tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33663603506831255702024-03-18T20:50:31.812-07:00The Homemade Renegadekristagilbert.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13868337889276546600noreply@blogger.comBlogger86125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3366360350683125570.post-60030415543931861442012-01-19T15:03:00.000-08:002012-01-19T15:05:02.683-08:00My Blog Has Officially Moved Locations!{Hooray} My new and improved blog is finally up and running! <br />
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Please visit me at: www.thehomemaderenegade.com</div>
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<br /></div>kristagilbert.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13868337889276546600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3366360350683125570.post-24766158835186607302012-01-02T08:16:00.000-08:002012-01-02T08:16:41.597-08:00My Blog is Moving!The Homemade Renegade is ringing in 2012 with a new and improved website! I will be shut down today to make the move. Please sneak a peek tomorrow at www.thehomemaderenegade.com.<div>
<br /></div>kristagilbert.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13868337889276546600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3366360350683125570.post-49220777787359353902011-12-31T00:04:00.000-08:002012-01-01T18:18:54.055-08:00How-To Create Goals for the New Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x1hBXY55IMc/Tv69VxSL9PI/AAAAAAAACJ0/HEZWAOxDCwA/s1600/Hud.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x1hBXY55IMc/Tv69VxSL9PI/AAAAAAAACJ0/HEZWAOxDCwA/s320/Hud.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
So far, we've established that, in most cases, in order for New Year's Resolutions to be successful, there needs to be two things present: <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">clear goals & accountability.</span> </i> For example, if you want to run a half marathon, you find and sign up for the race you want to run, and then you go get a training partner who will meet you on those gray, bleak days when you'd rather not leave the house, and who may even run the race with you. It's a win-win. You have someone encouraging you and holding you accountable, and in return, there is a great relationship being built through shared experience. <br />
So, how do we think through our goals for the New Year? For some, all goals are physical, for others, professional. That's not a bad thing, but it may leave us incredibly unbalanced as the year unfolds. Instead, let's look at different areas of our lives and see how we could move forward and grow in a way that promotes a<i> healthy, balanced lifestyle. </i><br />
<i> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-large;"> The first thing I do is come up with a phrase or word for the year.</span> </i>This is my blanket that covers all of the resolutions. No matter what goal I'm striving for, this concept should be present in each. For example, my last year's phrase was "living boldly with grace." As I traveled by myself to Costa Rica with my four kids, launched my blog, & began a new health program, this was the undercurrent beneath each. It is helpful to cast a bigger vision of what we want our year to be about. My sister, who has a fabulous stamped jewelry company called<a href="http://asyouwishdesignjewelry.com/"> <i>As You Wish Design</i>,</a> even did <a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150453407491027&set=a.351428496026.163413.151075396026&type=1&theater">a necklace with this year's motto.</a> I love it!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J6N9sHjez94/Tv_7ZVauH6I/AAAAAAAACKA/MGb8Bq1i3nE/s1600/Kens.necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J6N9sHjez94/Tv_7ZVauH6I/AAAAAAAACKA/MGb8Bq1i3nE/s320/Kens.necklace.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The next thing I do is come up with a goal in the following areas. For me this approach has given some balance as I move into a new year, and it has proven to be a manageable number of goals. When we get too many going, it is very hard to finish them or even remember what they are!<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">1. Physical -</span> </span>This one is pretty self-explanatory. Hitting the top 10 New Year's resolution list every year is.... you guessed it, to lose weight & get fitter. If you are in this category, decide on a specific plan and find a weight loss coach or trainer with whom you weigh in once a week. Have them test your body fat, so even if the scale doesn't change, you can measure progress. As you think about physical health, don't limit the analysis to diet and exercise. I would encourage you to look at other aspects as well: sleep, sugar intake, vitamins, stress, and the amount of quiet or "down time" in a day.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-large;">2. Spiritual -</span> Neglecting this area can take big tolls on the well being of our soul, and yet it is often the one most ignored. There is now extensive research pointing to the fact that <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_and_happiness">religious people are happier and less stressed</a> than non-religious. Regardless of where you are on the spectrum of this journey, creating a goal that allows space in your life for something bigger than yourself will pay great dividends in your sense of peace, your relationships with others, and most importantly, your relationship with God. Some examples in this area could include: going to church on a regular basis, spending 15-30 minutes in the morning reading a devotional and praying, memorizing scripture, or committing to listening to podcasts or other spiritual teaching to and from work.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-large;">3. Relational - </span>Each one of us has multiple important relationships that we are juggling at any given time. This area could sweep over us like a tidal wave and bury us if we let it. Sometimes it seems daunting to invest in and improve all of the relationships in our lives. My encouragement would be to pick one or two and create specific ways you will improve those. For example, if you choose your spouse, you could commit to having couch time every night for 10-15 minutes while the kids clean up from dinner. Or, you could schedule dates for the next few months - sitter, location and all. Another example would be a boss or employee. You could commit to saying one positive thing to that person a day for the next month. This literally only takes seconds of your time, but could have a huge impact on how you interact with and think about that person. Most of the time in relationships, it is the little things that add up to make the biggest impact.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-large;">4. Professional - </span>Many people spend the majority of their weekly life at work, but sometimes don't take the time to evaluate how their work life is going, and where they are headed professionally. Make a list of 3 things that are going well, and resolve to keep those present, and list 3 things that could be improved in your personal work-a-day world. Break down how you will improve those areas. For example, maybe you find that you aren't able to return calls in a timely manner. Commit to returning calls for the first half hour of your work day. Or maybe your profession is a stay-at-home mom but you feel that your hours get squandered away by chores and little tasks that take too much time. It may be time to create a more productive schedule.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-large;">5. Educational - </span>I am a firm believer that when we are growing and learning, we are better. It feels good and empowering to learn a new skill or explore a field of interest. Sometimes this means improving in an area where we have a few skills already, but haven't taken the time to really become proficient. To me, this is like the sprinkles on a cupcake. Some of the other areas of our lives are more foundational, but this adds fun and spice.<br />
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<a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/76828984/New-year-s-pdf-Goals">Here is a worksheet to get you going</a>. Dream big, have fun, and make 2012 one of the best yet!<br />
<img src="webkit-fake-url://FAB4C5E2-EBED-4660-8B7B-151BE35EE8E0/image.tiff" /><br />
<br />kristagilbert.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13868337889276546600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3366360350683125570.post-27251494987226632132011-12-30T23:30:00.000-08:002011-12-31T09:10:33.117-08:00New Year's Goals: Who's Watching You?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Everyone loves a fresh start; a new, crisp blank page on which we can write our future. Beginning a new year gives us that chance. Celebrating what was behind, or closing the door, we look hope-full toward what lies ahead. Sometimes, though, we don't know where to start and how to actually accomplish those things we've set out to do. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> If we are going to be successful in these New Year's goals, of course we need to name what they are, but the most important component hands down is <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">ACCOUNTABILITY.</span> This is what actually will keep us moving forward when it gets hard. This is what will inspire us to finish what we've begun. This is what we need to fight the inevitable laziness that creeps in 4-6 weeks into our new program. It can be as simple as choosing a work out partner who will meet at the gym in the early morning hours, or signing up for a class so that there has been a commitment made to that area of growth. Sometimes it means gathering a small group of like-minded people who are working toward the same purpose, or putting dates on the calendar with your spouse. Whatever the method,<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">there needs to be another PERSON on the other end of the agreement.</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;"> </span> I realize there are exceptions to the rule, and that sometimes people meet their goals on their own, but for most of us, our own selves only motivate for so long. We require someone outside of us to spur us on and hold our feet to the fire to<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;"> <i>get it done! </i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Over the next few days I will give a couple of examples of how this plays out in my life, and how I create my New Year's Resolutions. For now, begin dreaming about what 2012 will look like for you and who could possibly join you on the journey.... </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">See you tomorrow!</span></div>kristagilbert.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13868337889276546600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3366360350683125570.post-84095461205310475052011-12-24T09:29:00.000-08:002011-12-24T09:30:12.336-08:00The Christmas Meal: Meat Perfected<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Fz2oPQfdwQ/TvYINdpd68I/AAAAAAAACJc/5di7jTPrkzQ/s1600/Meat.Dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="159" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Fz2oPQfdwQ/TvYINdpd68I/AAAAAAAACJc/5di7jTPrkzQ/s320/Meat.Dress.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Many people choose a special cut of meat for Christmas dinner. I highly recommend a <a href="http://www.thermoworks.com/products/low_cost/RT8400_Talking_Thermometer.html?gclid=CJmJxtudm60CFQR5hwodQRUiag">meat thermometer </a>inserted in the thickest part of the cut to make sure it doesn't overcook. If the meat isn't cooked well, all of that money spent on buying the nicer cut is wasted. Here are the recommended temperatures for various meats:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Beef:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Rare- 120-125 degrees</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Medium Rare- 130-135 degrees</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Medium- 140-145 degrees</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Medium-Well- 150-155 degrees</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Well-Done- 160 degrees and above</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Lamb:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Rare- 135 degrees</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Medium Rare- 140-150 degrees</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Medium- 160 degrees</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Well-Done- 165 degrees and above</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Poultry:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Chicken- 165-175 degrees</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Turkey- 165-175 degrees</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Pork: </span> 150 degrees and above</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">After the meat is cooked, here is an easy way to dress up the main course! Cut a few lemons and pomegranates in half and place cut side down in a pan over medium heat. Cook until slightly browned on the edges. Lay the meat on a bed of lettuce or parsley then arrange the fruit around it. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Beautiful and festive!!</span></div>
