tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87420818655873733302024-03-18T19:57:10.108-07:00And By The WaySerena Abdelazizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918213762442218047noreply@blogger.comBlogger263125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8742081865587373330.post-16124713783560715212012-05-18T08:45:00.003-07:002012-05-18T08:45:21.967-07:00MG Baby Cloth Diapers - Diaper Review<a href="http://macigrace.com/cloth-diapers">Maci Grace</a> is offering their diapers at half off on one of my very favorite websites. You got it--<a href="http://babyhalfoff.com/">Baby Half Off.</a> I love this website, because when I want to try something new it's not taking such a huge chunk to try it. <br />
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<a href="http://babyhalfoff.com/"><img src="http://babyhalfoff.com/hotlinks/SquareLogo125x125.png" /></a>
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Maci Grace's cloth diaper came in the mail yesterday and after prepping it (warm water wash and dry) I had to try it out. The outside is almost a silky feeling. If you have ever tried a Tots Bots diaper, this is the similar feel on the outside. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB6xMTatecaIm7vrC0XDx4a3IdA8pMzLpz1Gg3fjGFHEDpw7ncEvnjuBn7j37Jr_mgTW88KwSRZ8B0k_LhAiNG_l6qEojJQ_M3vY7lGOD7qXT-p9OXTlbaoRP9DtmwA7uuqmScb0KqC0k/s1600/MG+Diaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB6xMTatecaIm7vrC0XDx4a3IdA8pMzLpz1Gg3fjGFHEDpw7ncEvnjuBn7j37Jr_mgTW88KwSRZ8B0k_LhAiNG_l6qEojJQ_M3vY7lGOD7qXT-p9OXTlbaoRP9DtmwA7uuqmScb0KqC0k/s320/MG+Diaper.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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The one size diapers will grow with your baby from newborn to potty training, and this is always a plus when you are going to spend over $20 on a single diaper. The sizing is generous, and it is definitely going to grow with Caleb. At 10 months old he no where near the biggest setting, so unlike some claims for one-size, this seems to fit the bill. It includes an extra snap to make it even tighter for babies much smaller than Caleb. With the hip snap I am not seeing much wing droop. The fabric does seem to bunch a little bit at his waist, but I think this is due to the material's thickness. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLyq7x6R1wMHACf3FbQpkgiDnEjeUsT7Gzrxrcfl6N165jnZd6Z_ki9Xaioword-Xl-6eFOSM8X7cd-KDgUnBbkRZUsDvNX-wps7TdbEKLLSWeI2LX5qiGn88gmBH4fXtEjb55k0GsOmg/s1600/Diaper+REview+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLyq7x6R1wMHACf3FbQpkgiDnEjeUsT7Gzrxrcfl6N165jnZd6Z_ki9Xaioword-Xl-6eFOSM8X7cd-KDgUnBbkRZUsDvNX-wps7TdbEKLLSWeI2LX5qiGn88gmBH4fXtEjb55k0GsOmg/s320/Diaper+REview+001.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSVy-_srT4vjtOCdJZMn2eR0ujPtIoA_JT3oBxjfatTFqoSv5X8I_i5GBJuYpNcq09HDMz5_ZIJ3CX7DVpHlo6hAo97uUVOR736NlG0Vp5XxKhIOwLY8LOrWEDihOtJnjg_LJTndN84ok/s1600/Diaper+REview+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSVy-_srT4vjtOCdJZMn2eR0ujPtIoA_JT3oBxjfatTFqoSv5X8I_i5GBJuYpNcq09HDMz5_ZIJ3CX7DVpHlo6hAo97uUVOR736NlG0Vp5XxKhIOwLY8LOrWEDihOtJnjg_LJTndN84ok/s320/Diaper+REview+006.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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The diaper includes two- 4 layer soft bamboo inserts which make this diaper extremely trim for how absorbant it is, unlike the extremely fluffy microfiber inserts. It seems to do a great job for Caleb's messes. The pocket stretches generously, but is not a wide opening. The pocket was almost hidden, as it is flush with the back elastic. Caleb is not leaking during nap times, but we have not tried it for overnight. The nice thing about pockets.....you just add more! With bamboo inserts it makes the diaper extremely absorbant. <br />
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Caleb's diaper came in the Peek-a-boo black color, and I am loving the colored snaps. I can Jael, my 10 year old daughter, which color to match-up, and she knows how tight to fit his diaper. This is a definite plus. The elastic around the legs is not too tight, so he has no marks on his chunky legs. <br />
<br />It is a typical cloth diaper that has enough thickness that it does look bulky for jeans, but I have my favorites for jeans. This diaper is a PERFECT everyday diaper, and I am enjoying it. <br />
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So far, this diaper gets an A+ from us!! Definitely a big thank you to <a href="http://babyhalfoff.com/">Baby Half Off</a> for allowing us to try it out.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAFMUXPVTxhMeQCpXz79Qnbx7keR_6vG2_HrLXCM7fouMpza_wpXj0lPp_ooQBdIUhs_xiVKkma1ndwngE-jzDIEALHX0Ltcs4nZEsdh6f-G-sLH2yHj3SxScLse4ckYFC9vA-zSd2dM0/s1600/Diaper+REview+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAFMUXPVTxhMeQCpXz79Qnbx7keR_6vG2_HrLXCM7fouMpza_wpXj0lPp_ooQBdIUhs_xiVKkma1ndwngE-jzDIEALHX0Ltcs4nZEsdh6f-G-sLH2yHj3SxScLse4ckYFC9vA-zSd2dM0/s320/Diaper+REview+007.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cutest model EVER! </td></tr>
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<br />Serena Abdelazizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918213762442218047noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8742081865587373330.post-90188727037126659712012-05-05T13:38:00.000-07:002012-05-05T13:43:43.206-07:00Eco Nuts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<h4>
Why would you want to choose <a href="http://thebabybumstore.com/Eco-Nuts-Organic-Laundry-Soap-P883676.aspx"><span style="color: red;">Eco Nuts soap nuts</span></a> to clean your clothes?</h4>
<ul>
<li>They are completely sustainable, renewable, biodegradable and an organic alternative to chemical detergents and more expensive natural laundry detergents</li>
<li>They are gentle and chemical or allergen free. No concerns for sensitive baby skin, or those with eczema or other skin conditions.</li>
<li>They are mild and don't leave residue, so they are suitable for washing cloth diapers.</li>
<li>They have antimicrobial properties, which makes them a great choice for those with septic or grey water systems.</li>
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<strong>Wondering how soap nuts actually work?</strong> They contain saponin, which is a natural cleaner that breaks the surface tension of the water to penetrate the fibers of your clothing- a fancy way to say that they are able to lift stains and leave the dirt in the water to be washed away. They don't foam up, because they don't contain foaming agents. No foaming??? How do you know if it's really working? <br />
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I bought my soap nuts from <a href="http://babyhalfoff.com/">Baby Half Off</a>, whom I recently discoverd....and love! <br />
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The Eco Nuts are safe for cloth diapering which is also why I bought them. (and being half-off) <br />
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<strong>I tried them out, and I have to say they do work well. </strong><br />
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I've used them in both cold and hot, regular loads, and cloth diapers, all successfully. I often throw these when I need to rinse out my diapers after a really messy explosion. The diapers have always come out fresh smelling and clean. I have always gotten at least 5-7 washes out of each batch. <br />
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It was also nice to be able to put a few in a bag to give to a friend who was using cloth diapers, so that she could keep using cloth-diaper approved detergent. Overall, I give it an A+. I will definitely be buying again, and getting them at HALF OFF is why I was willing to give them a try. <br />
