href="http://www.bluecricketdesign.net/2011/01/guest-post-diy-photos-on-canvas-by.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+BlueCricketDesign+%28Blue+Cricket+Design%29">perfect tutorial</a> on a friend's board, and decided to put it to use as a birthday gift for my wonderful hubby. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's how it went:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">1. Get your supplies together. You'll need-</div><div style="text-align: center;">as many blank canvases as you need (I went with 8x10)</div><div style="text-align: center;">photos printed in the same size as the canvas (You may need to trim the adges. The photos should be slightly smaller than the canvas)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Mod Podge</div><div style="text-align: center;">Brushes, I went with sponge brushes</div><div style="text-align: center;">Black paint</div><div style="text-align: center;">Ribbon or (better) scrapbook paper (If you use ribbon, I have come to the realization that it would be best to prime the edges and sides of the canvas with the black paint in order to reduce the appearance of gaps.)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">2.. Mod Podge the canvas. I just used the extremely cheap sponge brushes.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKQSS84-3XyUCNr_DBarGqM5nwpKc3HSeg3PXUzO7kSb3HMGf-Dl5hd-hbGAZBJcVdjaiHhB9v5wZ1bEbmnAoVT5ygAPBTnwFsGcPSLICZinciFLNPtGLOVuALW7uBKMHq7nARv-kBtFs/s1600/IMG_0942.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKQSS84-3XyUCNr_DBarGqM5nwpKc3HSeg3PXUzO7kSb3HMGf-Dl5hd-hbGAZBJcVdjaiHhB9v5wZ1bEbmnAoVT5ygAPBTnwFsGcPSLICZinciFLNPtGLOVuALW7uBKMHq7nARv-kBtFs/s320/IMG_0942.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2. Press the photo onto the canvas.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFJMO6cma_X_es27a2RWh91byLh372mxdSM4Y875KuNyPRj1RzEHC1LejmuPMZGbbuMbUJHCwyMCObzLbcj2kXTUCZ3w8_MtppdV4LvAGKTTRn3SVCr632jjzI6MyujWYiMC7wZu1zWx0/s1600/IMG_0945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFJMO6cma_X_es27a2RWh91byLh372mxdSM4Y875KuNyPRj1RzEHC1LejmuPMZGbbuMbUJHCwyMCObzLbcj2kXTUCZ3w8_MtppdV4LvAGKTTRn3SVCr632jjzI6MyujWYiMC7wZu1zWx0/s320/IMG_0945.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center">3. Turn over the canvas, and press out all of the air bubbles.</div><br />
<div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMGyBP5ky7FyvOBS4wAw-hycpLA_aCagGexK5-tVYGq2YwAsbBpIaNyakgk4sQ3PzJj7eVqHFE_70BqAkBbVMLkElC9ELeMBYu5oejPGkkm7BfV4o-0O_sCjNUxEKKd9PlBkwMoF9MQ8Q/s1600/IMG_0946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMGyBP5ky7FyvOBS4wAw-hycpLA_aCagGexK5-tVYGq2YwAsbBpIaNyakgk4sQ3PzJj7eVqHFE_70BqAkBbVMLkElC9ELeMBYu5oejPGkkm7BfV4o-0O_sCjNUxEKKd9PlBkwMoF9MQ8Q/s320/IMG_0946.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">4. Mod Podge the sides.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxXCqoj_lWoW_bbi1SCAJqkU1V7A0mACzwXuc1JJs1jmJrlWzwIQZy2cVbL9_nmsF44FibbWEeKM4UAN6uxcq1uXm4yISuOO8FyDeRkEBKOqPkg0thDf3BvyBQhPh2MLNzRyeL7R4DeTc/s1600/IMG_0947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxXCqoj_lWoW_bbi1SCAJqkU1V7A0mACzwXuc1JJs1jmJrlWzwIQZy2cVbL9_nmsF44FibbWEeKM4UAN6uxcq1uXm4yISuOO8FyDeRkEBKOqPkg0thDf3BvyBQhPh2MLNzRyeL7R4DeTc/s320/IMG_0947.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">5. Cover the sides with ribbon or 4 strips of scrapbook paper cut to almost the same size as each edge. I now realize that the scrapbook paper works better.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ay-bXufECnCqAzuOZVRgI3JFmlhX-lsHN5z7IKxorB0zTszYyXljAlvSNHF4o87HfCti97GAIMw0loHllTRoUrijneQ5S4pvn1bdFDA4Ydbw76ul-jzpL2l8OQV_MDpz9NAWaol9OVU/s1600/IMG_0948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ay-bXufECnCqAzuOZVRgI3JFmlhX-lsHN5z7IKxorB0zTszYyXljAlvSNHF4o87HfCti97GAIMw0loHllTRoUrijneQ5S4pvn1bdFDA4Ydbw76ul-jzpL2l8OQV_MDpz9NAWaol9OVU/s320/IMG_0948.