<br />kristagilbert.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13868337889276546600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3366360350683125570.post-8034573889556754812011-12-20T16:05:00.000-08:002011-12-20T16:08:18.192-08:00Fruit Loop Necklaces & Bracelets<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-XpBCBoVan6y4RgyXfIuNBv34LeJV1fZva7ywexfQKZ6TGGhOY2iyl-YO9RX_TDAJpUD97QrU43OUZTj5QC4aUPAWVODMWxWGOOTQt7xU0s2u4HjsrQNTRq9PNIeXxX8QRcyb-omVxRs6/s1600/IMG_3549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-XpBCBoVan6y4RgyXfIuNBv34LeJV1fZva7ywexfQKZ6TGGhOY2iyl-YO9RX_TDAJpUD97QrU43OUZTj5QC4aUPAWVODMWxWGOOTQt7xU0s2u4HjsrQNTRq9PNIeXxX8QRcyb-omVxRs6/s320/IMG_3549.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5sk5DdSIq6LnrSuVndMb8oXAx489KhoPWOKNCAajU662UOut5wHTaFWYWOkcdJEbYfEb7LRhYhjMIG8nOF2zSJUJZjNPJVBrZXjKHIscuui5PktZ6BYilEZQzlqIZbgdHPHjn1fjbo7wX/s1600/IMG_3548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5sk5DdSIq6LnrSuVndMb8oXAx489KhoPWOKNCAajU662UOut5wHTaFWYWOkcdJEbYfEb7LRhYhjMIG8nOF2zSJUJZjNPJVBrZXjKHIscuui5PktZ6BYilEZQzlqIZbgdHPHjn1fjbo7wX/s320/IMG_3548.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This is one of my kids' all time favorite food crafts. Everyone can do it, and likes doing it, from age 5-13 in my house. It's a 2 ingredient no-brainer: licorice strings and fruit loops. String on and tie the ends off. Great for a fun Christmas time activity.</span>kristagilbert.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13868337889276546600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3366360350683125570.post-50905119614595498592011-12-10T16:35:00.001-08:002011-12-10T16:55:18.372-08:00Christmas Morning Creme Brûlée French Toast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> There was a time I was getting up at the crack of dawn (after being up late stuffing stockings and such) to fix monkey bread and other fun holiday morning deliciousness -- what in the world was I thinking?? Running myself ragged is NOT my idea of a meaningful Christmas day. Enter... make ahead breakfast dishes! It revolutionized the morning for me. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> This fabulous, caramel goodness is indeed made ahead of time, making it a perfect Christmas morning treat for the family! You can even freeze it and de-thaw if you really want to avoid the last minute rush. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIjjDKtYTFTGeTC2nENAM9Xb69KNglytCBPsk_2RlVSwn-OsH8GFbF_7-AUI4L0UU4930TYnK9qsGouI8cUsIf4KY4mBmGQPLq8Du4yJT8V34QkHS54sF-CVdhDU8YCnGZZoDu_sf5hjkx/s1600/IMG_3326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIjjDKtYTFTGeTC2nENAM9Xb69KNglytCBPsk_2RlVSwn-OsH8GFbF_7-AUI4L0UU4930TYnK9qsGouI8cUsIf4KY4mBmGQPLq8Du4yJT8V34QkHS54sF-CVdhDU8YCnGZZoDu_sf5hjkx/s320/IMG_3326.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Cut french bread into cubes and place in a dish (use wheat or white). Wisk the eggs in a dish with the milk, half -n- half, vanilla, salt, sugar, and liqueur. Boil the other caramel mixture on the stove.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisIJUe_YqZX_sPSjSHPpRd3vPyUObupfEvsjFy8Z10Xt8aYrgeEx0SLBgRklC5sdU2O4MTz50soOIIco4ySCVnVpWvgfXiax-w6CGEFTFcjvgnFWmrwFpy75apweWkqRhpX6y7p8aSriW7/s1600/IMG_3327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisIJUe_YqZX_sPSjSHPpRd3vPyUObupfEvsjFy8Z10Xt8aYrgeEx0SLBgRklC5sdU2O4MTz50soOIIco4ySCVnVpWvgfXiax-w6CGEFTFcjvgnFWmrwFpy75apweWkqRhpX6y7p8aSriW7/s320/IMG_3327.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Pour the egg mixture over the bread.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMg6cJBjncEIZ3LWpp6IZqKWp5fJ5AQSVrNoogSJrL8SGC11eGBsiR057WyPIoSAQ2hygS-K3E4TIwxWACn5MRnrajPM-pwN94kqcHKFlg-SoMXOyCaylcCYhFihWFeNzhAoZouPqoqi0O/s1600/IMG_3328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMg6cJBjncEIZ3LWpp6IZqKWp5fJ5AQSVrNoogSJrL8SGC11eGBsiR057WyPIoSAQ2hygS-K3E4TIwxWACn5MRnrajPM-pwN94kqcHKFlg-SoMXOyCaylcCYhFihWFeNzhAoZouPqoqi0O/s320/IMG_3328.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Top the entire stack with the caramel mixture. Let sit at least 8 hours or overnight. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsSEL7AvhbWlr0NNO-VD_psu85-4Ko7WA-R72EmugVH2KDXV8_d3N7e04gitDQKy0bEzq2hI6gWMmloSeIvOiVDJVjOLYANi93XNGre5VNfLM9cVJMm1R9e1lkn0W6rDW0afepwS6ACnUO/s1600/IMG_3330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsSEL7AvhbWlr0NNO-VD_psu85-4Ko7WA-R72EmugVH2KDXV8_d3N7e04gitDQKy0bEzq2hI6gWMmloSeIvOiVDJVjOLYANi93XNGre5VNfLM9cVJMm1R9e1lkn0W6rDW0afepwS6ACnUO/s320/IMG_3330.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Bake at 350 degrees for 45 min. covered. Uncover and bake 15 more minutes. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYZdepJ_mtO3GoHaQWc-qEMjWWzd9GCpWxWWmnBaZzgUFCbYUB1MxcbxkFrwnP41BdaUro57LmjXbH6nlAiTVj6jFlK78s0w_xBcQXt31UkKntl8rmphbZG4TA5q6kVjekNs7rngSv-nJn/s1600/IMG_3333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYZdepJ_mtO3GoHaQWc-qEMjWWzd9GCpWxWWmnBaZzgUFCbYUB1MxcbxkFrwnP41BdaUro57LmjXbH6nlAiTVj6jFlK78s0w_xBcQXt31UkKntl8rmphbZG4TA5q6kVjekNs7rngSv-nJn/s320/IMG_3333.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Creme Brûlée French Toast</u></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">3/4 cup butter</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1 1/2 cup firmly packed butter</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">3 tablespoons corn syrup</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1 loaf french bread, sliced 1-inch thick with each piece sliced in half diagonally</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1 tsp. vanilla</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">6 eggs</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">2 cups half and half</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">2 cups milk</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1/3 cup sugar</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1/2 teaspoon salt</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1 teaspoon Grand Marnier (optional)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">powdered sugar for dusting</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Lightly butter a 9x13 inch baking dish and set aside. Melt the butter and brown sugar with the corn syrup in a small saucepan over medium heat; stir until smooth and bubbly. Pour the mixture into a prepared dish. Arrange the bread slices on top in two overlapping rows. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half -n- half, milk, vanilla, sugar, salt and liqueur until well combined; pour evenly over the bread. Cover with foil and chill for at least 8 hours or overnight. Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees. Bake until set in the center, about 45 minutes. Uncover the dish and bake an additional 15 minutes until golden brown. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with sauce from the dish.</span>kristagilbert.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13868337889276546600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3366360350683125570.post-5059872174884476212011-12-06T11:12:00.001-08:002011-12-06T12:49:18.715-08:00Setting a Beautiful Holiday Table<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There is something special about transforming our normal eating area into a sparkling wonder of Christmas candlelight! And it's easier than you think. I set our table for the entire season, and sometimes I even leave the good china plates out just for fun and we eat on them during family nights all season long. After all, if we don't USE them, what is the point of having them??? </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There are many ways to decorate a Christmas table -- here is how I do it!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Eoixo4Bjeg_pCm3yB2U1_RIVBMTQyHfrBBHEBbuZNYBzGiKGBrofddENj2yiBy3IG7fffuIAT5eitZYKFLJEcM1e_tEkKYbJ6qB6cL30VPLAnqFunWKMk_cZeI3OD7sACS_ypz5scdxp/s1600/IMG_3475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Eoixo4Bjeg_pCm3yB2U1_RIVBMTQyHfrBBHEBbuZNYBzGiKGBrofddENj2yiBy3IG7fffuIAT5eitZYKFLJEcM1e_tEkKYbJ6qB6cL30VPLAnqFunWKMk_cZeI3OD7sACS_ypz5scdxp/s320/IMG_3475.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b> Step 1: </b></span> Begin with a table runner and a centerpiece. Here I used an oversized glass jar and filled it with fake "snow" and various ornaments that vary in size, color, and texture.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5vEBn-pHTJKt_VhAICFGJd0dnUkR6hyphenhyphenjl0rH2wBcBb0y4OHtLupv94MBX9yaFyshwtpkXSZ7u-BLY5qhhmkk-JhcX_dck7mPwhEJiKLiG6MkKUBrrIWabjQJ-8g5-RoF78gVJKzPcO6cz/s1600/IMG_3476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5vEBn-pHTJKt_VhAICFGJd0dnUkR6hyphenhyphenjl0rH2wBcBb0y4OHtLupv94MBX9yaFyshwtpkXSZ7u-BLY5qhhmkk-JhcX_dck7mPwhEJiKLiG6MkKUBrrIWabjQJ-8g5-RoF78gVJKzPcO6cz/s320/IMG_3476.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b> Step 2: </b></span> Add candlesticks. I like these crystal ones that I found in the TJ Max clearance section after Christmas. They were $5.00 each and they sparkle and shine! They don't need to match. In fact, it makes it more interesting if they don't. Be sure to vary height. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhExPccOvaqb6go8P4sn4ncTf75o7cPcSZBq-dIFslk7DDeKFfRX68cClFbBBovmmjkkbcoXGDwsR7-siQySO8QYAa0JZ5CAvr1ioBQdowePHMr42X3g1OKkugLhowalm_N2FjgkuLnJAiv/s1600/IMG_3477.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhExPccOvaqb6go8P4sn4ncTf75o7cPcSZBq-dIFslk7DDeKFfRX68cClFbBBovmmjkkbcoXGDwsR7-siQySO8QYAa0JZ5CAvr1ioBQdowePHMr42X3g1OKkugLhowalm_N2FjgkuLnJAiv/s320/IMG_3477.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b> Step 3: </b></span> Add something low in between the candlesticks. Here I used star tea light holders that I found at Pier 1. Again, shop the after-Christmas sales and there will be plenty! Again, the more candlelight the better....</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRsV5oBtoz59j8vwPaYmZOgyxLS8_VwWczRC4z3y-Oaxf3y7zj01GWHTKgCCr_ee6L57X8rRFHcgtIpxiDRSZ1kVeEj-OTiaCdCM6QLZsFmo37R7N1WhA5Wt9QPc76el3EVal_lS9pz3Bd/s1600/IMG_3478.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRsV5oBtoz59j8vwPaYmZOgyxLS8_VwWczRC4z3y-Oaxf3y7zj01GWHTKgCCr_ee6L57X8rRFHcgtIpxiDRSZ1kVeEj-OTiaCdCM6QLZsFmo37R7N1WhA5Wt9QPc76el3EVal_lS9pz3Bd/s320/IMG_3478.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b> Step 4: </b></span> Sprinkle in "jewels." Here I used star shaped glitter ornaments, both large and small. I also used those clear jewels that you can find in packs at any craft store, and some gold and silver balls. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqIXeQO9vEbgi8y0AUU7Og_cyOmApBi6bh7hmRD22ftMUxCo8bcsj7GIPKYHNwstofTaS8vAJd7t4DxeTHH3VA6g4aMdgNzKk0HNb2lDWT4mF01FfSND0qA1cdKjYkfFnof_ZmSy9eejZA/s1600/IMG_3479.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqIXeQO9vEbgi8y0AUU7Og_cyOmApBi6bh7hmRD22ftMUxCo8bcsj7GIPKYHNwstofTaS8vAJd7t4DxeTHH3VA6g4aMdgNzKk0HNb2lDWT4mF01FfSND0qA1cdKjYkfFnof_ZmSy9eejZA/s320/IMG_3479.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT7GwbDfkl7eKcdtjRohfFDOyV3iFD2ZnF2N1qELpgbzYjzASi5Ez8cEAqe7QhJ0ehsYb2x-qzIDvliGjNFPxWFZtS-XM3xBvPQxfHnfvDhqZsHLumWSL7WWrGAW7bDS4YbOAVIDHKPrtS/s1600/IMG_3482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT7GwbDfkl7eKcdtjRohfFDOyV3iFD2ZnF2N1qELpgbzYjzASi5Ez8cEAqe7QhJ0ehsYb2x-qzIDvliGjNFPxWFZtS-XM3xBvPQxfHnfvDhqZsHLumWSL7WWrGAW7bDS4YbOAVIDHKPrtS/s320/IMG_3482.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> Step 5: </span></b>Add some height with two tall items, like these silver trees, or you could use spires. I saw the cutest <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/868378/chocolate-tree">chocolate tree idea on Martha's website. </a> Those would be cute for an edible option. My kids would LOVE that! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfHqb6Tj6NWg6hCmInOnEwArWR2vJBOu8iuOwkIU5sSJaNGLiJPHWSg0W2hY4UZ33CdgM7ZUb_ak_tihV-9CozuW0QziM5Hsy7_CiOIcBeZA0PuBI8R81V_9rkNfRmFDmnhgnXlCOLbwKx/s1600/IMG_3541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfHqb6Tj6NWg6hCmInOnEwArWR2vJBOu8iuOwkIU5sSJaNGLiJPHWSg0W2hY4UZ33CdgM7ZUb_ak_tihV-9CozuW0QziM5Hsy7_CiOIcBeZA0PuBI8R81V_9rkNfRmFDmnhgnXlCOLbwKx/s320/IMG_3541.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Step 6: </span></b>This step is just a little somethin' extra. I like adding a focal point that hangs from the chandelier or ceiling. Here I used a glitter spired star. I hang it with fishing line so it looks like it is suspended in mid-air.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIOYTntnmuAmLasBlNWNzVL_jHCpUdrsb3Z-_6mNCEk3Qi8itIqcvUfA9WNLC_L8INFSmneDExnK5_Iupak8UAz1vWAk5BA9EvLKH-0ugZL_ucvO6pLdGPFM-u4u_tC7a5xWQ_wckjx8iz/s1600/IMG_3544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIOYTntnmuAmLasBlNWNzVL_jHCpUdrsb3Z-_6mNCEk3Qi8itIqcvUfA9WNLC_L8INFSmneDExnK5_Iupak8UAz1vWAk5BA9EvLKH-0ugZL_ucvO6pLdGPFM-u4u_tC7a5xWQ_wckjx8iz/s320/IMG_3544.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b> Step 7:</b></span> Add chargers to the place settings. These are beaded around the sides, and I alternate between gold and silver since I like to use both metals at my holiday table. Leaving the table "set" like this makes it look so welcoming -- like it is ready to be used for a big family meal at any moment!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgor9tcom9y6IdIdmBLkIuoV2kCigpuel84tuacUBoPyESuuaUyDa7ryGGWZBWEf2c1tqo7WqZBLgeOWIaPnnmx2SHWoCyfAiwsNjSFwVzO5t83IOqGene4vvKht6V_xkkzhQKYYD4tD2Ob/s1600/IMG_3545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgor9tcom9y6IdIdmBLkIuoV2kCigpuel84tuacUBoPyESuuaUyDa7ryGGWZBWEf2c1tqo7WqZBLgeOWIaPnnmx2SHWoCyfAiwsNjSFwVzO5t83IOqGene4vvKht6V_xkkzhQKYYD4tD2Ob/s320/IMG_3545.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYuIfnrsGad3UvFWBIH2mM6McHgS-5a3goaTJ-u99MoqR39XRR5maoxX1UOcRlpQGh7ieYJt91tGGn8g1GJIfxcQDmhnvuyRhtTqwO8th_dAuStKl9twXav3MgAfcbEz8XnHyYlaX6EL-Q/s1600/IMG_8983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYuIfnrsGad3UvFWBIH2mM6McHgS-5a3goaTJ-u99MoqR39XRR5maoxX1UOcRlpQGh7ieYJt91tGGn8g1GJIfxcQDmhnvuyRhtTqwO8th_dAuStKl9twXav3MgAfcbEz8XnHyYlaX6EL-Q/s320/IMG_8983.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Step 8: </span></b> Add napkins that sit on top of the chargers with some fun napkin rings. You can also put your china there if you are going to leave it out. I use two kinds of holiday napkins, one that is gold on the silver plates, and one that is a white/silver/gold on the gold plates. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">That's it! Set the holiday table -- it will serve as one of the most festive parts of your house during this blessed season.</span>kristagilbert.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13868337889276546600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3366360350683125570.post-36764647062013803182011-11-29T22:28:00.001-08:002011-12-20T16:18:56.081-08:00If I had to Live my Life Over: be inspired by Erma Bombeck<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC8mymq10wASp5yxBZ-Oi0XKJ0YUUD7u3fxEgD07YCoryW7Y5grde6onPtvQlXTp5RXudMFaRTq6GZpR8OMJU2GOlppDX9OyQ8KRlmzWXNprnf0XPmWmX3gVtWYobaWugEe2Swx0X3h0GH/s1600/IMG_8494.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC8mymq10wASp5yxBZ-Oi0XKJ0YUUD7u3fxEgD07YCoryW7Y5grde6onPtvQlXTp5RXudMFaRTq6GZpR8OMJU2GOlppDX9OyQ8KRlmzWXNprnf0XPmWmX3gVtWYobaWugEe2Swx0X3h0GH/s320/IMG_8494.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #767f84; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i> If I had to live my life over, I would have talked less and listened more. I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained and the sofa faded. I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace. I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth. I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed. I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage. I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains. I would have cried and laughed less while watching television - and more while watching life. I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband. I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day. I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil or was guaranteed to last a lifetime. Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle. When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner." There would have been more "I love you's".. More "I'm sorrys" ... But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute... look at it and really see it ... live it...and never give it back.</i></span>kristagilbert.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13868337889276546600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3366360350683125570.post-29175512185287446082011-11-27T23:26:00.001-08:002011-12-01T14:13:06.885-08:0010 Ways to Reclaim the Christmas Season<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt38nmRam0XdUzKFbTnkqH6KPeP0-OCYH_VRath9bpOyPll40ZsDxGlkHXh9Y5PkKxV9eKBdz3wpMJFHez09uGQQmoeP-loJL6BHHn2RpO_kcj_h_pRPcm8w6tJ3vzQTtqGLPzENuMYpcD/s1600/Christmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt38nmRam0XdUzKFbTnkqH6KPeP0-OCYH_VRath9bpOyPll40ZsDxGlkHXh9Y5PkKxV9eKBdz3wpMJFHez09uGQQmoeP-loJL6BHHn2RpO_kcj_h_pRPcm8w6tJ3vzQTtqGLPzENuMYpcD/s320/Christmas.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Stressed. Busy. Broke. Hurried. Behind. On edge. If any of these describe you during the month of December, it may be time for a new approach! Here are a few helpful hints to turn a joy-less season to the joy-FULL. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><i>1. Ask your family what traditions they look forward to and value the most, then put those on the calendar.</i></b></span> We often put time and energy into doing those things that "we've always done," even if no one really likes to do them! Put the most important traditions down on a piece of paper, and schedule when they will happen if at all possible, then if there is time to do some other things, great -- if not, you've at least experienced the ones that mean the most. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>2. Consider simplifying gift-giving.</b></i></span> Some ideas include making <a href="http://thehomemaderenegade.blogspot.com/2011/02/gifts-of-heart-for-any-occasion.html">homemade gifts (see my blog entry from last year)</a>, buying one bigger item that encourages a skill, identifying a need, a want, and a surprise for each child and sticking with those as the 3 gifts (just like the Wise Men), or giving an experience, like a trip to a dude ranch, or a cooking class with a local chef. I also love those organizations, like <a href="http://heifer.org/">Heifer International</a>, that orchestrate the purchase of an animal to give to a struggling family in another country in someone's name.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">*Make a list of "gifts to buy or make" and prepare in advance. Half of the stress we feel is mental because we procrastinate and then panic about getting everything done. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><i>3. Get the Christmas card out early! </i></b></span> My sister does her card before Thanksgiving and she gets the best 1/2 off deals and one of the biggest stresses of the holiday season is crossed off her list before December even begins. This is a biggie.... do what you need to do to get this done early! Then have the kids help stuff the envelopes and put the stamps on.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><i>4. Think ahead and buy decorations and gifts in the off-season.</i></b></span> Creating a Christmas home is a part of that "magical feeling" of this time of year, but buying decor can break the bank quickly. Hit the 50% off sales, or better yet, the 75% off after Dec.25. You get screaming deals and it is so rewarding when you get everything out the next year, knowing you paid a fraction of the price. I do this with hand soaps, serving dishes, and other gifts I can give to neighbors, teachers, etc.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Buying gifts throughout the year helps with budgeting also. I have designated one cupboard in my house as gift storage. When I see a gift that I know is perfect for someone, or an item at a great price, I buy it then and keep it until Christmas or a birthday. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><i>5. Wrap as you go.</i></b></span> Saving all of the wrapping until the few days before Christmas is exhausting and usually ends up happening late at night (which means no sleep). I set up a small 4 ft. table in our bedroom during the holidays. When I buy a gift, I wrap it and put it in one of my labeled bags. I have a bag designated for each child (for stocking stuffers and gifts), a bag for extended family gifts, friend gifts, and a bag for teacher/neighbor gifts. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><i>6. Find ways to give back and spread the spirit of Christmas.</i></b> </span> We often pack shoe boxes for <a href="http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/">Operation Christmas Child</a>, deliver meals, carol at elderly homes, help local families anonymously, and give a special gift and letter to our <a href="http://www.compassion.com/">Compassion</a> children. It is so important to reach out to others--this is what the Christmas JOY is about!!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><i>7. Bake throughout the season and freeze.</i></b> </span> Cookies freeze beautifully, both in dough form, and in cooked form. Bake something special each week and freeze what you don't need. I make my dough and roll it into individual cookies. I then place them on cookie sheets, freeze until firm, and store in a ziplock. When ready to cook, I take them out, place them on a cookie sheet, and bake. Storing dough in a full size ball is another way to freeze. Make the dough ahead of time, wrap tightly with plastic wrap, then freeze. When ready to use, de-thaw and proceed according to directions. The already cooked goods should be thawed unwrapped, or taken out of the bag (NOT wrapped in plastic -- this holds wet moisture in).</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><i>8. Prepare meals in advance.</i></b></span> If you do nothing else this time of year, pick a day to do some serious cooking for the freezer with a friend or two, and get some meals ready that you can pull out when you are short on time. I have a full description of how to do this<a href="http://thehomemaderenegade.blogspot.com/2011/01/my-lifesaver-cooking-group.html"> here</a>. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><i>9. Plan Advent a week before December.</i></b> </span> One of the most significant things that we do at our house is our <a href="http://christianity.about.com/od/christmas/qt/adventwreath.htm">Advent wreath</a>. This is where we talk about what advent really means and the spiritual implications of Jesus' birth. There are often activities and supplies that I need to prepare in advance. If this is done early, the advent tradition is sure to be a central part of our season.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><i>10. Keep a collection of Christmas books, that only come out this time of year, under the tree in a bucket.</i></b></span> Grab a couple per night and read aloud under the twinkling of the lights. This will become a favorite tradition for your kids. </span><br />
<br />kristagilbert.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13868337889276546600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3366360350683125570.post-730482750634173422011-11-17T22:12:00.001-08:002011-11-17T22:28:50.517-08:00Easy hor d' oeuvres for the Holidays: Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Hor d'ouvres can sometimes be the last thing we consider when we are preparing for the big holiday meals. Here are a couple of easy ideas:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGPVCSSJzQPGE0TQ_KZjJyj_nYIN1Gzw_5Q8YImRMGHTZR0aFGmyvis-M-4TUdzbJEcZf_oIX85I_RR9nq9AUkvYPfz2UpSVEsUliC6tyis5rlEsLNRx2trq1v_fPrqWvWqB9vwmpVNeef/s1600/IMG_8995.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGPVCSSJzQPGE0TQ_KZjJyj_nYIN1Gzw_5Q8YImRMGHTZR0aFGmyvis-M-4TUdzbJEcZf_oIX85I_RR9nq9AUkvYPfz2UpSVEsUliC6tyis5rlEsLNRx2trq1v_fPrqWvWqB9vwmpVNeef/s320/IMG_8995.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Arrange crackers, rolled meats, and block cheeses on a platter. Behind: Layer pickled asparagus, pepperocinis, kalmata olives, and mozzarella balls. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPk1CcqH5JPmq3d7P_QhDf_RfX8VAkiskN7BUh5xMx5X0ICBa-cXaEgt_45vdad6I4s7He_PBQwy9rD_Rj5ThyE6zMJfntwcx6xCiXuAUDA8xD84zJ8o1Ew9BWCnE92zr_BOgJdY_oAeAL/s1600/IMG_2410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPk1CcqH5JPmq3d7P_QhDf_RfX8VAkiskN7BUh5xMx5X0ICBa-cXaEgt_45vdad6I4s7He_PBQwy9rD_Rj5ThyE6zMJfntwcx6xCiXuAUDA8xD84zJ8o1Ew9BWCnE92zr_BOgJdY_oAeAL/s320/IMG_2410.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Nestle red grapes in between chocolate dipped strawberries and specialty cheeses. The cheeses on this tray are: Cougar Gold, Parmesan, and Brie. This tray goes well with a quality bottle of wine. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My favorite way to dip strawberries, carameled apples, etc. is with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Back-Basics-Microwave-Gourmet-Dipper/dp/B000YJ9G8E">this deep dipping bowl.</a> It's called Back to Basics Microwave Gourmet Apple Dipper. Simply put the chocolate in the microwave, melt according to directions, and dip! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-0jqJCh_Ab4G9Rfb9v1G0VYQIAzoPK5tSC-pL7d8YHEbpYb-VAHLeWJEcZ8w0IfIwayUnTcWsbNIRmYTNx1i4IJk4wlFtaf_NGxIsWok86uOyS4vbnyb7B_Ch4-sIC0_oL1bT13KQm5lq/s1600/IMG_2409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-0jqJCh_Ab4G9Rfb9v1G0VYQIAzoPK5tSC-pL7d8YHEbpYb-VAHLeWJEcZ8w0IfIwayUnTcWsbNIRmYTNx1i4IJk4wlFtaf_NGxIsWok86uOyS4vbnyb7B_Ch4-sIC0_oL1bT13KQm5lq/s320/IMG_2409.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="276" /></a></div>kristagilbert.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13868337889276546600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3366360350683125570.post-55443780245019760522011-11-12T23:01:00.001-08:002011-11-13T12:25:42.485-08:00A Heart Like Katie (an anecdote to a critical spirit)<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> I just spent a couple of days with my best friend from childhood. Let me introduce you...or actually, let Ben, her son, have the honor....</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOVATb4H6KUdSLQ_aO-eZCrpJMB_03kgT5tmJZOY_xQ9iVk6oJ0r14ksaU8_edqhsgHJDVZTnCNl051qO4tBBjqdLok39w4_aMCZZaTLsrD18KEIUPIZ3RzorWnOKF80IL76f9jxTub60Q/s1600/Katie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOVATb4H6KUdSLQ_aO-eZCrpJMB_03kgT5tmJZOY_xQ9iVk6oJ0r14ksaU8_edqhsgHJDVZTnCNl051qO4tBBjqdLok39w4_aMCZZaTLsrD18KEIUPIZ3RzorWnOKF80IL76f9jxTub60Q/s320/Katie.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">This is Katie. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We met in 3rd grade when another girl from our class stole her Hello Kitty tape -- a hot commodity. I stepped in to rescue the tape, and it was history from there. Our lives have paralleled each other ever since. We stayed close all throughout school, despite different friends. We were headed to different colleges, both to play our various sports, but in the 11th hour Katie was persuaded by the University of Puget Sound coach to come run for them instead. There was more than running at stake in this decision. God intended for us to walk those years side by side. We met our husbands on campus, and after college married within two weeks of each other (she delayed their honeymoon to be in our wedding). We now both have three boys and can share the unique journey of raising sons. She is is a GIFT to me, always has been. But I am not alone in seeing the value of this woman. From the time we were little, she was the one EVERYONE loved, and I mean EVERYONE. She has a way about her that makes people feel simply cared about -- for who they are -- ACCEPTED. She is kindness lived out -- driving a friend with cancer to her appointments, befriending sisters of her sons' friends, speaking gently to her boys and showing them they are valuable, offering coaching and friendship to fellow runners, holding out hope to people by sharing her faith, teaching children at her church's women's Bible study, unifying her extended family with intentional effort, and showing her husband respect and gratitude. Though she has many qualities that I admire, there is one that stands out from the rest. For 32 years I have reflected on this quality in my friend, and now as an adult, I think I have it named: <i><b> </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>the lack of a critical spirit.</b></span><b> </b></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Katie has me thinking about the effects of this trait in our lives. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Take a look at webster's definition of criticism:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Criticism:</b></i></span> the <u>expression of disapproval</u> of someone or something based on <i><b>perceived faults or mistakes.</b></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> When I read this, I cringe. This is the polar opposite of how I want others to feel around me. Of course people can't feel comfortable around those with critical spirits -- there is only fault and disapproval to be found, and who wants to be seen for their faults instead of their strengths? Not me! And yet, how often am I guilty of this? How often do I find myself thinking the negative about someone instead of the positive? If I'm honest, probably more often than I'd like to admit. Thankfully, God has been turning this soil in my life for some time now.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Notice in the definition it doesn't say "true" faults, it says, "perceived" faults. This means that it is a subjective viewpoint. It starts with how we are seeing others in our own minds' eye. This is an area I have been working to re-train for the last 5 years. There has been a KEY concept that I read in a <a href="http://www.peacemaker.net/site/c.aqKFLTOBIpH/b.958123/k.CB70/Home.htm">Peacemaker's Ministry</a> resource that has changed how I think about people.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i> </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>The concept is this: Always assume the best about others.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Another way to put it -- give people the benefit of the doubt. <b><u>When we are tempted to think negatively, train the mind to stop that thought, and turn it around.