Ten on Wednesday

Let's see, I wonder how long it has been since I did a Ten on Tuesday post... in any case, I think I'm turning the mental corner back towards crafting, writing, etc... instead of just reading in all spare moments. Only time will tell if as I do tend to shift back and forth.

1.  Yes, I have completed my December Daily--- I documented all the way through January 3rd!  I "may" take pictures of the days from Dec. 22-Jan 3rd... but we shall see. At the moment, I'm happy to close the book on that project. I do like the neat row of December Daily albums and love looking through them with our kids.

2. Swimming- over Christmas break, B was promoted from "Sapphire" to "Ivory."  The good news is he is getting faster and it is a big deal to move up a level. It does mean one extra additional day of practice a week (for a total of five) and, of course, the distances in practice get longer and the time to complete the sets get shorter.  So far, due to weather and holidays we haven't actually had a five days of practice week and I'm guessing it won't happen this week (probable ice storm) or next (his birthday party).  So maybe we'll make it there before the end of the short course season. He does happily still seem to really enjoy it and improved his times in the most recent race.

3. Horses -  riding - this remains M's activity of choice/passion/one true love.  Grandma gifted her with Holly Jolly Horse Camp as her Christmas present and she adored every bit.  She loved mucking out stalls almost as much as riding and was a font of new information each day.  She continues to take lessons for an hour a week and would probably live in the horse barn if that were an option. Her Christmas was filled with lots of horse related items and she spent her Christmas money on even more horse toys.  Obsession! I'm glad that she has found something she loves.

4. E - E does not have any activities per se.  He does really like snuggling me and we emphasized doing that part of every day of break.  He is also pretty fond of his hot wheel cars/tracks and all the newly aquired nerf guns.  Lately, he has persuaded B to read him a book in bed each night, which is tremendously adorable. I love the way our children's relationships are growing of late.  E is VERY tired in the morning as we shift back to school.  We all got pretty used to sleeping in.  I hear he has taken up napping at school, which is good for everyone. He is very sweet and polite right now, which is awesome---- save for when he is not, of course.

5. Brent is heading in to a harder semester.  He has more students in his classes than usual and more sections of his classes/labs than is normal.  Also, this is the spring semester which means he is also trying to plan and set up all the camps for the summer. Usually sometime around March I can feel the stress ratcheting up.  It is not fun.  Maybe this year will be better/easier as they have done it more than once now? It is tricky.

6. My big project for the last six months (off and on) has been helping with my job's search for its next president.  We locked that down last week in a flurry of last minute things.  Now, I'll move to help with the transition along with my normal load.  I did get a big raise and a slightly new title as the year begin, which is awesome.  I'm also doing the Yoga Revolution - 31 days of Yoga series.  I'm about 2 days behind due to our journey to Tulsa over the weekend, but finding it challenging and just the right length for a daily practice.

7.  Disney World - We are going to Disney World for Spring Break.  I'm not quite sure how we're getting there yet, but may actually be driving as the plane tickets are obscene, and hey, we should show the kids more of the country, right? Planning has been a bit more involved than I anticipated, but the kids helped pick out what rides they most wanted to do (and get FastPasses) for yesterday so progress is being made.  It feels a little overwhelming as a new to the Disney universe person, but this is going to be tons of fun, right?

8. Gather - my one little word for 2017 is going to be "Gather." It came to me as I reflected on the many holiday gatherings we had and how much I enjoyed them. It is my element and a strength.  Prior one little words have often been areas that I need to focus work on to improve or change.  This one is about embracing something that is so essentially me.  Looking to 2017, I'm playing to my strengths---gathering hope, courage, bravery, perseverance, people, knowledge, inspiration, challenges, opportunities, new experience and adventures and more.  I've begun by signing up for the Oklahoma Policy Institute's State Budget Summit to try and learn more about the Oklahoma budget I so often rail against.  I'm planning to be much more active this legislative session.  I'm also going to look for ways to gather people to our house as much as possible, and much more.

9.  Tulsa Trip - We flew out the door to Tulsa Friday afternoon on the idea that it might be better to drive on the snow while the sun was up and other people were driving than it would be to leave on hard frozen streets at like 6 am.  B had a swim meet in Tulsa and we had planned a weekend with the Wainrights.  So as soon as I finished the post-president electing debriefs with my colleagues we rushed out the door. We arrived in the middle of a game night with their friends and stayed until almost noon on Sunday.  Chrissie watched our younger kids while Brent and I went to the swim meet with B.  We played games, crafted, watched random shows on Netflix, read, snuggled kids, and then did it all again.  The weekends we spend with them whether at our house or theirs are a great blessing and truly relaxed and wonderful.  I feel so lucky to have their entire family be close to our entire family.  SO amazing. I'm already looking forward to whenever we manage to do it again!