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<strong><a href="http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2010/03/review-and-giveaway-eco-nuts-organic-laundry-soap.html/soap-nuts-2" rel="attachment wp-att-3731"><img alt="soap nuts" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-3731" height="203" src="http://www.keeperofthehome.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/soap-nuts1.jpg" title="soap nuts" width="279" /></a></strong><br />
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I am not sure that they will replace my stash of natural cloth diapering detergents, but I do like them. I love how small and light they are to carry and store, and the fact that they're entirely sustainable. I was impressed with their cleaning ability, despite the lack of bubbles and pretty smells. BUT I am not sure if I am completely won over. <br />
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I loved the price I paid.....BEST OF ALL! <br />
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THANK YOU, <a href="http://babyhalfoff.com/">Baby Half Off</a>!Serena Abdelazizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918213762442218047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8742081865587373330.post-87246784478949192192012-03-15T16:04:00.000-07:002012-03-15T16:04:07.174-07:00The Provision Room--Giveaway!<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em>It’s A Party!!</em></span></div><em><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
Time is flying and they are having WAY too much fun at my sister's newest blog. <a href="http://theprovisionroom.com/2012/03/14/its-a-party-week-3-just-for-mom/#comment-191">The Provision Room</a> is a blog that helps move us towards emergency and “life-happening” preparedness. It's a lot of fun! And my sister and her friend Kristina are REAL people, so there is no panic; it's about being more aware.<br />
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This week they are giving away two amazing gifts! First from Kelly over at <a href="http://generationcedar.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff634d;">Generation Cedar</span></a>. She is graciously giving away a large skin care gift set! This set includes an 8 oz. Lotion, Shea Body Butter (4 oz.), Brown Sugar Scrub (4 oz.), Soap and Loofah Sponge.<br />
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AND I want this! <br />
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The second gift comes from a friend of theirs who is extremely talented in designing and making clothing. She is a wealth of sewing knowledge and has a passion for making “real” women feel comfortable in their own skin. She has designed a TOP SECRET apron--Ms. Theresa’s Apron Brigade apron. This is the apron you will love to put on whenever you feel your mommy super powers begin to flow!<br />
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AND I want this, too! <br />
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So.....go on over and enter for <strike>me </strike>yourself, and enjoy looking around, too! If you win--you owe me! <br />
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</span></em><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.theprovisionroom.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Visit The Provision Room" border="0" height="150" src="http://theprovisionroom.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/banner_small_final2.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"></div>Serena Abdelazizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918213762442218047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8742081865587373330.post-53555072161230210042011-12-29T21:47:00.000-08:002011-12-29T21:48:45.132-08:00Homemade Teriyaki Sauce<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FOlmvvaYlyU/Tv1PdnwMw5I/AAAAAAAAAwE/zGu-pkJcvEA/s1600/Teriyaki+Chicken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FOlmvvaYlyU/Tv1PdnwMw5I/AAAAAAAAAwE/zGu-pkJcvEA/s1600/Teriyaki+Chicken.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I baked some chicken thighs with this sauce, basting it every 10 minutes for an hour. I served it with some white rice. (everyone liked it) <br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Homemade Teriyaki Sauce</span></strong><br />
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2 tablespoon cornstarch<br />
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2 tablespoon cold water<br />
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1 cup white sugar<br />
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1 cup soy sauce<br />
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1/2 cup apple cider vinegar<br />
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lots of minced garlic<br />
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1 teaspoon fresh ginger<br />
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black pepper<br />
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red pepper flakes (to taste) <br />
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<span class="plaincharacterwrap break">In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the cornstarch, cold water, sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, ginger and ground black pepper. Let simmer, stirring frequently, until sauce thickens and bubbles.</span>Serena Abdelazizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918213762442218047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8742081865587373330.post-42848964831987320662011-12-22T16:44:00.000-08:002011-12-22T16:45:38.998-08:00ExperimentationSometimes I just have no idea what to cook for dinner and I really don't want to just make spaghetti. (my solution to not knowing what to make for dinner) <br />
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Tonight the kids and I went to the fridge and found LOTS of little containers of things that weren't enough to really use in anything. Since I hate wasting such yummy ingredients we decided to put it all together. We had a Panini-Themed Party the other day, and we just had little bits of stuff leftover. <br />
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Here is what we came up with..... <br />
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Layer of raw sliced potatoes, lightly salted <br />
Can of Rotel <br />
Black Olives <br />
Tiny bit of Parmesan, Artichoke Hearts, and Spinach <br />
Roasted Red Peppers <br />
Leftover Dark Meat from our Turkey (chopped) <br />
15 Whole Roasted Garlic Cloves <br />
Spread a container of Savory Garlic Philadelphia Cooking Sauce <br />
Layered 5 Italian Sausage Links <br />
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Last but not least.....placed a layer of pizza dough on top with some butter and seasonings spread on top. <br />