</u></b> This simple exercise alone will revolutionize how we see and treat others. For example, when you are slighted by a friend, instead of telling yourself how self absorbed and thoughtless she is, train your mind to say, "she must be struggling with something right now. It probably has nothing to do with me. What can I do to show her some extra care?" Or when your spouse forgets to do something that is really important think, "He is really preoccupied with work. This does not show a weakness in his character. I can take care of this for our family or help him do it so that it gets done." Or how about when you are offended by someone close to you? What about saying, "I know she probably didn't mean to offend me. Prov. 19:11 says that it is to my honor to overlook an offense. I am going to choose to overlook this right now." See what I mean?? What happens when we start to do this? UNITY DEVELOPS. There is more peace in relationships, more servanthood, and Christ is glorified. Relationships will flourish when this kind of thinking is the rule rather than the exception- with friends, spouses, children, family. Don't we all want that? Isn't the journey so much better when we are living out a life of love?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> What happens when this doesn't exist in relationships? Critcism comes in, takes over, and drives stakes of conflict, strife, and disharmony. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So what is at the root of a critical spirit? <a href="http://www.peacemaker.net/site/c.aqKFLTOBIpH/b.5069939/k.E199/Charitable_Judgments_An_Antidote_to_Judging_Others.htm">This article</a> from the Peacemaker's ministry answers that question:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> A key step in breaking free from the habit of making critical judgments is to trace them to their source and cut them off at the root. To do this you must deal with your heart. James 4:1-12 describes two of the most common sources of critical judgments. The first is </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>selfishness</strong>. </span>When others stand in the way of what we want, we strive to remove their opposition by tearing them down and diminishing their credibility and influence in any way we can (vv. 1-3). </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>Pride</strong> </span>is another source of critical judgments. Thinking that we are better than others, we set ourselves up as their judges and begin to catalog their failings and condemn their actions. As we saw earlier, when we do this we are imitating Satan by trying to play God (vv. 7, 12). Pride can also reveal itself in the inclination to believe that “I alone understand the truth about things.” I think that my beliefs, convictions, theology, and doctrines are true, and I look down on anyone who disagrees with me (cf. Gal. 5:26). </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Matthew 7:3-5 shows that <strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">self-righteousness</span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span>is another root of critical judgments. When we have done something wrong but we do not want to admit it, one of the most natural things we do is to draw attention to and even magnify the failures of others.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Insecurity</span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">,</span> which is a form of the fear of man, is a related root of this problem. When we lack confidence in our own beliefs and positions, and fear that they might be disproved, we often conclude that the best defense is a good offense. Therefore, we attack others’ views and judge them before they can judge us.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Jealousy</span></strong> can also lead to critical judgments. As we see in Genesis 37:11, Joseph’s brothers were jealous of his close relationship with God and his father, and they repeatedly interpreted his motives and actions in the worst possible way. As their jealousy grew, it culminated in their selling him into slavery.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Another cause is <strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">self-pity</span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">.</span> On occasion, many of us find a perverse pleasure in feeling sorry for ourselves. Therefore, we tend to interpret situations in a way that hurts us the most. One of the best ways to do this is to interpret others’ actions as a form of betrayal.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Prejudice</span></strong> is frequently a cause of critical judgments. When we have preconceived, unfavorable opinions about others simply because of their race, religion, gender, or status in life, we will consistently seek to validate our views by interpreting their beliefs and actions negatively.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Unforgiveness</span></strong> can also lead us to look for the worst in others. If someone has hurt us, and we do not forgive him, we will look for ways to justify our unforgiveness. Finding more faults in the person who hurt us is a convenient way to conceal the hardness of our own heart.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Of course, the ultimate source of critical judgments is a <strong>lack of love. Where love is deficient, critical judgments will be the norm</strong>. Conversely, where love abounds, charitable judgments should abound (1 Cor. 13:4-7).</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Wow. That is a lot to take in.<a href="http://www.peacemaker.net/site/c.aqKFLTOBIpH/b.5069939/k.E199/Charitable_Judgments_An_Antidote_to_Judging_Others.htm"> The full article</a> goes into greater depth on how to identify and cure a critical spirit.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> So, what happens when there is a legitimate concern with someone? A critical spirit is ruled out and there is a true issue at hand that needs to be addressed? Hear this clearly: I am a proponent of conflict resolution. However, I have come to the conclusion, through life experience, that <b><i>conflict handled carelessly will leave a trail of destruction and damage that is hard to repair. </i></b> If there is a true concern that needs to be addressed, I HIGHLY recommend that you read the <a href="http://www.peacemaker.net/site/c.aqKFLTOBIpH/b.958145/k.7ECF/Foundational_Principles.htm">foundational principles</a> on the Peacemakers website. Even if there are only a few of these nuggets put in your pocket, you will be better for it, and it WILL lead you in the <i><b>how</b></i> of conflict resolution.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> When we follow Biblical instruction, it works! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> The challenge before us lies in discernment. In what areas do we simply need to let go of a critical spirt? Is there some serious weeding in the garden of our hearts that needs to be tended to? </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX5YnV3sZabkX4GTdHXtmeVIqqN27JezxqeeO5NUe6uNMgmpigmg57rYxaGeqwNYHXxTUajiw07Y2R79VpQKvCgQZcUPtWXNFDngihS9AK4WfPUtanI0HjtyV28vlSAjREmcfLVFpvd2eE/s1600/Katie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX5YnV3sZabkX4GTdHXtmeVIqqN27JezxqeeO5NUe6uNMgmpigmg57rYxaGeqwNYHXxTUajiw07Y2R79VpQKvCgQZcUPtWXNFDngihS9AK4WfPUtanI0HjtyV28vlSAjREmcfLVFpvd2eE/s320/Katie.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Did I tell you Katie is a national championship runner? She was in college, and at 40, is still competing in insanely difficult races...and winning them! Don't you love this picture of Kate and her husband, Jeff, at the Transrockies Run in Beaver Creek, Co? Their team name was the Caba-nators. They pulled each other up thousands of feet of mountain to win the race. But that is not the only race she is winning. She continues to pass on a legacy of great love and grace to those around her, and in God's economy, that counts more than any medal.</span></div>
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</div>kristagilbert.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13868337889276546600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3366360350683125570.post-61379287794178530692011-11-10T00:01:00.000-08:002011-11-10T12:51:57.727-08:00Amish Crock Pot Apple Butter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Apple butter takes me right back to Lancaster, Pennsylvania Amish country where I first sampled this thick, spice infused goodness. The laundry, hung out to dry, flapping in the wind next to rows and rows of corn filled my window that morning. A black buggy driven by a stately man dressed in all black with the Amish style beard waved as he rode by. I couldn't help but feel that I had stepped back into time, and I pretended that I was Amish -- for like 5 minutes. For those 5 minutes, I really thought I'd try to fall in love with an Amish man and join this simpler, peaceful way of life. Anyway, now you know that I am completely fascinated by the Amish, and if I had to join any group, it would probably be them.... because they make amazing apple butter...like this one. I just changed it a bit for the good ol' crock pot!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> The one thing I don't like about traditional apple butter recipes, is that you have to use your hard-earned homemade applesauce to make it, and it cooks down to nothing. THIS recipe is made from the apples directly, so there isn't that extra step of turning it into applesauce before cooking. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">STEP 1: </span> Peel, core, and slice the apples.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAaB6Ucxj71blDVbI5BVyPLq11g14JtMA-UkYPU458QkVOx8raVkZG7xVjsVJlQnLBMsfGfH2q2kiOkVkZD5oxCADF_LF5pKj2zSwqQIFYKWOsXoW6d-EqGNJ-1Kx5lUzVnvoEj-leyhho/s1600/IMG_3252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAaB6Ucxj71blDVbI5BVyPLq11g14JtMA-UkYPU458QkVOx8raVkZG7xVjsVJlQnLBMsfGfH2q2kiOkVkZD5oxCADF_LF5pKj2zSwqQIFYKWOsXoW6d-EqGNJ-1Kx5lUzVnvoEj-leyhho/s320/IMG_3252.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> STEP 2: </span> Place the apples in the crock pot and mix in seasonings and sugar. Cover and cook for 8-10 hours.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkI5MQjoyB_psJYLbHyrfK6hVm4DimHjmvPR8L8aoF2wPABuj9PCZB3tjgAGpwCuHmJdG-VVY_J1q0_gma1OuzMREafq8Zt0cVOIV_9mylYYxmjcRxUiZVOqGijRjViytvcCRmBnXHo9rn/s1600/IMG_3254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkI5MQjoyB_psJYLbHyrfK6hVm4DimHjmvPR8L8aoF2wPABuj9PCZB3tjgAGpwCuHmJdG-VVY_J1q0_gma1OuzMREafq8Zt0cVOIV_9mylYYxmjcRxUiZVOqGijRjViytvcCRmBnXHo9rn/s320/IMG_3254.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> STEP 3: The apples should have turned in to apple butter by the end of the cooking time. I like mine smooth, so I puree the mixture with an immersion blender.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ7q6mUXENhU7L7POAzRnH2ytQusKSxaNg_zJbLm-SuaMRrKE1kd8hJZmsnjLCaKP-RK9AQkescqx_tUgLMJCaO2f1oRbkZMguLqDjKvt7qoR8VfGuVKUmsLwvN3wsZ3TCUM406GZaKL12/s1600/IMG_3262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ7q6mUXENhU7L7POAzRnH2ytQusKSxaNg_zJbLm-SuaMRrKE1kd8hJZmsnjLCaKP-RK9AQkescqx_tUgLMJCaO2f1oRbkZMguLqDjKvt7qoR8VfGuVKUmsLwvN3wsZ3TCUM406GZaKL12/s320/IMG_3262.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuuyzhkALWnH7W6qm85pZa1mMqUNT56JdGEpCUx3-kYrkzLeK3hFLsb7RB8vm0vWkM34SMK7ovDH8kLkMEWj_FnxKew8_aRmAPTzLNVphKTVqlEGBfSbxCVOyySold0OObeXvi4vWU3vus/s1600/IMG_3267.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuuyzhkALWnH7W6qm85pZa1mMqUNT56JdGEpCUx3-kYrkzLeK3hFLsb7RB8vm0vWkM34SMK7ovDH8kLkMEWj_FnxKew8_aRmAPTzLNVphKTVqlEGBfSbxCVOyySold0OObeXvi4vWU3vus/s320/IMG_3267.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> STEP 4: </span> Adjust any seasonings or the sweetness and ladle into jars.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUnAQddsI_4IYfaWrgkptZd-APPXW0vWhP7Gl2Uma8y8iK-ZloyAVphXhcPU7aH33aogbVptAG2xZ-usQuoConExqket5sZR23uZ02ph1SkGrB4eS75RSXSjw8uujJYWqC70ZZtwTF2z8M/s1600/IMG_3269.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUnAQddsI_4IYfaWrgkptZd-APPXW0vWhP7Gl2Uma8y8iK-ZloyAVphXhcPU7aH33aogbVptAG2xZ-usQuoConExqket5sZR23uZ02ph1SkGrB4eS75RSXSjw8uujJYWqC70ZZtwTF2z8M/s320/IMG_3269.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxrGAeHPHby2VMB9kK9RObE7_MViLsUUTHUTJ-sluLPcMacsxT_E42zB0KOLB75LCrBrqZnfIG6UGefDDN8kylfMf19pm2z_TXSkBydBxvQ6V_pFZMJJ3gEX0u7gwHKr2oy3CUoOfUdZQj/s1600/IMG_3270.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxrGAeHPHby2VMB9kK9RObE7_MViLsUUTHUTJ-sluLPcMacsxT_E42zB0KOLB75LCrBrqZnfIG6UGefDDN8kylfMf19pm2z_TXSkBydBxvQ6V_pFZMJJ3gEX0u7gwHKr2oy3CUoOfUdZQj/s320/IMG_3270.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> STEP 5:</span> I like to can my jars in a water bath, but they can also be frozen at this point and kept in the freezer if you don't want to can. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhviKbnj4RM81lrjX-TYyf1pKV_bAymjNvmwZL_jTR6oOT6iynLxeTuGU1pt-8Km4P_npFKjUu3foHzu1cgBsYF84A5pTA5Rze3dCOV99cpeIvLOctXz_VIMdYE2Xuqz46rI3hWAInnuo8v/s1600/IMG_3271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhviKbnj4RM81lrjX-TYyf1pKV_bAymjNvmwZL_jTR6oOT6iynLxeTuGU1pt-8Km4P_npFKjUu3foHzu1cgBsYF84A5pTA5Rze3dCOV99cpeIvLOctXz_VIMdYE2Xuqz46rI3hWAInnuo8v/s320/IMG_3271.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> STEP 6: </span>Enjoy!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMC5uzub5mBhuaSZkvDaPsJi8xroTPnw2tnTXQWD85_2GhX2Kbkn4tsY5lHEYbEN4_6a1fWJqY1EYCxXm5Q0Arpfj5XKKzDIWc-IRFHJ2b1wvY6qkFpJeuqnCajUCkd19I_0dx4V4Pqmop/s1600/IMG_3288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMC5uzub5mBhuaSZkvDaPsJi8xroTPnw2tnTXQWD85_2GhX2Kbkn4tsY5lHEYbEN4_6a1fWJqY1EYCxXm5Q0Arpfj5XKKzDIWc-IRFHJ2b1wvY6qkFpJeuqnCajUCkd19I_0dx4V4Pqmop/s320/IMG_3288.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="302" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><u>AMISH CROCK POT APPLE BUTTER</u></b></span></div>
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6 lbs. mixed variety apples, peeled, cored, and sliced</div>
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1 3/4 cups apple cider</div>
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2 cups sugar</div>
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2 1/2 cups brown sugar</div>
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1/4 cup fresh lemon juice</div>
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1/2 tsp. salt</div>
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1 tablespoon cinnamon</div>
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3/4 tsp. ground cloves</div>
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1/2 tsp. nutmeg</div>