10.  Babies -

Alice - is not yet here.  Kari's due date was earlier this week and we're all anxiously awaiting Alice's arrival.  I am irrationally excited about snuggling our very first niece and about all the fun to come. She will likely arrive by the 17th if not earlier!

Thatcher - My sister is also pregnant and has settled on a name for our sixth nephew.  I have no idea what it will be like to have two family babies again, especially so close in age! I am beyond thrilled that they will get to grow up together and we'll get to be a frequent presence in their lives.  Thatcher is scheduled to arrive in late March/early April so all the cousin fun and snuggling is just beginning!

One Little Word - 2014 & 2015

"One Little Word® is about pinpointing one guiding principle and then walking with that word throughout the year. " - Ali Edwards

I have participated in One Little Word (OLW) in one way or another for three or so years.  

My earlier words were:

2011: Savor
2012: Grow

2014: Strong - Strong was a good word for last year.  I wanted to work on the idea of being strong in a number of ways and I did. I liked having that little mantra or push in the direction of my goals.  I made the word visible with the script word art in our home and a beautiful bracelet from my mother-in-law that I wore when I needed a little reminder. Some aspects of strong are hard to really enumerate. One clear example of commitment to being mentally and physically strong is that I have exercised for at least 30 minutes for the last 285 days.  I've also learned to incorporate more strength training into my regime so I am injured or sore less.  

I haven't yet been truly successful in the mental strength to continually make good healthy food choices on a consistent bases despite several tries in 2014.  Exercising daily requires me to make one good decision each day.  Making good consistent food choices requires many more decisions and more commitment. These are just two examples of how strong has resonated this year.  Many more are just little things.  I feel like, in general, the concept of working on being strong is progressing though and that the idea of "strong" in more areas of my life has been a great word for the year that will carry forward with me. 

And now for 2015 - Play! - This year's word is play.  It has slowly emerged over the last few weeks as these things often do.  In 2015, I want to play more.  I want to play with words, ideas, food, our kids, my husband, ideas, art, and new experiences.  I want to experiment, enjoy, laugh, connect, and have fun.  Those things should be automatic, but sometimes they aren't for me.  Sometimes I am too in my electronics or my job or whatever and don't take enough time to relax into the moment and enjoy, to focus on play, to embrace silly.  I'm not sure where this word will take me, but want to be open to the opportunities to play however or wherever I find them. 

In this exercise, we always begin with the definition and thesaurus--- here we go!

Most of the definitions were off point from my concept of the word, but I've included them anyway to show the full range of possibilities of the word.  

play

 noun \ˈplā\

Definition of PLAY

1

a :  swordplay

b archaic :  game, sport

c :  the conduct, course, or action of a game

d :  a particular act or maneuver in a game: as (1) :  the action during an attempt to advance the ball in football (2) :  the action in which a player is put out in baseball

e :  the action in which cards are played after bidding in a card game

f :  the moving of a piece in a board game (as chess)

g :  one's turn in a game play

>

2

a obsolete :  

b :  amorous flirtation :  dalliance

3

a :  recreational activity; especially :  the spontaneous activity of children

b :  absence of serious or harmful intent :  jest play

>

c :  the act or an instance of playing on words or speech sounds

d :  gaming, gambling

4

a (1) :  an act, way, or manner of proceeding :  maneuverplay

 to get your fingerprints — Erle Stanley Gardner> (2) :  deal, venture

b (1) :  the state of being active, operative, or relevantplay — M. R. Cohen>play> (2) :  brisk, fitful, or light movement play of colors>(3) :  free or unimpeded motion (as of a part of a machine);also :  the length or measure of such motion (4) :  scope or opportunity for action (5) :  a function of an electronic device that causes a recording to play

5

:  emphasis or publicity especially in the news mediaplay

 in the American press — Hugh MacLennan>

6

:  a move or series of moves calculated to arouse friendly feelings —usually used with make play

 for the girl — Will Herman>

7

a :  the stage representation of an action or story

b :  a dramatic composition :  drama

Synonyms: 

• action
• ball
• beguilement
• cheer
• delight
• diversion

• enjoyment
• entertainment
• field day
• fun
• fun and games
• gladdening

• gratification
• grins
• high time
• hilarity
• hoopla
• laughs

• laughter
• merriment
• merry go round
• mirth
• picnic
• 
  
• pleasing
• pleasure
• regalement
• whoopee

Five on Friday - Healthy thoughts

One of the things I am working on as part of my One Little Word 2014 ---Strong--- is health in general.  I want to be stronger in body, mind, and spirit.  Lately, that has been thinking more consciously about food, which is a serious weakness of mine.  I'm also working on exercise plans that make me stronger--- not just cardio, which is where I tend to focus as I like the endorphins of a good run or zumba or whatever makes me breathe hard.  My body needs to build strength too and, fascinatingly, that strength will help the other "cardio" be more effective too.