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Baked at 350 degrees for an hour. <br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">It's not necessarily anything to brag about, but it's the fact that experimenting with ingredients can be fun! AND since the kids helped throw it all together….they liked it. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BvaO00fJqAc/TvPN22wT6EI/AAAAAAAAAvg/VT4eyKBR9Lc/s1600-h/Leftovers%25255B2%25255D.jpg" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; cssfloat: right; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Leftovers" border="0" height="244px" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ja26IN6b028/TvPN3no8UmI/AAAAAAAAAvo/muItfaljRec/Leftovers_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Leftovers" width="184px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2QBmn-5wKf0/TvPN4AUfVGI/AAAAAAAAAvw/g9-fFEkycAY/s1600-h/Leftovers%2525202%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Leftovers 2" border="0" height="244px" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Q6kU17xuCT4/TvPN4jcZrvI/AAAAAAAAAv4/bh1jIpYcP3M/Leftovers%2525202_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Leftovers 2" width="184px" /></a> </div></div><img height="96px" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Q6kU17xuCT4/TvPN4jcZrvI/AAAAAAAAAv4/bh1jIpYcP3M/Leftovers%2525202_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="filter: alpha(opacity=30); left: 142px; mozopacity: 0.3; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 749px; visibility: hidden;" width="72px" />Serena Abdelazizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918213762442218047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8742081865587373330.post-24664777866123392982011-12-12T13:56:00.000-08:002011-12-12T13:56:35.482-08:00Double Chocolate Peppermint Surprise<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeTNgjf2V5v7HVm5nxdRPWy70q65F2NkSU-MQXSyKi5mR_u8I_Y3u1ZDQPWh3C6vSFjBvoCCF-P_oT1fy0P0j4-iVCwhqZvDGlzjAQ_iK8au8lqVBHhE-sd6H8qhyphenhyphenGfL_uT8GSo367nPE/s1600/cookies.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213px" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeTNgjf2V5v7HVm5nxdRPWy70q65F2NkSU-MQXSyKi5mR_u8I_Y3u1ZDQPWh3C6vSFjBvoCCF-P_oT1fy0P0j4-iVCwhqZvDGlzjAQ_iK8au8lqVBHhE-sd6H8qhyphenhyphenGfL_uT8GSo367nPE/s320/cookies.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><strong>Ingredients</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">1 1/2 cups flour</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">1/2 cup granulated sugar</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">1/4 cup light brown sugar</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">1 tsp. salt</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">1/2 tsp. baking soda1 </span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">1/2 sticks (6 oz.) unsalted butter, slightly softened</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">1 egg</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">24 miniature (about 1 1/2-inch) peppermint patties, such as York, unwrapped and chilled</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">6 oz. white chocolate (not chips) chopped</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">Peppermint candy canes or candies, crushed or finely chopped </span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><strong>Directions</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">Using an electric mixer, beat the flour, cocoa powder, both sugars, salt and baking soda on low speed. Beat in the butter, then the egg. Turn out the dough onto a large piece of plastic wrap and flatten into a disk; seal. Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">Preheat the oven to 350°. Line 2 large cookie sheets with parchment. Working with 1 tbsp. of dough at a time, use your fingers to evenly encase each peppermint patty with dough. Place on the prepared pans and smooth the dough with your fingers. Bake, switching the pans halfway through, until just firm to the touch, about 15 minutes. Remove the pans from the oven and let cool slightly. Transfer the cookies on the parchment to a rack to cool completely. </span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">Meanwhile, in a double boiler or small, heatproof bowl set over a small saucepan of simmering water, melt half of the white chocolate, stirring until melted. Remove from the heat and stir in the remaining white chocolate until smooth. Using a large spoon, drizzle the white chocolate over the cookies. Sprinkle immediately with the crushed peppermint candies. Let set completely before serving or storing.</span>Serena Abdelazizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918213762442218047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8742081865587373330.post-16708513343327028892011-12-06T07:50:00.000-08:002011-12-06T08:47:37.323-08:00A Thirsty Crow<div style="text-align: center;"><div align="left"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">*Jael was given a reading assignment to write from the Crow's point of view, in a popular children's folk tale about a crow who was thirsty and dropped rocks into a pitcher to get the water to rise so she could drink. Here is her perspective on the crow. </span></strong></div><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>A Thirsty Crow</strong></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">by Jael Abdelaziz</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I am so thirsty! I have had no water to drink for a long time. If I do not find some water soon, I shall die. <br />
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There is a pitcher, perhaps I can get some water. I will now fly to the pitcher sitting on the windowsill. From here it looks very full. Good-bye, perfect birdy friends. <br />
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I am now at the windowsill and I am thirstier than ever. The water is low. I can’t reach the water! <br />
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I will try to break it open with great force. My beak is very strong. Bang, bang, bang. O no, the woman inside is coming with a broom. Swish, swish, shoo. Flap, flap, flap. Whoo, that was close. <br />
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Now, I will try to tip it over. I hope this is easier. Ugh, ugh, ugh! I must tip it over. O dear, hear comes the boy with his strong toy airplane. Flap, flap, flap! Clang! The window broke. <br />
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I have one more chance. I have gathered many rocks. Drop 1, drop 2, drop 3.….so many rocks….drop 4, drop 5, drop 6. I must stop counting. <br />
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The water us up! Gulp, gulp, gulp. Refreshing! Bye-bye, woman and boy, bye-bye. <br />
<br />
~December 2011 <br />
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Serena Abdelazizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918213762442218047noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8742081865587373330.post-82919089763318402762010-12-25T12:05:00.000-08:002010-12-25T12:05:24.611-08:00Christmas Surprise<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu0qbO95WwwXvEXNqbC7b_-mXmy7L-NGUO8cfrbOs6iTduPEUUeIBfWduEyyNxFAzaxSH1iJzC3ZR3J7aveRMdd1UbbqT_PjXIRQnD6ueSbA4HL_-HlTmQPmKEZXsnkubJrvTTHNvWHqQ/s1600/Shallah.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu0qbO95WwwXvEXNqbC7b_-mXmy7L-NGUO8cfrbOs6iTduPEUUeIBfWduEyyNxFAzaxSH1iJzC3ZR3J7aveRMdd1UbbqT_PjXIRQnD6ueSbA4HL_-HlTmQPmKEZXsnkubJrvTTHNvWHqQ/s320/Shallah.bmp" width="249" /></a></div>Serena Abdelazizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918213762442218047noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8742081865587373330.post-34539904848522484112010-12-18T09:02:00.000-08:002010-12-18T09:02:00.411-08:00StockingsI didn't grow up with a stocking full of things......in fact, I don't remember ever having my stocking as a big part of our Christmas celebration, but I married a man who was used to having his stocking filled. Obviously, he would want to pass that tradition on to our children but with 5 it can be hard to come up with ideas and ways to make it interesting and carry a theme. I am not necessarily a parent that feels things need to be even, but I also don't want my children to feel that one person is "highly favored" above another. (Daja is actually the one who used this tradition first....) <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">“Something to eat, something to read, something to play with and something they need.” -Victorian poem</div><br />