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Place all ingredients in the crock pot and mix well. Cook on the high setting for 2 hours, stirring periodically. Turn the crock to low and cook 7-8 more hours. Puree with an immersion blender if desired for a smoother consistency. </div>kristagilbert.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13868337889276546600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3366360350683125570.post-21626577207826602752011-11-06T09:47:00.000-08:002011-11-06T09:50:03.133-08:00Kids Fall Keepsake Craft<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix1XdJHERG11Wt0HEv46uLU0YADrTvOT9FjAdZuS-E4tYUG7681qQHq-1emWGvmwU7RTwb4eBFpPGILqUpSCvQWNMFqssSYxAVJRaRM1reTSjMrF7kpCpATYg5v86L4fK0vNlaVdw6YgIs/s1600/IMG_3343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix1XdJHERG11Wt0HEv46uLU0YADrTvOT9FjAdZuS-E4tYUG7681qQHq-1emWGvmwU7RTwb4eBFpPGILqUpSCvQWNMFqssSYxAVJRaRM1reTSjMrF7kpCpATYg5v86L4fK0vNlaVdw6YgIs/s320/IMG_3343.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="239" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I just did these darling fall trees with my kids and my son's 3rd grade class. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">They make a great fall keepsake for years to come! </span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">You will need:</span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">*4 different colors of paint (I used brown, gold, burnt orange, mocha, and black to deepen the brown)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">*14x17 sheets of drawing paper (Strathmore's medium Drawing Paper is what I used)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">*5 Foam paint brushes</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">*5 plastic bowls for the paint</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">*Water & rags</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>STEP 1:</b> </span> Paint the forearm of your child in brown and have them make the tree trunk. I did not do this with the class, as it was too messy, but at home it was doable. In class, I just had them paint the tree trunks (narrower at the top, thicker at the bottom)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7sQ0ZiIlLda_LD6oMgNVmRYj_nNXWsZbsD1PHTISnUpcRPtL59K8nR6ldKDSwCS3WluDbXa3rrRjVwj1lIGYwLqeI7J5-sU_wFn51bQUj-B4vhJBSeBgTIVv71RdIWEflcfs4-Rp2wt6q/s1600/IMG_3303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7sQ0ZiIlLda_LD6oMgNVmRYj_nNXWsZbsD1PHTISnUpcRPtL59K8nR6ldKDSwCS3WluDbXa3rrRjVwj1lIGYwLqeI7J5-sU_wFn51bQUj-B4vhJBSeBgTIVv71RdIWEflcfs4-Rp2wt6q/s320/IMG_3303.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> Step 2: </span></b> Rinse the brown paint off of the arm, and paint a hand in a color. Direct them to pull straight up off of the paper so it doesn't smear. Have them do 2-3 handprints per color. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1QuCrfpVRx3nYh-kUwwerXUbbI1MUZ7QxIHYcEZoYBzFQr5haTj2pUWFr900VrwykgxHBM1bco8pIZztPlbMqclA4CqDc4fIiG_OXxORO8-UVMMfGxfBWfaRAfYTaPyO8UUdVvvcCdiw5/s1600/IMG_3304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1QuCrfpVRx3nYh-kUwwerXUbbI1MUZ7QxIHYcEZoYBzFQr5haTj2pUWFr900VrwykgxHBM1bco8pIZztPlbMqclA4CqDc4fIiG_OXxORO8-UVMMfGxfBWfaRAfYTaPyO8UUdVvvcCdiw5/s320/IMG_3304.jpg" width="305" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b> Step 3: </b></span> While the child still has that color paint on their hands, have him make fingerprint leaves at the bottom of the paper around the trunk, or falling off of the tree. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhITP8EsgJSYSPCF5E6PWNn-PCeMFX6PFY8U5u9MWodGNPB9cUErq-Qayw5sS0_jJWF0YRPnKc-J0ITibpLj-n_eNPHfs1w9KapsJ52fDO8FLvMiamN5upubCKp0BGfHPABOvwxkRKXe2RH/s1600/IMG_3305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhITP8EsgJSYSPCF5E6PWNn-PCeMFX6PFY8U5u9MWodGNPB9cUErq-Qayw5sS0_jJWF0YRPnKc-J0ITibpLj-n_eNPHfs1w9KapsJ52fDO8FLvMiamN5upubCKp0BGfHPABOvwxkRKXe2RH/s320/IMG_3305.jpg" width="275" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> Step 4:</span></b> Repeat with the other colors of paint.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAlVpjA3y6nJ3wbAsz9zHR5zUOfrzaMKr3a32XYaIfXXN7phGmWaXr5bLxT1L6SVeqPjXGRqcxCRWTJxqa1pjAuGhlsv_0pXhG-FsO9opLdVoh9G0lEV2TdXYyqBgn6iasXOAvYVmLlbZb/s1600/IMG_3306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAlVpjA3y6nJ3wbAsz9zHR5zUOfrzaMKr3a32XYaIfXXN7phGmWaXr5bLxT1L6SVeqPjXGRqcxCRWTJxqa1pjAuGhlsv_0pXhG-FsO9opLdVoh9G0lEV2TdXYyqBgn6iasXOAvYVmLlbZb/s320/IMG_3306.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUoZAyVwZwAErEBw1j_Xh7XtuP0w0LcDwQUmizEViF8VNkmc2o_yjM4xM5n9c16sShPUDpuIYNjkzfNb2E-ZgKEIzxVwau8AwFtOC8YkEzUgyZHQfX349QDkLTra0fSS9QbuZf06fc_eMl/s1600/IMG_3341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUoZAyVwZwAErEBw1j_Xh7XtuP0w0LcDwQUmizEViF8VNkmc2o_yjM4xM5n9c16sShPUDpuIYNjkzfNb2E-ZgKEIzxVwau8AwFtOC8YkEzUgyZHQfX349QDkLTra0fSS9QbuZf06fc_eMl/s320/IMG_3341.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Each one turned out unique and different, and that is what makes them special! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Happy fall crafting!</span></div>
<br />kristagilbert.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13868337889276546600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3366360350683125570.post-56965685614133814642011-10-30T15:51:00.000-07:002011-10-30T15:53:16.127-07:00A Kid Favorite: Ravioli Lasagna<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTJDilmir0LJCJdZRydciHN-HO9Njq2tsmOJSnmDmpnbRX6BWVU_8eLBbiUVYTcUaGDMspI8XTkT0XGqQZE581vwM1OoJHvyYIviGnP2cfdi-ctgzkb-979KLA4O3fhJ5bjkoqUpm3Tyzd/s1600/IMG_3297.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTJDilmir0LJCJdZRydciHN-HO9Njq2tsmOJSnmDmpnbRX6BWVU_8eLBbiUVYTcUaGDMspI8XTkT0XGqQZE581vwM1OoJHvyYIviGnP2cfdi-ctgzkb-979KLA4O3fhJ5bjkoqUpm3Tyzd/s320/IMG_3297.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> I came up with this dish on a whim and my kids are crazy about it. It's SO easy! I made a couple of pans and froze them. I stock up on aluminum tins at the Dollar Store and use them for freezing my extra meals. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Recipe:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXEIq2KjQdEY0ZrSlrhx1I4DdIM_kRlh8pD_cx-HD0T5cdF1ElSV-fq7O-fuKcGbqR6w57imd36yfXXJfbN7Bw6W21pqeinK0ntNe2h5hhVEqyEZl38_sTWluHfiVeLze4zmEZJxeQbUft/s1600/IMG_3290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXEIq2KjQdEY0ZrSlrhx1I4DdIM_kRlh8pD_cx-HD0T5cdF1ElSV-fq7O-fuKcGbqR6w57imd36yfXXJfbN7Bw6W21pqeinK0ntNe2h5hhVEqyEZl38_sTWluHfiVeLze4zmEZJxeQbUft/s320/IMG_3290.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> 1 jar tomato sauce. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>A quick tip:</i></span> Liven up jarred sauce by sauteing some olive oil and garlic in a saucepan. Add oregano and basil to the pan until fragrant, then add the sauce and simmer. Ummmm... hello garlic! Can you tell I love it??</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRAIjXLZJuU8B5vckbuH-RWQKxRu_l49Th0FWDOcxaRKb2Xl3bOfi3lW-JNZfZ0Y1242y7JJFsyWEGIQmpfthg3nDuu6GzAPHyTuRpMhjTE1RVLEI3zfN6bqJ1xHRD0bsNPSIWwDKQDyJU/s1600/IMG_3291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRAIjXLZJuU8B5vckbuH-RWQKxRu_l49Th0FWDOcxaRKb2Xl3bOfi3lW-JNZfZ0Y1242y7JJFsyWEGIQmpfthg3nDuu6GzAPHyTuRpMhjTE1RVLEI3zfN6bqJ1xHRD0bsNPSIWwDKQDyJU/s320/IMG_3291.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Cook the ravioli as directed. Place a cup of tomato sauce in the bottom of the pan, then arrange a single layer of ravioli over it. Top with a layer of shredded cheese. Repeat the layers of tomato sauce, ravioli, and cheddar cheese. I like to use a couple of different kinds of ravioli. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyuvuYoC1Yzd0gmuIuSHCamBdl6SzczTgXgBCCsz_ZfL20TfTh83M6xxkQy0kFCJBwy0ikZzRogs-vJQ1bl1m84xJdXKl2oy-rNH9wy4zbozZh3fAU_D32cLDX43VQIAUJsKj_6us0oWOm/s1600/IMG_3294.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyuvuYoC1Yzd0gmuIuSHCamBdl6SzczTgXgBCCsz_ZfL20TfTh83M6xxkQy0kFCJBwy0ikZzRogs-vJQ1bl1m84xJdXKl2oy-rNH9wy4zbozZh3fAU_D32cLDX43VQIAUJsKj_6us0oWOm/s320/IMG_3294.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> For the top layer, spread a layer of pesto sauce and top with parmesan cheese. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPLMnQKk7-8LSh8Zbe3oUXQG1cJfR6_1OAK90mqYJCOj4ESvruUHdsYsnl0FcP_VEztepF2TFUTWRdS2SX2ufjJJTfPvf3TuVKi4jJUmKOWTDYwNbj7XuEMVjHbWjzzK6r0ayJ4Qj7X3ih/s1600/IMG_3295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPLMnQKk7-8LSh8Zbe3oUXQG1cJfR6_1OAK90mqYJCOj4ESvruUHdsYsnl0FcP_VEztepF2TFUTWRdS2SX2ufjJJTfPvf3TuVKi4jJUmKOWTDYwNbj7XuEMVjHbWjzzK6r0ayJ4Qj7X3ih/s320/IMG_3295.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Cover with foil, and bake at 350 degrees for 30 min.. Remove the foil and let the cheese brown on top. Serve and watch it disappear!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5uQOFWDai_1h1XRKq8UnUkkhLJbcOm2TxFYQdwnMdE5Zw7H5fysVyn0DiD0d-zeHNuXHpCSDXeIxpMMd3cxITvQ-v9T9HEuFfGDTgihYHaCk8GPyylD1UVnkNRJwcK_Cyw0gfvZo4expS/s1600/IMG_3298.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5uQOFWDai_1h1XRKq8UnUkkhLJbcOm2TxFYQdwnMdE5Zw7H5fysVyn0DiD0d-zeHNuXHpCSDXeIxpMMd3cxITvQ-v9T9HEuFfGDTgihYHaCk8GPyylD1UVnkNRJwcK_Cyw0gfvZo4expS/s320/IMG_3298.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Recipe:<br />
1-2 jars tomato sauce - -depending on how saucy your family likes it<br />
2 packages ravioli<br />
1/2 block cheddar cheese (or around 3 cups)<br />
1 jar pesto<br />
3/4 c. parmesan cheese<br />
<br />kristagilbert.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13868337889276546600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3366360350683125570.post-33876494457534938322011-10-28T13:55:00.000-07:002011-10-28T13:55:40.271-07:00Fruit Leather Fun: Make your own<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ei0OCwT_cBrYn3WXj7k8prQOH3G7sOE6lSDqIloPIGh-aIHrrGFvmlInq9_zOqxgujIALPyZteK1_LOglJQ55BZPGT9yxmNp9QyUSDf5GRGwQdh7Z5urbkClwsXmDyk_dGCwpVNegTJ9/s1600/IMG_3242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ei0OCwT_cBrYn3WXj7k8prQOH3G7sOE6lSDqIloPIGh-aIHrrGFvmlInq9_zOqxgujIALPyZteK1_LOglJQ55BZPGT9yxmNp9QyUSDf5GRGwQdh7Z5urbkClwsXmDyk_dGCwpVNegTJ9/s320/IMG_3242.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="213" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Homemade fruit leather is easy to make. Puree fruit and dry it! That's it!! I love being able to use our over ripened fruit for this so that we don't have to throw it away. The texture, nutritional value, and ease of the homemade leathers makes it well worth the time. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Step 1: </span> Select your fruit and wash it thoroughly. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Step 2:</span> Peel, if you want. I like to keep the skins on for fiber and nutritional value. Chop into pieces.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2r6gnIC1sLyP4l-vCHmtpvin_MJiePwmVK7dC00TfX6hTLweAUHnNP62IwtiXsvRDi2kiREA7NmcKXRXt08OTcYP0TfNseR7w7Pv78W5KmW8MtHo9B74Cx5eYYd9cfUWL8wItlDWl3hvL/s1600/IMG_3196.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2r6gnIC1sLyP4l-vCHmtpvin_MJiePwmVK7dC00TfX6hTLweAUHnNP62IwtiXsvRDi2kiREA7NmcKXRXt08OTcYP0TfNseR7w7Pv78W5KmW8MtHo9B74Cx5eYYd9cfUWL8wItlDWl3hvL/s320/IMG_3196.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Step 3: </span> Put fruit pieces in a blender and puree until smooth. Add a little lemon juice and sugar (if desired). You may gently cook the mixture in a saucepan to dissolve the sugar.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Step 4: </span> Pour the puree <i>THINLY</i> onto a fruit dryer rack or onto a rimmed baking sheet that has <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Silpat-Non-Stick-Silicone-Baking-8-Inch/dp/B00008T960">Silpat silicone sheets </a>underneath. You may also put plastic wrap underneath if you don't have silicone sheets.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzISoqnIe6KJnaVx9of0_0BVMvv0GrRb5J5aeS_OBQqI_yDExqUaydD42O1oII7WFrmSnUF8lHsTD0W_zT4jpx4yOvq6lKvYAL1X0Da-uBfsts5uMnM9eus69km0cBvObTZj_Ev_C4Utp9/s1600/IMG_3176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzISoqnIe6KJnaVx9of0_0BVMvv0GrRb5J5aeS_OBQqI_yDExqUaydD42O1oII7WFrmSnUF8lHsTD0W_zT4jpx4yOvq6lKvYAL1X0Da-uBfsts5uMnM9eus69km0cBvObTZj_Ev_C4Utp9/s320/IMG_3176.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Step 5: </span> I use the <a href="http://www.excaliburdehydrator.com/">Excalibur Food Dehydrator.</a> Here is a picture of it. It is a workhorse for drying everything from apples to beef jerky. I love mine and use it all of the time, but if you can't buy one, no worries. Put the fruit leather into an oven at 140 degrees and bake until it is completely dried. If you are using a dehydrator, follow the directions for your particular dryer. </span></div>
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<br /></div>kristagilbert.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13868337889276546600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3366360350683125570.post-51589156869066627032011-10-25T22:36:00.000-07:002011-10-25T22:40:52.547-07:00Caramel Apple Cheesecake bars<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV31FquTtQPVuBV_Le7AEAret4F3fygE7YvVWTiOVmATcA9qc3SR_c2mtBfutmHuwK5h1Xrla4pJs-7BuUH7dCDl1NUMIJV09ErWxpqbnWyP97lZqZwgckG5clljbxOyjaqeaiEIz4K5wW/s1600/IMG_3276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV31FquTtQPVuBV_Le7AEAret4F3fygE7YvVWTiOVmATcA9qc3SR_c2mtBfutmHuwK5h1Xrla4pJs-7BuUH7dCDl1NUMIJV09ErWxpqbnWyP97lZqZwgckG5clljbxOyjaqeaiEIz4K5wW/s320/IMG_3276.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Fall delicioiusness on a plate is what this is. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">An original <a href="http://Ingredients 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup sugar, plus 2 tablespoons, divided 2 large eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 3 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and finely chopped 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg Streusel topping, recipe follows 1/2 cup caramel topping">Paula Dean recipe</a>,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> it's worth the effort. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"></span></div>
<h2 class="kv-ingred" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 14px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">
Ingredients</span></h2>
<ul class="kv-ingred-list1" style="line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 7px; margin-top: 3px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 7px; padding-top: 0px;">