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">6. Mod Podge the whole photo. I used a thick coat and made a circular motion that made the appearance of brush strokes. That works well.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOB8Qtv37YG0p6CouV0BXLf9scyC6JqVTgOnQT8WXGIQgY9Z8ewADBIKe1Up2nYDnQjafENLFv60VmI13tihqZmE6hPkvKGvtQ_JH-EJO_-HcC_pia5BPZ7YvFWfzfdqPQ00jN6YnNDJI/s1600/IMG_0951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOB8Qtv37YG0p6CouV0BXLf9scyC6JqVTgOnQT8WXGIQgY9Z8ewADBIKe1Up2nYDnQjafENLFv60VmI13tihqZmE6hPkvKGvtQ_JH-EJO_-HcC_pia5BPZ7YvFWfzfdqPQ00jN6YnNDJI/s320/IMG_0951.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">7. Let it dry... Then dry sponge the edges with the black paint. I first used a sponge brush, but I then discovered that a makeup applicator sponge is much better at getting the light effect around the edges.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlIUYPMlPAuK-4Xzsnyxc1GJXJVnLywH4yVwKwLVfuhYArnIAbWoyvYK44tlSZ2-fAU891fDITNZCAA9LkiTBO8Z1-ogMiEC8kdzGUcSeo5f_4IrkzyKHxvvBwkiGK9lNG_2_pDdBkimM/s1600/IMG_0954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlIUYPMlPAuK-4Xzsnyxc1GJXJVnLywH4yVwKwLVfuhYArnIAbWoyvYK44tlSZ2-fAU891fDITNZCAA9LkiTBO8Z1-ogMiEC8kdzGUcSeo5f_4IrkzyKHxvvBwkiGK9lNG_2_pDdBkimM/s320/IMG_0954.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">8. Allow to dry. Be extremely happy with your results, no matter how imperfect they are. </div><div style="text-align: center;">The photo below demonstrates the difference between the sponge brush application and the makeup sponge application. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivOVO3a1EQi8Gn24cTu5RbyOp_vd6FjhUJtPztHMKmPum3ESKdZky-5i_G5FMQQxGFxptubSv6uew33GGuutJvB208LJIUICm_u_2rH2cWuAcP6Utzl-cGWynObq8votTLPoBN1bhvOoc/s1600/IMG_0956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivOVO3a1EQi8Gn24cTu5RbyOp_vd6FjhUJtPztHMKmPum3ESKdZky-5i_G5FMQQxGFxptubSv6uew33GGuutJvB208LJIUICm_u_2rH2cWuAcP6Utzl-cGWynObq8votTLPoBN1bhvOoc/s320/IMG_0956.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Make sure that you check out the original, and far more perfect, instructions on <a href="http://www.bluecricketdesign.net/2011/01/guest-post-diy-photos-on-canvas-by.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+BlueCricketDesign+%28Blue+Cricket+Design%29">Blue Cricket Designs</a>. Edwin was extremely happy with his birthday gift, which was really the point, after all.</div>Hannah Attawayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14898483837734598313noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2345164171249516937.post-69877840490060873482011-11-20T00:06:00.000-05:002011-11-20T00:06:10.223-05:00Pique Your PinterestI recently joined <a href="http://pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a>. I have mixed feelings regarding the new social media. On one hand I really don't like the fact that there is a new guilt-tripping mechanism that is trying to force me to spend every waking moment organizing, cooking, decorating, and crafting. Actually, I'm not totally sure that there would be time for sleep if I tried to tackle every project that brought on guilt. <br />
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On the other hand, the holiday season has a strange way of making me wish that I could build a table from a door or cook the perfect Christmas turkey for $3 a person. <br />
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This brings me to a place where I am trying to wade through the ridiculous projects in an attempt to find the accomplishable ideas that will actually benefit me and my family... as opposed to making more work and covering my entire home in glitter.<br />
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You are invited to join me on this tumultuous journey through the domestic battleground as we begin a series that I have affectionately titled, "Imperfectly Pinterest."Hannah Attawayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14898483837734598313noreply@blogger.com1