What to put in a Christmas stocking is a dilemma that many parents face as the holidays draw near. Small, inexpensive gifts make the best stocking stuffers. However, it is often hard to find the right balance of things. (at least for me) <br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Something to Eat</strong></span></div><br />
Traditionally, an orange and walnuts were used to fill Christmas stockings. Now many people opt for fun Christmas candy and treats. Or use your child’s favorite prepackaged snack foods. We change every year, depending on what we know our children like at that time. <br />
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Individual serving size boxes of sugary cereals, such as Fruit Loops, also make a convenient stocking stuffer. They seem like an extra special treat when sugary cereals are not eaten throughout the year. Cereal has the added benefit of being a quick breakfast that eager children can eat without help while their parents try to sneak a few more minutes of sleep. This is always the easiest category to buy my children, as "treats" are a bit more rare. I could get them a carton of raspberries and they would be thrilled. My children are so easy to please. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Something to Read</strong></span></div><br />
One or two books help fill out a holiday stocking nicely and are appropriate for all ages. Choose books that are small enough to fit in a stocking. Board books are available for baby and toddler stockings. Paperback picture books and chapter books are a good choice for older children. We have done Bibles when the kids get older. So, the prices for each item are NEVER the same for each child, but the theme is the same. I already have the "something to read" for this year.....phew! <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Something to Play With</strong></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">The options for something to play with are almost endless. The only limiting factor is the size. Toys purchased to fill a holiday stocking need to be small enough to fit inside. Small stuffed animals, travel-sized games and play-doh are some ideas for younger children. Older children may like a game to go with their current gaming system, small Lego kits, or art supplies. For less expensive options, visit a dollar store or discount store. This is my main reason for loving this poem, as it fits with EVERY stage of my life. </div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Something They Need</strong></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Again, there are a variety of options here. Anything from lip balm to new gloves or mittens could fill the need, whatever it may be. Even a new toothbrush or better yet an electric toothbrush that has favorite characters. Older children may need new health and beauty products, like deodorant, nail polish or perfume. This year Jael will be getting an alarm clock; she has been using mine. I got a nice pretty pink one, so it doesn't have to be toiletries. I haven't figured out the boys' stuff yet? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">While the ideas given were for children’s stockings, the method could easily be used to fill an adult’s Christmas stocking. I have often been at a loss of what to get Josh in his stocking, so I go the same route, and I just use it as an "idea starter!" </div><br />
<div align="center"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">MERRY CHRISTMAS!! </span></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"></div></div>Serena Abdelazizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918213762442218047noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8742081865587373330.post-70346498671304843122010-12-17T09:46:00.000-08:002010-12-17T09:46:54.079-08:00What kind of nest?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-kL6G17Eq9bPXinJIQzRJxDRIAed80AI96viRiZjWTZe_a4Zx7OslS_KdoBv131egbiS4ptaxbX8nq5ox6VU_siU7cFRhie0KN8FIuGf9xXytSulSs1mPl5WCAUhhWtRa_CaojDpTkh8/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-kL6G17Eq9bPXinJIQzRJxDRIAed80AI96viRiZjWTZe_a4Zx7OslS_KdoBv131egbiS4ptaxbX8nq5ox6VU_siU7cFRhie0KN8FIuGf9xXytSulSs1mPl5WCAUhhWtRa_CaojDpTkh8/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigr1DQTqeHk6u0RXhV4aMAPRVaWLwVxGmCX8kfeA_971rPthhaHfGI9NkIDIfT8Vfa1wjGeG_cJcXUcIpjP-A2cRn_R54csFpPZqjDUXMSN8Dq-Si3QEGWMQrHcspLLbr6M7aD66S4QRM/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigr1DQTqeHk6u0RXhV4aMAPRVaWLwVxGmCX8kfeA_971rPthhaHfGI9NkIDIfT8Vfa1wjGeG_cJcXUcIpjP-A2cRn_R54csFpPZqjDUXMSN8Dq-Si3QEGWMQrHcspLLbr6M7aD66S4QRM/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbifLBlQ_e5bn7JmqpI4NgVYwGl6-1ztbdB8FJizAhqQYJsK13eLBQeoWVW7i7vuu0QhvKMFSyk1bjA3XGJH_wCTJhX5QsFlYuylRRiG7z02bgTKfBNer-Qj9510Dbl0XnqWPlCrRytkQ/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbifLBlQ_e5bn7JmqpI4NgVYwGl6-1ztbdB8FJizAhqQYJsK13eLBQeoWVW7i7vuu0QhvKMFSyk1bjA3XGJH_wCTJhX5QsFlYuylRRiG7z02bgTKfBNer-Qj9510Dbl0XnqWPlCrRytkQ/s320/003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUZOitDrz24dHkXdkur-4xdfdc1mgU8TsznbZom2YZtJkJKKpWEj7JVCeF6xe2XnRUW_D-sqlfFVJU_spSfpawb4H_L_vElrtEkDVAPprEselHk0b9BJ1hjZHCN6HOUG65a0VOrHz8hbU/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUZOitDrz24dHkXdkur-4xdfdc1mgU8TsznbZom2YZtJkJKKpWEj7JVCeF6xe2XnRUW_D-sqlfFVJU_spSfpawb4H_L_vElrtEkDVAPprEselHk0b9BJ1hjZHCN6HOUG65a0VOrHz8hbU/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">My Josh took this off the side of our house; it was fascinating. Before the cold came Josh says that bees were on the nest, but it looks very similar to a paper wasp nest. AND we have had a few wasps in the house?! I am not sure if I will ever now, but it does not change the fact that God's creatures are so talented! </div>Serena Abdelazizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918213762442218047noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8742081865587373330.post-42137621677053079992010-12-16T14:55:00.000-08:002010-12-16T14:58:36.512-08:00School ProjectHonest, I could pour so much money into making my school room so fun and colorful, but I am using what I have....at the moment, and I am liking it. I think, gradually, I can change some things to make it more appealing. BUT the kids ADORE just the few changes, which only makes it more fun. <br />
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About a month ago our landlord was making a trip to the dump with all of the miscellaneous things that he has around the property, and he offered to take our broken dryer, too! (such a blessing, in itself) As he was about to leave he came knocking on the door. He thought maybe he had something I would be interested in, and he didn't want to take it to the dump if I did.....<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh, yes, I definitely wanted them!!! </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0VZYtLgtlTKnhIceDou-uGjVV-te-nhNOes5MaNnRGYe19_4AlctG3PH7mcfH59H5tHdC5pIoEs1o42MQsqTwbpp7Ob0Xa-uLduT3D_Zh5tu3OBo2xXjEGFidzBL2oOVppNrRIiOzZbY/s1600/Project+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0VZYtLgtlTKnhIceDou-uGjVV-te-nhNOes5MaNnRGYe19_4AlctG3PH7mcfH59H5tHdC5pIoEs1o42MQsqTwbpp7Ob0Xa-uLduT3D_Zh5tu3OBo2xXjEGFidzBL2oOVppNrRIiOzZbY/s320/Project+001.