Anyway, enough musings, here are some of the healthy tools in my arsenal just now.

1.  Eat Food.  Not too much.  Mostly Plants - M. Pollan. -- This is a quote from Michael Pollan. He writes a lot about "food" ---which is a defined term to him, and what we're eating now.  I don't agree with all of it, nor have I read all of it, but this mantra seems to be helping me make better choices right now.  (His NYT article on the subject is here--- the tips at the end are good). 

2.  Ballet Beautiful Body Blasts- For me, these are hard.  I tried them first maybe a year ago, but got frustrated.  I am trying again and accepting that I can't do all of the reps in a row right now, but that if I keep practicing I will be able to eventually.  The "Swan Lake Arms" is tough.  No weights or anything complicated, just your own body and repeated movements of lifting and lowering as in the ballet.  My arms/back were sore the next day and I had a much better appreciation of the ballet itself.  I also have tried the other blasts and have similar thoughts. (Note.  This is available for free streaming via amazon if you have amazon prime.)  

3.  Yoga Meltdown - This is not "quite" a normal yoga practice.  It is a Jillian Michaels take on Yoga and there for much less...calm? I'm not a huge Jillian Michaels fan, but do like this series even though it is a bit nontraditional.  (Also free to stream via amazon prime.)

4. Spark People -- Sort of like weightwatchers tracking software, but delightfully free (there are lots of ads). You can make it a game and earn points for a variety of things as well as keep a food journal online or on your phone. There are a variety of plans and options for goal setting that should fit a variety of approaches to healthy living. 

5.  Healthy "treats" -- the reality is I'm not really giving up carbs or the occasional "treat." I am looking for ways to make things I love more healthy.  These One-Bowl Whole Grain Pear Breakfast Donuts are an example.  They are full of whole grains, no oils, fruit, and goodness, but also a treat my kids love.  Another example is cauliflower.  Here is my recent "spin" on an old favorite.  

I normally make cauliflower like this (via Orangette) and love it. However, I wanted something a bit more snacky and with more pizzazz.  I discovered there are A LOT of cauliflower recipes on my pinterest vegetables board.   I didn't actually use one directly, but this is like the popcorn cauliflower mentioned in a few of them.

Cauliflower "popped"

Ingredients:

• 1 head of cauliflower -- break into very small florets -- like the size of popcorn chicken
• Savory Spice's Panhandle Chicken Fried Steak Seasoning (to taste - I used a heaping 1/4tsp with a small head of cauliflower)
• 1 T. Panko (or other) bread crumbs
• 1 T. Olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Toss olive oil and cauliflower on a rimmed baking sheet. Then mix with bread crumbs, salt and Panhandle Chicken Fried Steak seasoning.  Bake for 15 minutes -- stirring occasionally.

I topped my resulting cauliflower with 1 T. of Cashews and 1 T of dried cranberries and had a truly wonderful lunch. I hope you enjoy it too!

OLW Blog Hop January 2012

It has been a few months since I last participated in the Monthly One Little Word Blog hops.  My level of participation in the creative aspect of the One Little Word experience has waxed and waned.  There have been months where I didn't even open the prompt.  Then, in August, I did months of prompts all at once before again relaxing back a bit.

The prompt for December asked us to look back at our thoughts and feelings about our 2011 word, to record them, to ponder saying good-bye, and to consider how our word may continue with us. 

 "Savor" has been a wonderful word for me this year.   My intentions for this word last January were:

•  Savoring the moment -- not trying to do ten things at once ALL the time.  If my kids are playing, I want to join in more and observe or do my own thing less.  I want to embrace the fleetingness of this time in all its uniqueness and delight in it.  My ongoing journey of finding the joy and marvel in everyday continues.
• Savoring food -- I begin again my fitness and weight loss journey each January.  I want to think more consciously about savoring my food.  I want to really taste all its wonder and not rush through.  I want to pick my food more carefully for what it gives my body as well as the taste.  I know that if I truly enjoy each small wonderful bite I will likely succeed at eating less.
• Savor - I want to add flavor to the lives around me, to enrich my surroundings as only I uniquely can. 

Savoring snuggle time and cooking with my girl -- and accepting that this pictures can be so meaningful to me even though I'm not all made up or fancy. 