<li class="ingredient" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">2 cups <a class="crosslink" debug="7 23" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/flour/index.html" style="color: #2f2f2f; cursor: default; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;">all-purpose flour</a></span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1/2 cup firmly packed <a class="crosslink" debug="52 62" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/sugar/index.html" style="color: #2f2f2f; cursor: default; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;">brown sugar</a></span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1/2 cup sugar, plus 2 tablespoons, divided</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">2 large eggs</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1 teaspoon <a class="crosslink" debug="234 248" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/extracts/index.html" style="color: #2f2f2f; cursor: default; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;">vanilla extract</a></span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">3 <a class="crosslink" debug="257 275" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/granny-smith-apple/index.html" style="color: #2f2f2f; cursor: default; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;">Granny Smith apples</a>, peeled, cored and finely chopped</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Streusel topping, recipe follows</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1/2 cup caramel topping</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">In a medium bowl, combine the flour and brown sugar. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">Press evenly into a 9x13 baking pan lined with foil. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">Cut in butter with a pastry blender until mixture is crumbly.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">Bake 15 minutes until crust is lightly browned. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">In a large bowl, beat cream cheese with 1/2 c. sugar in an electric mixer.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">Add eggs, one at a time, and vanilla. Stir to combine.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">Pour over the warm crust.</span></span></div>
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<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH7xZVS_WpyTem2m3S5enV1n33SNPLOBHKg8SngqWCphWyiB-0sjbpih3iXc3LcGs69PkkZQXbYj8L_9YizHgIj2OhV4FzNHKCjkx4e19U4DHK07284qDVDrTwm0JbCmW0x3ugT536sfsw/s1600/IMG_3265.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH7xZVS_WpyTem2m3S5enV1n33SNPLOBHKg8SngqWCphWyiB-0sjbpih3iXc3LcGs69PkkZQXbYj8L_9YizHgIj2OhV4FzNHKCjkx4e19U4DHK07284qDVDrTwm0JbCmW0x3ugT536sfsw/s320/IMG_3265.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d3d3d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;"></span><br />
<div class="instructions" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<div style="line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d3d3d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 15px;">In a small bowl, stir together chopped apples, remaining 2 tablespoons sugar, <a class="crosslink" debug="567 574" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/cinnamon/index.html" style="color: #1e7bac; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;">cinnamon</a>, and nutmeg. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d3d3d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 15px;">Spoon evenly over cream cheese mixture. </span></div>
</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d3d3d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 15px;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_5T2DYHXKLpa_Ed7v-pzHVVZLmbrZCJpiMCxorRCj2uKibjTq8xLS39tDOfAc3b3ToMeagzfncoTIg9GXmkSWqhRYJLgl6CmABDMDurvYp8CLOm4Itxoc3mglXLKsaydXhfwac7DPsrRr/s1600/IMG_3266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_5T2DYHXKLpa_Ed7v-pzHVVZLmbrZCJpiMCxorRCj2uKibjTq8xLS39tDOfAc3b3ToMeagzfncoTIg9GXmkSWqhRYJLgl6CmABDMDurvYp8CLOm4Itxoc3mglXLKsaydXhfwac7DPsrRr/s320/IMG_3266.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d3d3d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 15px;"></span><br />
<div class="instructions" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<div style="line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d3d3d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 15px;">Sprinkle evenly with <a class="crosslink" debug="651 658" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/streusel/index.html" style="color: #1e7bac; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;">Streusel</a> topping. </span></div>
</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d3d3d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 15px;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid6WjUCPsTM8LVzzuL4pMrVt4_i0sDqpkLo4IdGWU1eDcVrJzTmRXCWbdiU8j7de82ICAsPV3fyKdw5FwrnSQpKKaa6Tc2JGb6A7hBRVUG3rW6IwfDqRPC_sPs_0n6Cha2GO6zc2lxa8-I/s1600/IMG_3272.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid6WjUCPsTM8LVzzuL4pMrVt4_i0sDqpkLo4IdGWU1eDcVrJzTmRXCWbdiU8j7de82ICAsPV3fyKdw5FwrnSQpKKaa6Tc2JGb6A7hBRVUG3rW6IwfDqRPC_sPs_0n6Cha2GO6zc2lxa8-I/s320/IMG_3272.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d3d3d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 15px;"></span><br />
<div class="instructions" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<div style="line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d3d3d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 15px;">Bake 30 minutes, or until filling is set. Drizzle with caramel topping.</span></div>
</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d3d3d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 15px;">
</span><br />
<h2 style="color: #3d3d3d; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d3d3d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 15px;">
Streusel Topping:</span></h2>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d3d3d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 15px;">
</span><br />
<ul class="kv-ingred-list3" style="margin-bottom: 14px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d3d3d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 15px;">
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;">1 cup firmly packed brown sugar</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;">1 cup all-purpose flour</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;">1/2 cup quick cooking oats</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;">1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 23px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;">In a small bowl, combine all ingredients.</li>
</span></ul>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d3d3d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 15px;">
<div class="instructions" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
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Yield: approximately 3 cups</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPHXGmu3JEEkqWxAJr7xrw-vPCftM2MumOP7PUQY55ALrYvOPAFqvbsTt4qYJM31G7ycpPP7emZIB3bF3V-B1Jv2BM5Z9dAZ4GeDBs-kwGocqIbXqj4vJWdQQzN662OHG4HDiM_MEQyemU/s1600/IMG_3273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPHXGmu3JEEkqWxAJr7xrw-vPCftM2MumOP7PUQY55ALrYvOPAFqvbsTt4qYJM31G7ycpPP7emZIB3bF3V-B1Jv2BM5Z9dAZ4GeDBs-kwGocqIbXqj4vJWdQQzN662OHG4HDiM_MEQyemU/s320/IMG_3273.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">My favorite caramel recipe:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1 c. sugar</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1/2 c. brown sugar</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1/2 c. light corn syrup</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1 1/2 c. cream</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">4 Tbsp. butter</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1 tsp. vanilla</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Combine all ingredients except vanilla in a saucepan. Cook and stir over medium heat until it boils. Continue cooking until it reaches 248 degrees on a candy thermometer. Remove from heat and add vanilla. Store in a canning jar in the refrigerator and re-heat to soften.</span></div>
<br /></div>kristagilbert.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13868337889276546600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3366360350683125570.post-75751971534446022142011-10-20T21:37:00.000-07:002011-10-20T21:37:41.409-07:00The Right Tool for the RIght Job: PRODUCTIVE!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flylady.net/">The Fly Lady</a> taught me that when I get up, I should make my bed, put on my tennis shoes, and FLY to the laundry room to get a load started. It works. She has many other tricks that I'm sure would make my life more productive, but these three have stuck. If you find me at home at any time of the day, you will find me in these.... even in a skirt (I put my other cute shoes back on when I go back out into the world):</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWUihGNMuTA5PppmcQDEgEVxaVkIsdBH9j0QtTAizZNacukJPy_HAA6XpJiU01jS9YCkjeTPss61LFqmd0F1mWSWefyVHscK63PTPkkp895f1i5lp6P6n9rfszWed0Hh0o_PcY4seVLxeW/s1600/IMG_3245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWUihGNMuTA5PppmcQDEgEVxaVkIsdBH9j0QtTAizZNacukJPy_HAA6XpJiU01jS9YCkjeTPss61LFqmd0F1mWSWefyVHscK63PTPkkp895f1i5lp6P6n9rfszWed0Hh0o_PcY4seVLxeW/s320/IMG_3245.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="213" /></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Tennis shoes are my not-so-secret tool for getting more done in my day. I don't know what it is, but as soon as I put them on, I work SO much better. I'm not kidding. I go from snail to cheetah in a flash. It's weird, but it works!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Here's the next one: </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoH02hsXDVkqBLUWPtM8qgyDRRCUEQD091j3Muzkm3ElbS24om82srds1BJerhJwdhQUSAgdySTz0u7naJMTP2P8iLidjEpsjJlBEF1gpBQpXiTOfPh-WRX8Exf1ozugpVg3F_hXdmgvfo/s1600/IMG_3246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoH02hsXDVkqBLUWPtM8qgyDRRCUEQD091j3Muzkm3ElbS24om82srds1BJerhJwdhQUSAgdySTz0u7naJMTP2P8iLidjEpsjJlBEF1gpBQpXiTOfPh-WRX8Exf1ozugpVg3F_hXdmgvfo/s320/IMG_3246.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Got yard work to do? Put on gloves. Even if you are going out for just a little while. You will get 2x the amount done. It's something about being able to attack the task with a vengeance and not really touch anything. ;)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm1zRxlP-eFbueGpUlIwU0jwRUdwomI8OpMT3KGbH5tByoLZhNDZ8Qbx3EnPWJdJ3mZC1Vuk8S2B2VN5uogV2AEnRkacwarWdyAwP_CZqo1dG6RrtVCya6YIUD0anyNlZMj3AGyhfScox9/s1600/IMG_1283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm1zRxlP-eFbueGpUlIwU0jwRUdwomI8OpMT3KGbH5tByoLZhNDZ8Qbx3EnPWJdJ3mZC1Vuk8S2B2VN5uogV2AEnRkacwarWdyAwP_CZqo1dG6RrtVCya6YIUD0anyNlZMj3AGyhfScox9/s320/IMG_1283.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Even better, pull out the gardening apron. This is my darling friend, Tammy, who loves to work in the dirt as much as I do. She keeps all of her tools handy in the pockets.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgibxGOO_2-AWxNI3AQjVI62W0skil9BXkv2-L_P2BsUarVOjhv2TMG3qT9s1hnYGjLVmFygMfsmh4flQWagN-a-E4a3TJ9YRwB9xwNI8oumYh4aj2TYI2owVEfkLd75rkv73LlugSaDULF/s1600/IMG_3250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgibxGOO_2-AWxNI3AQjVI62W0skil9BXkv2-L_P2BsUarVOjhv2TMG3qT9s1hnYGjLVmFygMfsmh4flQWagN-a-E4a3TJ9YRwB9xwNI8oumYh4aj2TYI2owVEfkLd75rkv73LlugSaDULF/s320/IMG_3250.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Lots of dishes to do, or cleaning? Oh yes..... with such cute options in rubber gloves these days, why not?? There is no doubt that cleaning toilets isn't half as bad with these pink babies on. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Oh and don't forget the MUSIC!!! </i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>It makes everything more fun!!</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I know this is the simplest concept, but it really does make a difference: Choose the right tool for the right task, and watch the magic happen :)</span></div>
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<br /></div>kristagilbert.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13868337889276546600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3366360350683125570.post-83781071191369287992011-10-17T23:38:00.000-07:002011-10-18T13:44:23.942-07:00Woodland Pumpkins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg_VMbG-uPPadps4KKJ5zEUQIBTO0MCukhCC54VN-3fseDgAxWEg5VXVh11KEMqiQz0QVt-KHSzbrRsklO8Nvqj4tCtgmAD9LYSWlRZorUDDhFVD-8QvfKdQGLRTk93XQHvqKhYpWiMcE3/s1600/IMG_1416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg_VMbG-uPPadps4KKJ5zEUQIBTO0MCukhCC54VN-3fseDgAxWEg5VXVh11KEMqiQz0QVt-KHSzbrRsklO8Nvqj4tCtgmAD9LYSWlRZorUDDhFVD-8QvfKdQGLRTk93XQHvqKhYpWiMcE3/s320/IMG_1416.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> We have a big fall party every year, and instead of carving pumpkins, we use nature to decorate them! Every one is so unique, and kids can easily work independently (no knives involved). </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizoVD0TKobPfqMx5rGS-Sry71uWWGvQZ1YFvp6S4594bt2Jdft7iwPQlSNZh9nxjjfagSduk8Iytq9KYyJWQu5DVSG17G9OECBYRebOKRyrzQmx9qcoaH_FJZZ5oPn0seyJ5BJpktSDxKf/s1600/IMG_8465.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizoVD0TKobPfqMx5rGS-Sry71uWWGvQZ1YFvp6S4594bt2Jdft7iwPQlSNZh9nxjjfagSduk8Iytq9KYyJWQu5DVSG17G9OECBYRebOKRyrzQmx9qcoaH_FJZZ5oPn0seyJ5BJpktSDxKf/s320/IMG_8465.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> We use low-heat glue guns, sticks, moss, leaves, hay, berries, pinecones, flowers, pine boughs....</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUaDGWcUn-d4nLbJ2smxk2GOnZcJ0U7HxGpErAYh0_r9vtCj-FTM-i-6ZcI5McVA1WoVGxRTskscFOzE3Th7QoVMG1luB8bY-WJE24yS5PNQfGaLVdHijsn1JRJ44ZOkodW16mkbgwwayg/s1600/IMG_8466.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUaDGWcUn-d4nLbJ2smxk2GOnZcJ0U7HxGpErAYh0_r9vtCj-FTM-i-6ZcI5McVA1WoVGxRTskscFOzE3Th7QoVMG1luB8bY-WJE24yS5PNQfGaLVdHijsn1JRJ44ZOkodW16mkbgwwayg/s320/IMG_8466.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> basically anything and everything we can find out in the woods! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2f-86Qgc-utwftjzWJBjyyAM9XqtsQe3-NlUnlz1MoDMNejmiaFhTCMddzWaoqM9KM9Ms53MvFX7SxKI1oDrK9-SjZn7KqrquBQLhqOYv0kR_9NG6-cktkxDjaa6u7op8TSvZu8UaLmzX/s1600/Pumpkin.Decorating.station.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2f-86Qgc-utwftjzWJBjyyAM9XqtsQe3-NlUnlz1MoDMNejmiaFhTCMddzWaoqM9KM9Ms53MvFX7SxKI1oDrK9-SjZn7KqrquBQLhqOYv0kR_9NG6-cktkxDjaa6u7op8TSvZu8UaLmzX/s320/Pumpkin.Decorating.station.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We LOVE this tradition, and they welcome neighbors on our front porch all throughout the season!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">As seen on: http://todayscreativeblog.net/</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #867365; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;"><img alt="all crafts Homemade Projects ~ Add Yours {10/18}" height="150" src="http://www.tipjunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/TipMeTuesdayButton1.png" title="TipMeTuesdayButton" width="150" /></span></span><br />