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;">4 old school desks...the blue chair was from Jael's room (it's Levi's desk chair) </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-D_0h-on3f5onZIP0_L1UUM5jmVj6hAbOXCBC9U6jRLooZp05J3x-HhJCjCilnuW_D1kPsjftVYwStASPQybTRM-SO4iggFgXIW4Ldc9zXpcz_-1o_FUjtrfP5ReG20BxiNTCG3MZpZE/s1600/Project+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-D_0h-on3f5onZIP0_L1UUM5jmVj6hAbOXCBC9U6jRLooZp05J3x-HhJCjCilnuW_D1kPsjftVYwStASPQybTRM-SO4iggFgXIW4Ldc9zXpcz_-1o_FUjtrfP5ReG20BxiNTCG3MZpZE/s320/Project+003.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 had some material from curtains that did NOT fit the LONG windows. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7_bg2ZKvbxco-Y8IBBAaA8M0XQS8wow15t8nG-ZnqzudeLfEilTdcgXsQquLViMqmG9nPbWTI10YqsV1ZVAO1QIrKCCyMQNO-Sylmivwc7Nb-sBP4qWu9au4n5CmtEivPrLaNouSIO40/s1600/Project+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7_bg2ZKvbxco-Y8IBBAaA8M0XQS8wow15t8nG-ZnqzudeLfEilTdcgXsQquLViMqmG9nPbWTI10YqsV1ZVAO1QIrKCCyMQNO-Sylmivwc7Nb-sBP4qWu9au4n5CmtEivPrLaNouSIO40/s320/Project+002.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">AND, of course, the two panels were not the same width.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9orn_s4nODgGYAaTdGiXpmdgf2ft4CPA1kZW9acAt81JbvhXdGrk1mWpzZxFYJw7HkPA5pVR6qQ5AINtbQOPhPXSF_nfRDh6IJ6J4gtDd2_Ksf9c6R3IYXCw_s3mywXoSFasGZy_mf4w/s1600/Project+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9orn_s4nODgGYAaTdGiXpmdgf2ft4CPA1kZW9acAt81JbvhXdGrk1mWpzZxFYJw7HkPA5pVR6qQ5AINtbQOPhPXSF_nfRDh6IJ6J4gtDd2_Ksf9c6R3IYXCw_s3mywXoSFasGZy_mf4w/s320/Project+004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Cutting and Sewing</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiHZACAltgeckakEj0-pUVthdvRf4AGvAfkumehcC0Do5MvfWLX3HqmgaJnOaA3hM7TOb3uWpG0TQQFIlgjsq_eY0mG4ypTi_DxdwHJCqCEofO3-Pm5hwU98c6Kf7J3PscMA3Yjieaprc/s1600/Project+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiHZACAltgeckakEj0-pUVthdvRf4AGvAfkumehcC0Do5MvfWLX3HqmgaJnOaA3hM7TOb3uWpG0TQQFIlgjsq_eY0mG4ypTi_DxdwHJCqCEofO3-Pm5hwU98c6Kf7J3PscMA3Yjieaprc/s320/Project+005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">And more cutting......</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgahNNF1n7-NzWOIxqPtcu7zGmRmmYOasN0WXjNA9ynSKBCcNy6xCCAptXM_adghIqzFUIuRl5t3P7vwHdbYfPaOaYIV2DksM_1a6tZnU8wSuSRLww38hKYKUXAjX55GtqbR5t4flyPIMs/s1600/Project+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgahNNF1n7-NzWOIxqPtcu7zGmRmmYOasN0WXjNA9ynSKBCcNy6xCCAptXM_adghIqzFUIuRl5t3P7vwHdbYfPaOaYIV2DksM_1a6tZnU8wSuSRLww38hKYKUXAjX55GtqbR5t4flyPIMs/s320/Project+007.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;">And pinning (plus a lesson in photography for Jael) </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9IyEoK5DVXuWgxTbFn24Ok1SXrvJj_MtIhFqtpq1UBWU1hisx54_FdSbR09PMD5uiMdNIJ5FAm50Nw1e2naDW7Ao7ti1DeNvohud8-1O1coHtLjLOMpRsdXn6cK79O4G__xuEquvGaAQ/s1600/IMG_0988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9IyEoK5DVXuWgxTbFn24Ok1SXrvJj_MtIhFqtpq1UBWU1hisx54_FdSbR09PMD5uiMdNIJ5FAm50Nw1e2naDW7Ao7ti1DeNvohud8-1O1coHtLjLOMpRsdXn6cK79O4G__xuEquvGaAQ/s320/IMG_0988.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;">AND my man was so helpful in installing the curtain rods and changing the maps and wipe-off boards, to my liking....he is FABULOUS....you SHOULD be jealous! The desks were in bad shape; one didn't even have the seat on it. He cut out a piece for the top of one desk, doing a fantastic job making the desks clean and useable. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">NOT half bad for a fast fix...I had to do something, because the windows cause a major distraction for the boys, especially. </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Serena Abdelazizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918213762442218047noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8742081865587373330.post-55376868113526653122010-12-07T07:52:00.000-08:002010-12-07T11:42:23.160-08:00The Christmas Bell There was once a little boy who was blind. One day he was sitting on a big stone at the edge of the road, quietly resting. He really didn't have anything to do or anywhere to go or anyone to lead him that wintry afternoon. His little playmates had gone off to explore a cave and didn't want to take him because he might get hurt. His parents wouldn't be coming home from their work for another hour or two, but he didn't mind. <br />
Because he couldn't see, the little boy had learned to listen very carefully to everything around him. His ears could tell him what was happening. He liked sitting by the road and hearing the footsteps going by. He liked to listen and wonder who was passing and where they were going. It was a game he played alone. <br />
But today the footsteps didn't sound like they did on ordinary days. There were many more than usual and they seemed to be hurrying and all going in one direction. There was excitement in the air as if something strange and mystical had happened. <br />
The little boy grew curious. He tried to hear what the hurrying persons were saying. <br />
"The shepherds saw a great light and heard hundreds of voices singing praises to God!" <br />
"An angel told them to go into Bethlehem and find a baby, wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger!" <br />
"Half of the shepherds are staying with the sheep and we are going to find the Baby." <br />
All these things he heard. <br />
"Oh, I want to go, too!" Please take me with you," cried the little boy, but no one heard. "Please, someone, please show me the way! I want to find the Christ child and worship him, too!" he called out, over and over. But the crowd was so eager to find the Baby in the manger that no one stopped to listen to the boy. No one noticed the little boy who couldn't see, seated on a stone as the edge of the road. <br />
Most of the crowd passed by and everything grew quiet. Then the little boy heard a faint tinkling sound. It sounded again. He listened with his very keen ears. It sounded like a bell! Yes, it was a bell, the kind sheep and cows wear around their necks to tell the shepherd where they are. <br />
"Maybe the bell is on a cow or a sheep in the the stable where the Baby is," he thought. <br />
Slipping carefully down from the rock, the little boy walked slowly toward the sound of the bell. Sometimes he had to stop and listen until the bell rang again, and then he would follow it farther. <br />
It wasn't long before he found himself in the stable, standing beside the animal with the tinkling bell. He reached his hands and felt the animal all over. It was a big, kind cow. When the cow felt the hands of the boy around her neck, she nudged him over to the place where the baby Jesus was sleeping in the manger. Then the little boy knelt down and reached out to touch the Christ child and bless him with his prayer. "Thanks for the kind, big cow and her bell, which helped me find the way," he prayed. <br />
Bells have always rung out the glad tidings of Christ's birth. By the Middle Ages, around the years 800 to 1200, the pealing of bells was the main event of the Christmas celebration. In Italy, it is traditional to wait for the bells to chime before lighting the candles and beginning the festivities. <br />
The bells that ring out from every tower and steeple all over the world tell the message of God's love coming down to earth on Christmas Day.<br />
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~Author Unknown<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOfBNGkyz451LmGi7JgFmoH9jA9KcGHOS5Hph92vISdOSibnxOMgiJWPxFRBIR_-l4nglIeKukGQbkBXxnuBXWIUqpL6jH6Ww73rohiVouMcLKpzWpPbH7nIZ_RXDmMDwVnv4FvZk34Y0/s1600/Bells.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOfBNGkyz451LmGi7JgFmoH9jA9KcGHOS5Hph92vISdOSibnxOMgiJWPxFRBIR_-l4nglIeKukGQbkBXxnuBXWIUqpL6jH6Ww73rohiVouMcLKpzWpPbH7nIZ_RXDmMDwVnv4FvZk34Y0/s320/Bells.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em>*dedicated to a family who cherishes the sound of Christmas bells, as their son first heard the sound of bells only after he received the amazing gift of hearing with cochlear implants</em></div><div align="right" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Serena Abdelazizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918213762442218047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8742081865587373330.post-85614889849124039532010-12-06T12:42:00.000-08:002010-12-06T12:42:55.588-08:00Saint Nicholas DayA real-life bishop in what is now Turkey, Saint Nicholas earned his sainthood for numerous miracles, but his neighbors knew him best as a kind and generous man with a great fondness for children. <em>Today, in many parts of the world Saint Nicholas delivers gifts on the eve of his Feast Day, December 6, and Christmas is reserved for the religious observance of Christ's birth.</em> <br />
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The New York Historical Society held its first St. Nicholas anniversary dinner on December 6, 1810. John Pintard commissioned artist Alexander Anderson to create the first American image of Nicholas for the occasion. Nicholas was shown in a gift-giving role with children's treats in stockings hanging at a fireplace. <br />
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My children may not have many gifts to open this Christmas, and I am actually NOT sad about this in the LEAST bit. We are SO blessed!!! I have always known that Saint Nicholas was the real inspiration for the modern day Santa Claus, but I did NOT realize until this year that December 6th was the actual Feast Day. <br />
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Levi's godparents sent him a package to open--for today ONLY. So, I had to do my research. I love the idea!! AND I am going to try and come up with some things for next year....like planning a FEAST and having it as a CHRISTMAS party for friends. I love for things to have deeper meaning. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMW7eGRyR9IbOOl08kv-XNF187LizMzYDoAkEC7gprayS3CRhgYWNOSuE3ng5-X7zCBCqffBUneGW2xoZiDmsYC4tECWDt4oPlLuNWy9sNWBf2S6pmDSHL4KX1FXPKZCH38x3AN89bfv8/s1600/alexander-anderson-1810a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMW7eGRyR9IbOOl08kv-XNF187LizMzYDoAkEC7gprayS3CRhgYWNOSuE3ng5-X7zCBCqffBUneGW2xoZiDmsYC4tECWDt4oPlLuNWy9sNWBf2S6pmDSHL4KX1FXPKZCH38x3AN89bfv8/s1600/alexander-anderson-1810a.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Thank you, to the Plowman's, for teaching my family about the significance of December 6th! </div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy St. Nicholas Day! </div>Serena Abdelazizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918213762442218047noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8742081865587373330.post-2653422243737513242010-12-05T19:19:00.000-08:002010-12-05T19:19:32.255-08:00Angels We Have Heard On High<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx_49OsBNq8lf46DxfGWVrPsHOwdXmt4Ik4zeJLELpsxYp-ECyV7uegVnOocXKPopEyv3DsQqRlTmnAVLeh' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></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;">EARLY Sunday morning performance</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;">Waiting for the 10:30 service</div><br />
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<div align="center">Radiant Dancer</div>Serena Abdelazizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918213762442218047noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8742081865587373330.post-39980506381300070602010-12-04T08:50:00.000-08:002010-12-04T08:50:37.865-08:00Messy<div style="text-align: center;">I really do fix Shallah's hair in the mornings...even manage to get a bow in, once in a while. BUT by the end of the day and after a couple of naps......I get this! AND, I absolutely adore it. She is SO cute, so it's okay, right? </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div align="center">I just love her....messy hair and dirty face! </div>Serena Abdelazizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918213762442218047noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8742081865587373330.post-53872642172083651942010-12-03T17:39:00.000-08:002010-12-03T17:39:01.478-08:00Just Wrong<div align="center">It just FEELS wrong that you can take something healthy and make it so unhealthy! </div><div align="center">Didn't somone once say that you shoudn't go by feelings? </div><div align="center">Oh, yes...that MUST be used in this instance. </div><div align="center"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Does it help that I made Lemon-Artichoke Chicken? </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">My plate has never looked so "brown!" </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYXWtug5TzR1V3e5NYrXGlkGb75Fh-Gv6a5lNT0eKyXXwDpnroqxIWk6GT5xAUjgCoZ1vKre9n6MQKjpHNxpKoNoiYUCc7FIx4Bda1zLvU6DWm3LcF-ioS6kBT0H8kPXmzD3hG8_sGpZU/s1600/IMG_0923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYXWtug5TzR1V3e5NYrXGlkGb75Fh-Gv6a5lNT0eKyXXwDpnroqxIWk6GT5xAUjgCoZ1vKre9n6MQKjpHNxpKoNoiYUCc7FIx4Bda1zLvU6DWm3LcF-ioS6kBT0H8kPXmzD3hG8_sGpZU/s320/IMG_0923.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"></div>Serena Abdelazizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918213762442218047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8742081865587373330.post-88177311088863469912010-12-01T16:49:00.000-08:002010-12-01T16:57:49.374-08:00Spaghetti and Sausage<div style="text-align: center;">It seems so boring.....doesn't it? JUST SPAGHETTI? But, wait! When it includes company......it tastes SO much better. We got a call yesterday from some dear friends asking if they could come over for dinner. I decided to do the "unthinkable" and serve what I was already planning. With only 2 hours to finish everything......I realized in the middle of mixing brownies that I had NO eggs!!! Good friends that invite themselves over for dinner are also the type to bring eggs!! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hospitality doesn't have to have a lot of planning, and I aboslutely LOVE that about my life. I LOVE being spontaneous!!! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">If they had asked to come for dinner tonight....the meal would have been much better, but I am proud to say that I just had company and didn't stress about it. Not one person complained about spaghetti for dinner, so it doesn't have to be a "fancy" meal to have company, and it was actually very cheap. Even cheaper if you forget the eggs....and have to call your guests to bring them! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Try having someone over, even if it seems busy, it shows you care! </div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I wonder who's coming for dinner tonight? </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWzO3Rvbl1Y6EIGiqF1V8e397SU1vGCC6hslosQuFoHd6Qw9f92NEfPIdgLhia_RD4NS4_xPv3bhCBoIFpUcTGivFq0ETmO-u8OjcffN2dDKuZRWIY8Mm_pboWR6clWp3TGB_0TyySOF4/s1600/Chicken+And+Sausage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWzO3Rvbl1Y6EIGiqF1V8e397SU1vGCC6hslosQuFoHd6Qw9f92NEfPIdgLhia_RD4NS4_xPv3bhCBoIFpUcTGivFq0ETmO-u8OjcffN2dDKuZRWIY8Mm_pboWR6clWp3TGB_0TyySOF4/s320/Chicken+And+Sausage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Chicken and Sausage Etouffee</div><div align="center"><br />