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<br /></div>kristagilbert.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13868337889276546600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3366360350683125570.post-7367369423045415442011-10-14T16:50:00.000-07:002011-10-14T16:51:00.603-07:00Veggies for a Week<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivXk19QIHSQuX3Fyj4bP4S_AI5a_gKTkFFXRaXVWku6VFoHhjLVWYdX9kO79i5PKHfhkEyLUd5r1s7b8fCdb-loA7CkM9bC8NmnfEyhzwUOmvsTc3zR1NIdhRCRYGIs00rqsddhJ_hgLEq/s1600/Lettuce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivXk19QIHSQuX3Fyj4bP4S_AI5a_gKTkFFXRaXVWku6VFoHhjLVWYdX9kO79i5PKHfhkEyLUd5r1s7b8fCdb-loA7CkM9bC8NmnfEyhzwUOmvsTc3zR1NIdhRCRYGIs00rqsddhJ_hgLEq/s320/Lettuce.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Vegetables take some time don't they? Washing, peeling, cutting. I like my family to eat vegetables for snacks and for dinners, but sometimes I just don't feel like preparing them come dinnertime. I've come up with a solution that works for me. I do all of my vegetable prep in one day for the week. I prepare all of the "side veggies" (not lettuce), and put them in a bowl. I then wash, spin, and chop all of the greens and put them in ziplock bags with a couple of paper towels to absorb the extra water. I do this for any herbs also. It is so handy to just grab it all out the crisper and have a salad ready in 2 minutes!kristagilbert.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13868337889276546600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3366360350683125570.post-43312819458273485142011-10-10T17:08:00.000-07:002011-10-10T17:08:48.151-07:00APPLE DAY!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuvuOaSzOskL1X3c7vRbxEz4pa3xlA7G5DQ-TmbhrTDOogvdXtMTWo55DV-PWtZzbcq6EAdWfoeVRV9RQbzv68YVFZijP19PF_CIjKeLz4j4Pxqw1t3PkWL1n9n75S0urmL2uMVrWiW1dv/s1600/Apple.Day.Fun.08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuvuOaSzOskL1X3c7vRbxEz4pa3xlA7G5DQ-TmbhrTDOogvdXtMTWo55DV-PWtZzbcq6EAdWfoeVRV9RQbzv68YVFZijP19PF_CIjKeLz4j4Pxqw1t3PkWL1n9n75S0urmL2uMVrWiW1dv/s320/Apple.Day.Fun.08.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><i> Apple Day </i></b></span>has been a long standing tradition in our house. This picture makes me want to cry because it is from a couple of years ago, and I just <i>cannot stand</i> how fast they are growing up! It makes me realize how special this day is in creating all of the warm feelings of fall -- the smell of apples cooking, a pumpkin spice candle burning, Vivaldi playing in the background (my favorite canning music for some reason), happy noises coming from the kids working together, and the familiar "pop" of canning lids sealing. It truly is a day that makes me HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY. It's all that good in life!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Apple Day begins here:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We are fortunate enough to live close to one of the most beautiful orchard areas in the Northwest: Greenbluff. Hansen's Orchard is owned by family friends, and we think they have the absolute BEST apples & cider on the Bluff!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We try to time it so that we process the apples in the same week they are picked. I learned this the hard way some years back. The apples are much harder to work with after they have softened up even a little bit. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzenfaWvzM8EghhMAp0WwbjYaEkEZ1iA9zUm8FcwAJA4NWMsfiWxtwQB09rq5GrFKt6Z2GkCDlZiv22LjxSq_vzK2rSmy3kt398i-yliG2lHPY561UMjNeY2hU72vtGNbswTx1Nphkoj4G/s1600/IMG_3146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzenfaWvzM8EghhMAp0WwbjYaEkEZ1iA9zUm8FcwAJA4NWMsfiWxtwQB09rq5GrFKt6Z2GkCDlZiv22LjxSq_vzK2rSmy3kt398i-yliG2lHPY561UMjNeY2hU72vtGNbswTx1Nphkoj4G/s320/IMG_3146.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Here's why. This fantastic gadget peels, cores, and slices the apples. If they are hard, it is a snap. If they are soft.... it turns to a mushy, mashy mess.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggakzaFTFW73aYoPhURqIHeePolIWrSZn2MGokh_f7cwF1RQU_dnI-0_yNt8VPnWh98jcpF4m1MVqxbfaOrKCwmURGNbDMEWRaiUo3FCYV7Pesg3Wx68-72n-DsuPeDu7tVCd9RPvP8i8C/s1600/IMG_3175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggakzaFTFW73aYoPhURqIHeePolIWrSZn2MGokh_f7cwF1RQU_dnI-0_yNt8VPnWh98jcpF4m1MVqxbfaOrKCwmURGNbDMEWRaiUo3FCYV7Pesg3Wx68-72n-DsuPeDu7tVCd9RPvP8i8C/s320/IMG_3175.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> We make chunky applesauce.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Dried Apples.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuWYoH53zkp_tvkG31qyKeGRSLqoz8Vv0nr9Z6ugemR9NJ6lKzAOLUTG10wduGjNO-_i9nSGKVnehr68hvujU_rF4aQy4eYQFazzrtVji29YqAed_h_2vhTTpymB6sSln84P7IYHRq2ODP/s1600/IMG_4140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuWYoH53zkp_tvkG31qyKeGRSLqoz8Vv0nr9Z6ugemR9NJ6lKzAOLUTG10wduGjNO-_i9nSGKVnehr68hvujU_rF4aQy4eYQFazzrtVji29YqAed_h_2vhTTpymB6sSln84P7IYHRq2ODP/s320/IMG_4140.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> And the very favorite: APPLESAUCE</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitZIlwtDK6-_x3YJeCvR9YMut_S4Vovw3-eT_QuqjypG7BbgaM1fuzeB_4M_q6LGBtNHGw0M_go3mrUAdfUTsO9m5DqwFwENBmJUg-DBcv9X4gxCzXdMorza3ro2f5di0u3hp3lCpSgEjD/s1600/IMG_3183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitZIlwtDK6-_x3YJeCvR9YMut_S4Vovw3-eT_QuqjypG7BbgaM1fuzeB_4M_q6LGBtNHGw0M_go3mrUAdfUTsO9m5DqwFwENBmJUg-DBcv9X4gxCzXdMorza3ro2f5di0u3hp3lCpSgEjD/s320/IMG_3183.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_rxwpbUHeCYeS8zIUW5Qzh-6yCKKR-PJe5Hrpyh_GNjPK5OoKrblaJKybyEH06xyKkBr6GusWvWz2OjLaMns9z2XT4q947QXKYumXbkOORN6mhKoyg_xwZhjO-b9rja4XQu59VoBeSV0E/s1600/IMG_8746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_rxwpbUHeCYeS8zIUW5Qzh-6yCKKR-PJe5Hrpyh_GNjPK5OoKrblaJKybyEH06xyKkBr6GusWvWz2OjLaMns9z2XT4q947QXKYumXbkOORN6mhKoyg_xwZhjO-b9rja4XQu59VoBeSV0E/s320/IMG_8746.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAUINpfVuT3mMsWctCUi6kXFcuKWFrBxw2ALTN5ZYjzytiRAwlVf6B-80oa7o3bIMzAtkzBN4CXKbfaBM1fNfc5ZQim6jxn8iitz_aQjFKlg9EVlW-JT3eRNinnu1uuSCk5mLicjMwygjl/s1600/IMG_8781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAUINpfVuT3mMsWctCUi6kXFcuKWFrBxw2ALTN5ZYjzytiRAwlVf6B-80oa7o3bIMzAtkzBN4CXKbfaBM1fNfc5ZQim6jxn8iitz_aQjFKlg9EVlW-JT3eRNinnu1uuSCk5mLicjMwygjl/s320/IMG_8781.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtmcmwP2eGFyp27lLElDXDDBzloaWSv4zy0tIJQpV8l07HbqJyS6nb3m58OCaV8k8eF5D3cpU4aWYNqbpr2fxjnw22rwCSpaPth0hca_07b-CU1bDgU0gRjHbeG6Wa24HyRdhyXIId76ho/s1600/IMG_3186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtmcmwP2eGFyp27lLElDXDDBzloaWSv4zy0tIJQpV8l07HbqJyS6nb3m58OCaV8k8eF5D3cpU4aWYNqbpr2fxjnw22rwCSpaPth0hca_07b-CU1bDgU0gRjHbeG6Wa24HyRdhyXIId76ho/s320/IMG_3186.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> OK -- this is a close favorite runner-up: APPLE CRISP.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0xh78si8Ppbte3L2_1TBJCFAUAuDm_bTx867YnmyxVgjkuHbHeyUJwkC2d4nIrO92DKpZHMZXqqkxyVUDO1xcwdEC4WdqmT1E9bMbzCnueAkG264xUa0p1EbPO9Fnf1fg8BU69uodzztv/s1600/IMG_3187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0xh78si8Ppbte3L2_1TBJCFAUAuDm_bTx867YnmyxVgjkuHbHeyUJwkC2d4nIrO92DKpZHMZXqqkxyVUDO1xcwdEC4WdqmT1E9bMbzCnueAkG264xUa0p1EbPO9Fnf1fg8BU69uodzztv/s320/IMG_3187.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFZ-V0x7jmPzvYcp7iDAkJSQnB1nPGjWPt7omyhyphenhyphen2s_IjBETghlydwDQibFyncBVKPxo2zIloPfMyJqGPipa1MfuW1kD8WddRErfFpSZVOExaGKSBxS2idvwgSF0mJkw-RJk57TeIJb3pZ/s1600/IMG_8768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFZ-V0x7jmPzvYcp7iDAkJSQnB1nPGjWPt7omyhyphenhyphen2s_IjBETghlydwDQibFyncBVKPxo2zIloPfMyJqGPipa1MfuW1kD8WddRErfFpSZVOExaGKSBxS2idvwgSF0mJkw-RJk57TeIJb3pZ/s320/IMG_8768.jpg" width="207" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> I couldn't resist putting in this picture from Apple Day last year. So much love going around -- warms a mama's heart it does!!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKrVJsx6iITGfU0L5Bng1yvMNhgupxUpjnMjmV0lo2R5fOmWIm5EianWaiE3nLij9GClOchyphenhyphengIKjjkzCo5jSDpsTAztIBSnNXMfK9S4-w1X1EdzUYog4OYbDQzvKLCqAhbt4dB0YoBDyjs/s1600/IMG_8772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKrVJsx6iITGfU0L5Bng1yvMNhgupxUpjnMjmV0lo2R5fOmWIm5EianWaiE3nLij9GClOchyphenhyphengIKjjkzCo5jSDpsTAztIBSnNXMfK9S4-w1X1EdzUYog4OYbDQzvKLCqAhbt4dB0YoBDyjs/s320/IMG_8772.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Ohhhh ya -- this one too: APPLE PIES</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0_NXkhqVmMoQ58xPR9Dns4adaayLCYF-Dzy6VRcbOPPqRe20-2e0sIKZ2oSpNXjqaHD0fdhtTcuApDJsaF8sI5lLCebsU4UzD5DODTyHyBQR2LZrA0TvGveBW_heiZe6DscezZTIdFzp/s1600/IMG_8773.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0_NXkhqVmMoQ58xPR9Dns4adaayLCYF-Dzy6VRcbOPPqRe20-2e0sIKZ2oSpNXjqaHD0fdhtTcuApDJsaF8sI5lLCebsU4UzD5DODTyHyBQR2LZrA0TvGveBW_heiZe6DscezZTIdFzp/s320/IMG_8773.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It's a lot, I know, and make no mistake -- we are <b><i>exhausted </i></b>by the end of the day, but it's that good kind of exhausted. The kind that lets the heart and body know that it has been a day well spent. Those are the best kind!</span></div>
<br />kristagilbert.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13868337889276546600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3366360350683125570.post-8731448362561563212011-09-28T16:55:00.000-07:002011-12-01T14:17:04.387-08:00Words of Life for Kids<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKnFoz2xiN6oAAysSN2UjJsnoaobVvUCgfim1mpPeHMdlCbPsD9dms808wx5sb7elodKHaKEBKd7OIOXKFUT5WamTVcwWfQo1BelXmy9V8M6Z4Q54v7xqKNpleWlCmsHL4tR-vcH0Skfq7/s1600/sunflower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKnFoz2xiN6oAAysSN2UjJsnoaobVvUCgfim1mpPeHMdlCbPsD9dms808wx5sb7elodKHaKEBKd7OIOXKFUT5WamTVcwWfQo1BelXmy9V8M6Z4Q54v7xqKNpleWlCmsHL4tR-vcH0Skfq7/s320/sunflower.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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Have you ever had the sinking feeling that you just said or did something, as a parent, that has hurt the heart or spirit of one of your children? I had that happen the other day. It wasn't that I meant to hurt her, or that it was intentional... it just happened. The product of carelessness. I didn't say anything directly, but I asked an off-hand question jokingly that communicated a message to her. We can brush these off, but I really don't believe that brings any kind of true peace -- for the parent or child. I have found the only way to navigate those not-so-shining parenting moments is through humility. I told my daughter before bed that I had been careless with my words -- it was a bad joke, and I asked her if she would forgive me. She said she would. I'm always amazed at how quickly my kids forgive. They respond to a humble spirit, and it allows me to point to Christ as the One who gives grace, who authors forgiveness, and who reconciles. My children see that I am not perfect, that I need forgiveness, and that I am continually on a journey. I want them to know the "real," not the "fake,"the authentic, even if it means we have to sit in the mud for a while. <br />
It hurts my heart when I make a mistake with one of my children. I work hard to build them up, to encourage who they are, to make sure they know that God directs their path and has a plan for their life. Then I somehow tear that down in a moment through a spoken word. OUCH. It is no wonder the Bible says in Proverbs 18:21 that the tongue can bring "life or death," or that is says in Proverbs 21:23, "Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble." <br />
We have a choice as parents, we can bring life to our children through our words, or death. Do we take the time to even think about what we are saying? Do we weigh our words carefully, often choosing to remain silent instead of saying how we feel in the moment? Do we fully comprehend the impact our words have on these little hearts in our care? I know for a fact that I could be doing so much more to breathe life. Sometimes it takes a concrete reminder. I know people who put 5 rocks in their pocket. By the end of the day, the goal is to give 5 encouragements and have all of the rocks in the other pocket. Whatever it takes, let us do what we need to be moms and dads who are speak life-giving words. Here are some specific ideas below taken from an <a href="http://www.oh-pin.org/articles/pex-09-encouraging-words-build-c.pdf">article by Karen Stephens.</a><br />
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<div style="color: #1a1a18; font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">• Your skills are really improving; you’ve outdone your- self today!</span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a18; font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">• How kind of you to share toys with your friend. That’s very generous.</span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a18; font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">• You are taking such good care of your pet. He’s so lucky to have you!</span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a18; font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">• Now THAT’S what I call a thorough job! Thanks for picking up your toys.</span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a18; font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">• That’s a great effort; don’t worry about that small mistake.</span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a18; font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">• Keep at it; I know you’ll figure it out. How can I help?</span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a18; font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> • I love the sound of your voice. </span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a18; font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">• You are such a good learner! I’m impressed by your</span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a18; font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">concentration. </span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a18; font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">• I remember when you were first learning that. You’ve</span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a18; font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">come a long way. </span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a18; font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">• You’re so fun around the house; life would be boring</span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a18; font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">without you!</span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a18; font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> • What would I have done without you today? Thanks</span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a18; font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">for cleaning the house with me. </span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a18; font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">• Our car looks spic and span, you’re a real professional! </span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a18; font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">• Great job!</span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a18; font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> • I’m so proud to tell people I’m your mom (dad). </span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a18; font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">• You’ve really improved! That’s great! </span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a18; font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">• It’s wonderful to see you so happy with your</span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a18; font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">performance. </span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a18; font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">• I appreciate your attention to detail. You are one</span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a18; font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">sharp cookie. </span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a18; font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">• Your patience is commendable. Keep at it; I know</span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a18; font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">you’ll get it yet. </span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a18; font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">• I’ve never thought of it that way. How creative!</span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a18; font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> • You’re doing a great job of controlling your anger.</span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a18; font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> • You’re on the right track! That’s using your brain. </span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a18; font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">• You’ve put a lot of careful thought into that. </span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a18; font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">• Way to go! Excellent! Superb! Amazing! Fantastic!</span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a18; font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">• Hey, you’re getting the hang of it! Your practice is really paying off.</span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a18; font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">• Now THAT’S an interesting point.Thanks for sharing it.</span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a18; font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">• Your attitude is a very respectful attitude. I appreciate that.</span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a18; font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">• You solved your problem; how clever! </span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a18; font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">• That is wonderful! Your confidence is really showing! </span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a18; font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">• How sensitive you are to your brother’s feelings. </span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a18; font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">• Your dependability makes life so much easier for me.</span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a18; font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> • I love your sense of humor. How do you think up</span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a18; font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">those jokes? </span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a18; font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">• You hang in there when the going gets tough. You’re a</span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a18; font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">strong person.</span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a18; font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> • Look how much progress you’ve made.You should be</span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a18; font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">proud. </span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a18; font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">• Hey, relax for a while; you deserve a break.</span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a18; font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> • What a good memory you have. That effort deserves a</span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a18; font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">high five! </span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a18; font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">• I really enjoyed your performance. No one could have</span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a18; font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">done it better.</span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a18; font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> • Keep trying; I know you can work this frustrating</span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a18; font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">problem out. </span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a18; font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">• How calm you were when you got that bad news.</span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a18; font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">You are really maturing. </span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a18; font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">• It’s a real gift to me when you do your chores without</span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a18; font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">being reminded. </span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a18; font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">• I have to hand it to you; you did exactly what you set</span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a18; font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">out to do. </span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a18; font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">• Congratulations, you can be proud of your achieve-</span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a18; font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">ment! </span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a18; font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">• I LOVE watching you grow up. You never cease to</span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a18; font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">amaze me.</span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a18; font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> • You are such an interesting person. I can’t imagine life</span></div>
<div style="color: #1a1a18; font: 10.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">without you.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i><u>Here are a few more of my own:</u></i></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">
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</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">I see how thoughtful you were...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">That looked a lot like
Jesus...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">You’re becoming much wiser...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">You were very careful...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">I love being around you...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">You handled that
beautifully...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Way to live out God’s word...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Your creativity inspires me...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">You make me smile so big when...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">You make life fun...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Great choice...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">I’ll bet you feel great...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">I can count on you...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">You are dependable...</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">You shine...</span><span style="font-size: 35pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--></div>kristagilbert.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13868337889276546600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3366360350683125570.post-76966720986984751212011-09-27T13:14:00.000-07:002011-09-27T13:14:09.768-07:00The 3 Card Parenting Solution<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg16tLRRm7a4upo8NsLyCVRe0Aco9lJO-YSFNZrc7UpYTnAPWl6N3VmiaFHOI2fhyphenhyphenw6hceDNg9QrEB5zB6La1lBkR9BnqkHfpCkcbxDuvA5SpS0PbYrwnHp4m0Qh1UsyHTwFUEZkb4Q8rBy/s1600/1%252C2%252C3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg16tLRRm7a4upo8NsLyCVRe0Aco9lJO-YSFNZrc7UpYTnAPWl6N3VmiaFHOI2fhyphenhyphenw6hceDNg9QrEB5zB6La1lBkR9BnqkHfpCkcbxDuvA5SpS0PbYrwnHp4m0Qh1UsyHTwFUEZkb4Q8rBy/s320/1%252C2%252C3.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
There was a time a couple of years ago when emotions were running high in our home with our daughter. I needed a way to communicate consequences to her, without getting drawn in to the heat of the moment. I developed this little 1, 2, 3 card system that worked like a dream. When I started to get some "attitude" about something, I would hand her the card, "Turn that frown upside down." Because we had gone over the cards ahead of time, she knew this was step one. If it continued, she was handed card #2 , and so on. The beauty of this little system is that it takes the emotion completely out of dynamic. It is almost as if the cards are doing the disciplining. Plus, there isn't an opportunity for the all-popular "power struggle" to occur. The frustration is against the cards. :) <br />
This can be created for any child, and the cards can relate directly to an issue, or can be general consequences. The ideas are endless. Have fun with this and try it! I did find that both my daughter and I would smile when I handed her a card. We hardly ever had to get to #2. kristagilbert.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13868337889276546600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3366360350683125570.post-80337005758842789992011-09-18T22:05:00.000-07:002011-09-18T22:05:09.566-07:00Freeze Fruit, then Can it or Jam it....Later<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ZetQQm-wpU6zAX9ugYVVUs3XcPy0E9wC8_aSJ5Me377-mLoBHrTmMw8XKcUqaDYI96lM1hV_Jpd-fMRVXcqxVi1mKY1gODbwS5z8NGQtYhAHBeaR2PIFuL5tBn5vHXLFZp7Q3K0YemIJ/s1600/IMG_2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ZetQQm-wpU6zAX9ugYVVUs3XcPy0E9wC8_aSJ5Me377-mLoBHrTmMw8XKcUqaDYI96lM1hV_Jpd-fMRVXcqxVi1mKY1gODbwS5z8NGQtYhAHBeaR2PIFuL5tBn5vHXLFZp7Q3K0YemIJ/s320/IMG_2015.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We love buying or picking in-season fruit, then jamming (our term for making jam) or canning. The problem is, sometimes we pick or buy, but don't have the time to process it. Here is our solution: the freezer. Freeze the fruit in a box or on a tray. After it is solid, transfer to a ziplock bag, label, and pull out when there is time! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-msx8pUoBuHdL0UEx0m-MqFFA4Zs2q7zYchCwKrX5lu-9bpH7ABYUHdtw_bFBiL7MkO_VPBiC9rBfuG65M-A3EfkDSrv62H2FtjWDEmgGYMD889B8eqMqYZlwYMpcwSMJ1rMrr4e-5b3d/s1600/IMG_2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-msx8pUoBuHdL0UEx0m-MqFFA4Zs2q7zYchCwKrX5lu-9bpH7ABYUHdtw_bFBiL7MkO_VPBiC9rBfuG65M-A3EfkDSrv62H2FtjWDEmgGYMD889B8eqMqYZlwYMpcwSMJ1rMrr4e-5b3d/s320/IMG_2016.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
I also love this because most of the canning season is in the summer, when it is hot and when I don't want to be in the kitchen all day. Come fall, I am ready and excited. I grab my bags and off I go. Obviously this doesn't work with all fruit, but it can work with most, especially if it is jam or fruit butters that you are making. kristagilbert.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13868337889276546600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3366360350683125570.post-42552315177486420352011-09-11T17:11:00.000-07:002011-09-11T17:11:23.645-07:00Teacher Gift: 1st week of school<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi14e6sb_-oYf4Qd841ldVpvZWZEJfhqMqM0YNx2jYCImchY7I0KtiY6v3cR2uFTy98FUOCGv9AppF9UdSG0oUp2U8ug3vT_Fz7-LEVkrK_chwOmDt1Kwona7s6fM7yPJ-YlR1St26FgTBw/s1600/IMG_2867.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi14e6sb_-oYf4Qd841ldVpvZWZEJfhqMqM0YNx2jYCImchY7I0KtiY6v3cR2uFTy98FUOCGv9AppF9UdSG0oUp2U8ug3vT_Fz7-LEVkrK_chwOmDt1Kwona7s6fM7yPJ-YlR1St26FgTBw/s320/IMG_2867.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
This is what I did for my kids' teachers this year for the first week of school. I included <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/64455707/Bloom-school">this note.</a> The flowers are from our garden, and we used a canning jar for the vase. We are very excited about the kids' teachers, and we wanted to let them know!kristagilbert.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13868337889276546600noreply@blogger.com0