</div>Serena Abdelazizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918213762442218047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8742081865587373330.post-31854775338581817782010-11-29T09:11:00.000-08:002010-11-29T09:11:00.223-08:00Giving Thanks - Day Twenty-Nine<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://rezdance.com/">The Dance Ministry of Resurrection Fellowship</a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">“Let them Praise His name with dancing” ~Psalm 149:3</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Dance is a beautiful and powerful expression of praise to the Lord. Rez Dance Ministry is designed to train up dancing worshippers of Jesus. Classes are free for those who attend Rez. Jael is taught the technical skills intended to move with excellence and grace. Most importantly, students she is taught to glorify God with her body, to worship Him with her whole heart, and to praise Jesus unashamedly with joy and thanksgiving.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Jael's first performance will be next weekend; she performs three times. The production has over 300 people involved; it will be an experience she never forgets. It will touch lives and hearts.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Our God is a dancing God! Zephaniah 3:17 says,</div><div style="text-align: center;">“The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with his love, He will dance over you with singing.”</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Rez Dance is a part of the Worship Arts Ministry of Resurrection Fellowship Church in Loveland, Colorado.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Serena Abdelazizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918213762442218047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8742081865587373330.post-57465690787323462392010-11-28T07:52:00.000-08:002010-11-28T07:52:00.530-08:00Giving Thanks - Day Twenty-Eight<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Thanksgiving Leftovers</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">What are your favorites? </div><div style="text-align: center;">These seem to be the ones we use YEAR after YEAR.....</div><div style="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/AVvXsEjpy6Ps2KtZVdqWgOsiysI415HsY3v_2zOqhDckPMHHWTC7U-ivmP6Q7vNUiM0yxS5UEjBgkuGu-18clG7FYVqLRGVX9JkurceBtMuLJb0HcRmyvnjDnjYFq_L9pMt3UbammM34ZD5NGio/s1600/Turkey+Soup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpy6Ps2KtZVdqWgOsiysI415HsY3v_2zOqhDckPMHHWTC7U-ivmP6Q7vNUiM0yxS5UEjBgkuGu-18clG7FYVqLRGVX9JkurceBtMuLJb0HcRmyvnjDnjYFq_L9pMt3UbammM34ZD5NGio/s320/Turkey+Soup.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 favorites....soup made with the bones of a turkey. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVJXRoOzrRKgGREpwF8ZKIvE5wlEXkvQ0zJl-upxpZfuFWUA7stclCU6ydUXdQaqTIEnvLsiUdWVTvjhY4s70Cu4i_oLPj1xZhneBwDn7QOMHhWurCcfj92Dy_sqDkVowAbXz3Z-BohzE/s1600/Potato+Pancakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVJXRoOzrRKgGREpwF8ZKIvE5wlEXkvQ0zJl-upxpZfuFWUA7stclCU6ydUXdQaqTIEnvLsiUdWVTvjhY4s70Cu4i_oLPj1xZhneBwDn7QOMHhWurCcfj92Dy_sqDkVowAbXz3Z-BohzE/s320/Potato+Pancakes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center">Pancakes made with leftoever Potatoes</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwu5CjvmaK9lVeuGJeHhBZ21_CCcYYUtAvk3MySyIyqXi_NdNl4O7j1eEiGaHYF31l5n_gJ_KsSHl_wFomrqkgba1PT-QzdBZSgvPVMSr5_vVtXUAY3TMfrex47d9uzPSV8VEi160tWOE/s1600/Turkey+Sandwich.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwu5CjvmaK9lVeuGJeHhBZ21_CCcYYUtAvk3MySyIyqXi_NdNl4O7j1eEiGaHYF31l5n_gJ_KsSHl_wFomrqkgba1PT-QzdBZSgvPVMSr5_vVtXUAY3TMfrex47d9uzPSV8VEi160tWOE/s320/Turkey+Sandwich.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center">Turkey Sandwiches</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWVZhmnxONUJmFSYlThCwaUej75VPWqY0n8X8pkj7arVZKB0wgB6HVvcMpqn3qs5fFpW8YF4Hq2I-N-Nt6Hdr-kykxQE8wP_WMQqVEs9lfDiMb7_H2Fa-2s-55eTA6E4f2Iq6CIRDGCwU/s1600/Turkey+Pot+Pie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWVZhmnxONUJmFSYlThCwaUej75VPWqY0n8X8pkj7arVZKB0wgB6HVvcMpqn3qs5fFpW8YF4Hq2I-N-Nt6Hdr-kykxQE8wP_WMQqVEs9lfDiMb7_H2Fa-2s-55eTA6E4f2Iq6CIRDGCwU/s320/Turkey+Pot+Pie.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Turkey Pot Pie</div>Serena Abdelazizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918213762442218047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8742081865587373330.post-26555273993400002532010-11-27T08:47:00.000-08:002010-11-27T08:52:10.986-08:00Giving Thanks - Day Twenty-Seven<div style="text-align: center;">"See you later" is SO much better than "Good-bye....not sure when we will see you next!"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQAef5Hj8OjvoKz1qAE4P9ceexdLW8ogizBPbwBGhwxhk2Zqyb4HE0ZoBru-sEs3aeceWHC3a9GCOQ7qBG1P5areJrOq9mACoVty7kta1bo8Bjwj1FRkRCW02N7F2i7QDgdpsPJEce8KA/s1600/Good-bye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQAef5Hj8OjvoKz1qAE4P9ceexdLW8ogizBPbwBGhwxhk2Zqyb4HE0ZoBru-sEs3aeceWHC3a9GCOQ7qBG1P5areJrOq9mACoVty7kta1bo8Bjwj1FRkRCW02N7F2i7QDgdpsPJEce8KA/s320/Good-bye.jpg" width="317" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center">Saying good-bye is never a fun thing. I am glad that I know I will see some of you in heaven even if I never see you on this earth again. See you later can be so much bigger in it's meaning, depending on it's reference. Will I see you later? Will you be in heaven with me? </div><div align="center">Do you know the Savior of the WORLD? <br />
He died for you and me to enjoy eternal life. He died for our sins, no matter how great or small. Please, don't let another moment pass.....I definitely want to "see you later!" </div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK6tchaAhTUt_Kg1pXzfEbM6qfQgqqXtmO9NceHufmAaQoBrjWSIaiDruFLgrgIiwVL16b1CJ8nNiidPZ6N-dasIIj4z5Z3Ecm5hj9ctoCFNFVMuRCZoTLae6P9LEd8KDxvsE0NCAwK6Q/s1600/See+you+later.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK6tchaAhTUt_Kg1pXzfEbM6qfQgqqXtmO9NceHufmAaQoBrjWSIaiDruFLgrgIiwVL16b1CJ8nNiidPZ6N-dasIIj4z5Z3Ecm5hj9ctoCFNFVMuRCZoTLae6P9LEd8KDxvsE0NCAwK6Q/s320/See+you+later.png" width="226" /></a></div>Serena Abdelazizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918213762442218047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8742081865587373330.post-5711153989781219472010-11-27T08:42:00.000-08:002010-11-27T08:42:40.414-08:00Giving Thanks - Day Twenty-Six<div style="text-align: center;">Late night shopping with my mom.....kid-free! IF only I could get her to enjoy shopping like I do? </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikxBXcGW2nU60X965EBDWa8SdPSnZkDDqfVehyphenhyphenTbH0GhEx6SsPR3h2oqWya1qxXRDB3xWQfkJCqqb_6ZEIjKsbRCiYIzZ3UvsPCUePVgmGU0QS7EH149CurUQnLBF24MM7rIKjurQyoXg/s1600/Shopping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikxBXcGW2nU60X965EBDWa8SdPSnZkDDqfVehyphenhyphenTbH0GhEx6SsPR3h2oqWya1qxXRDB3xWQfkJCqqb_6ZEIjKsbRCiYIzZ3UvsPCUePVgmGU0QS7EH149CurUQnLBF24MM7rIKjurQyoXg/s320/Shopping.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Oh, and coffee stops....I have enjoyed those this week, too! Having my mom here has been a blast. I will miss her....</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKerymlmLrS4QEVxqeyjb0vygK0q25kLTEVW_NDUvwR_T2Sp-pR3rJZGHdJ-p4g7KtVPCrLkvFYJLvLWjT7MPCyR_Lmujf7_Wjt-Wh4ySPdqNPU5ONAvtkkbF3u8QyGdvHkkDZXxurwTo/s1600/Coffee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKerymlmLrS4QEVxqeyjb0vygK0q25kLTEVW_NDUvwR_T2Sp-pR3rJZGHdJ-p4g7KtVPCrLkvFYJLvLWjT7MPCyR_Lmujf7_Wjt-Wh4ySPdqNPU5ONAvtkkbF3u8QyGdvHkkDZXxurwTo/s320/Coffee.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"></div>Serena Abdelazizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918213762442218047noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8742081865587373330.post-840149686534297632010-11-25T17:35:00.000-08:002010-11-25T17:35:12.895-08:00Giving Thanks - Day Twenty-Five<div style="text-align: center;">Celebration...the fun times, games, food, and LAUGHS that the holiday brings.....</div><div style="text-align: center;"></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/AVvXsEhnS5K5PxT7QfCryiAT0PJXiIe8qLhTZwIUVfc9jkBEz5ikXfOEpko0HezmhGPOcieI8iFaPRCCd-WmmxPzPNd4wwFFgSva4YIutVQhSln3MHy9upnsu89LZ6Xz8rkZLOTvXiT1CTJw9DY/s1600/Thanksgiving+085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnS5K5PxT7QfCryiAT0PJXiIe8qLhTZwIUVfc9jkBEz5ikXfOEpko0HezmhGPOcieI8iFaPRCCd-WmmxPzPNd4wwFFgSva4YIutVQhSln3MHy9upnsu89LZ6Xz8rkZLOTvXiT1CTJw9DY/s320/Thanksgiving+085.JPG" width="320" /></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/AVvXsEi8gLZKQYSOecWymSMYZ0Smc2s3xQbPFN1EIiK5uXGBDHtksvER6ueg2CtEfF1qN6CgKwnqK25fDKTCDCp2Pe3Ts4TSjFQ5P1jFbw-FDrIH32zRLEce0QitjE-Ge7kjqCStX-X2QaqWhXE/s1600/Thanksgiving+051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8gLZKQYSOecWymSMYZ0Smc2s3xQbPFN1EIiK5uXGBDHtksvER6ueg2CtEfF1qN6CgKwnqK25fDKTCDCp2Pe3Ts4TSjFQ5P1jFbw-FDrIH32zRLEce0QitjE-Ge7kjqCStX-X2QaqWhXE/s320/Thanksgiving+051.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVC1g1vxcEJ3WbhYLHeTPDdza2UMhgcVaw_yjgoYxMXVI15xTfVDx8DPmu0jD5elVUgUd108Iprj6mo-ZGIlvcegGA6X7d3a3CkZQtaQoH8IrNeCpZgKBwjFigLwm96IB-sV_2ZpyobhI/s1600/Thanksgiving+077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVC1g1vxcEJ3WbhYLHeTPDdza2UMhgcVaw_yjgoYxMXVI15xTfVDx8DPmu0jD5elVUgUd108Iprj6mo-ZGIlvcegGA6X7d3a3CkZQtaQoH8IrNeCpZgKBwjFigLwm96IB-sV_2ZpyobhI/s320/Thanksgiving+077.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYzBC9WayAXqowiC7Hg4_znqQJ__wPmioLuszqyEpR4OpCdtKpeZJFp7iGXcxJ7CvRPqbLdZmDCQ7UFknaYlOrPFhDayb1Mxl1NF4wo5MwTUcfjdkBCRl_ypaEgwQG2o7XgCrbaLUCHE4/s1600/Thanksgiving+080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYzBC9WayAXqowiC7Hg4_znqQJ__wPmioLuszqyEpR4OpCdtKpeZJFp7iGXcxJ7CvRPqbLdZmDCQ7UFknaYlOrPFhDayb1Mxl1NF4wo5MwTUcfjdkBCRl_ypaEgwQG2o7XgCrbaLUCHE4/s320/Thanksgiving+080.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div>Serena Abdelazizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918213762442218047noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8742081865587373330.post-64990489680363419992010-11-24T14:29:00.000-08:002010-11-24T14:29:50.541-08:00Giving Thanks - Day Twenty-Four<div align="center"><span style="font-size: x-large;">HELPERS</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">My children are always running to my rescue in the kitchen......running to grab an apron, as THAT is definitely the sign of a "helper" in the kitchen. </div><div align="center"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQaR9HmWKGjp1jyxzOPjkviGuGFCl4u4ssE7gsnSSONt2c6_2PHj6xqRcD2suar81GhxyBm9wdFZ4Y8KGllOK96JT9H3GL4NCnOKut2oO3ciQ-AuFzJOvRuV87nR0lwybPR-b_tVp9bcU/s1600/IMG_0901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQaR9HmWKGjp1jyxzOPjkviGuGFCl4u4ssE7gsnSSONt2c6_2PHj6xqRcD2suar81GhxyBm9wdFZ4Y8KGllOK96JT9H3GL4NCnOKut2oO3ciQ-AuFzJOvRuV87nR0lwybPR-b_tVp9bcU/s320/IMG_0901.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div align="center">Okay, some are NOT helping, but their smiles certainly help me keep going. </div><div align="center"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMHeJ93CQVUtA-ypHwBrGKXaShz65T5JeP4G96dasx5i_ugiSfey1hwWH9EU2I4hGhjWqF_MUGMhVI42r02l9n76SBuRyrVruKBicyuad_SeECz4adtsKoEUUKItHl2Ct6It1awmp8_og/s1600/IMG_0903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMHeJ93CQVUtA-ypHwBrGKXaShz65T5JeP4G96dasx5i_ugiSfey1hwWH9EU2I4hGhjWqF_MUGMhVI42r02l9n76SBuRyrVruKBicyuad_SeECz4adtsKoEUUKItHl2Ct6It1awmp8_og/s320/IMG_0903.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDoufHDxWwO7yKoREjgiDU_a_J3VdWQY9jExb9UkT2fepVNacIPsAJLMuNjeOmEFU0DkkSTGeiKrbCDR1rbB_rFV7K7ccq56xYhUCSr09WhtaXc6vz9JIiVdvXs11CKcpxCOBMj-2rm7E/s1600/IMG_0902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDoufHDxWwO7yKoREjgiDU_a_J3VdWQY9jExb9UkT2fepVNacIPsAJLMuNjeOmEFU0DkkSTGeiKrbCDR1rbB_rFV7K7ccq56xYhUCSr09WhtaXc6vz9JIiVdvXs11CKcpxCOBMj-2rm7E/s320/IMG_0902.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Serena Abdelazizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918213762442218047noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8742081865587373330.post-37759699636115797712010-11-24T14:18:00.000-08:002010-11-24T14:18:18.330-08:00Giving Thanks - Twenty-Three<div align="center"><a href="http://www.rejoiceministries.org/" target="_top"><img border="0" src="http://rejoiceministries.org/images/facing_divorce/god_can_heal2.gif" /></a></div>Serena Abdelazizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918213762442218047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8742081865587373330.post-11755188590510529072010-11-22T07:15:00.000-08:002010-11-24T14:16:26.673-08:00Giving Thanks - Day Twenty-TwoI am so thankful for SLEEP. SLEEP is an amazing gift. Most of the time I don't struggle at all to sleep, and I have found that the times I do--it's something SO much deeper. <br />
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"I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches." Psalm 63:6<br />
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"At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee be cause of thy righteous judgments." Psalm 119:62<br />
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"My eyes are awake before the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises." Psalm 119:148<br />
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"Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labour in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep." Psalm 127:1-2<br />
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"He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you — the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm — he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and for evermore." Psalm 121:4-8<br />
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"When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet." Psalm 74:16<br />
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"The sleep of a labourer is sweet, whether he eats little or much, but the abundance of a rich man permits him no sleep." Proverbs 3:24<br />
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So often we hear those prayers of old times that when our eyes are closed in sleep, that we ask God for extra protection. It is the prayer that God may dwell with us and in us even when we are unconscious of his presence, that he may keep our hearts pure and holy in spite of all the cares and temptations of the night, to make our hearts ever alert to his call and, like the boy Samuel, answer him even in the night with: Even in sleep God can perform his wonders upon us or evil bring us to destruction. May my heart be right in day or night, that my sleep may be sweet. <br />
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When our eyes with sleep are girt, Be our hearts to thee alert; Shield us, Lord, with thy right arm, Save us from sin’s dreadful harm. (Martin Luther)<br />
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I think back over the time when Josh was gone, and I slept.....oh, I battled during the day, and SOMETIMES I awoke in the night. BUT....the fruitfulness of labor allows for sweet sleep. Last night I slept AMAZINGLY, I am energized and ready to take on the fight. Satan wants to steal your sleep, because then you will be too tired to fight. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">I am so thankful for SWEET SLEEP! </div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/sleep/kevin18runner/sleep.jpg?o=484" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f329/kevin18runner/sleep.jpg" /></a></div>Serena Abdelazizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01918213762442218047noreply@blogger.com1