Overall I think that: 

• It has been a check point as I make decisions and a reminder when my phone/iPad/computer gets a bit too glued to my hand.  
• It has encouraged me to seek out special things to bring into every day -- more trips to the zoo, science museum, park, playground, farm, or wherever to have more experiences than sitting at home, but valuing those days when we can just sit at home together too.
• Weight loss/food choices was definitely not as successful as I hoped.  That said, I did learn to love exercise more-- and more kinds of exercise.  I did lose some weight and I did go through spurts of making careful decisions and spurts of not focusing at all.  Definitely an area where I will need to continue to focus.
• I found new foods I can make for my family to enjoy and increased the kids involvement in making them. I love sharing the experience of making our food and teaching them little bits over chocolate chips.
• I tried to enrich those around me.  It is hard to know how much I succeeded, but did look for ways to "be a light" as my Dad would say.  I'm not the most "light" of personalities, but want all of those in my life to know how much I value them and try to make their lives more lovely as they enrich mine.

 I feel like it is more than a word for the year for me.  It is a word for life for me and one that I think I plan to keep in my thoughts and actions going forward.  No, I have not always succeeded in savoring as my default mode is pretty fast and multitasking, but having it here with me has kept me more present, mindful and conscious of the beauty of just savoring. 

Savoring looks at living in the moment, my word for 2012 will take us into a new chapter of our lives as a family.  I am still not 100% sure, but I think my word is Grow.   At a very literal level my body is physically growing itself and growing a little one inside.  This will be my story in the first half of the year.  The second half will bring a new growing little one into our home and new changes for us all.  As our family is expanding so is our life experience.  There are other new phases --like kindergarten-- on the horizon.  I hope to grow in other ways as a parent, child, friend, colleague.  I want us all to be more thoughtful, more together, more gentle --- hmmm maybe my word is more?  It just feels like a year of growth in many literal and figurative ways and I am trying to prepare and embrace that change as a person who is not so in to change.  

So what's your word?  (2011 or 2012) I'd love to hear as I'm still pondering both my 2011 experience and looking towards the new year.  I'll send one (or more)  of the commentors a little present after a random drawing next weekend.  Thanks to all of you who joined me with my word this year. I greatly appreciate the support.

 The next step on the blog hop is:   Monica B at www.questtoperfectimperfection.blogspot.com

January 1, 2012 OLW Blog Hop Participants

Margie              http://xnomads.typepad.com

Cheri                         http://cheriandrews.blogspot.com

Veronica            www.veronicanorris.typepad.com

Kara                          http://iwannabemewhenigrowup.blogspot.com/

Rebekah            http://istampscrapcraft.blogspot.com/

Sharyn            http://www.LaVieEnChic.com

Jill                          http://jillconyers.com

Lynn                        www.crafty-creativity.blogspot.com

Monica            http://scrapinspired.com/

Lisa                        http://backtoallen.com/writers_blog

Cynthia H            http://paperpapereverywhere.blogspot.com

Lee                        http://thelinarstudio.typepad.com/embracelife/

Abbey                        http://athomewiththerichardsfamily.blogspot.com/ ----ME!

Monica B            www.questtoperfectimperfection.blogspot.com

Nikki                        http://www.inkyart.com.au

Tere                        http://terecontodomicorazon.blogspot.com/

Melissa S            http://blog.mshanhun.com

Nicky                        http://seejanebake.blogspot.com

Stephanie              http://www.scrapworthylives.com/

Jenn L            www.studiojenn.blogspot.com

Cindy                        http://seriousplay.typepad.com

Amanda            http://scrappnbee.blogspot.com

Sam                  http://learncreatedo.wordpress.com/

Jan                        http://mysimplelittlelife.typepad.com

Jamie                        http://jmpgirl.blogspot.com

Karen                        http://breathenowsmile.blogspot.com/

JYC: Manifesto

Journal Your Christmas with Shimelle begins today as well.  One portion of today's lesson was her Christmas Manifesto for the year.  We are encouraged to write our own, and maybe I will, but I wanted to share the class one with you as well (with her permission) as it is wonderful:

We were also asked to fill in this card before beginning our own thoughts on a Manifesto.   My initial, gut responses are below and interestingly track much of my One Little Word 2011:  "Savor."

Ten on Tuesday

An Tuesday, feels like the week spun so fast that I'm surprised to find myself here again. (Or is it just that I did my last update on Thursday not Tuesday?)

1.  Final wrap-up of DC -- everything, in balance, went well.  My transition home was good.  I actually finished my work a bit early so I could close up shop in a more leisurely manner and say my good-byes, get my hugs and be ready to shift back.  Getting to my house at midnight is not awesome, but being able to make a graceful exit feels good.

2.  After as little sleep as I could handle, Brent and I packed up and headed to the farm for the Dotter family celebration of my Grandpa Dotter's 86th birthday. It was great to be with my siblings as usual, but had a surprisingly wonderful time with my cousins that joined us too.  I loved seeing them spend one on one time with M and we had some great conversations.  I also got to chat a bit more with the birthday boy which is always a treat.  Great fun for everyone I think.

3.  Naps - the great bonus of lots of adults is that I did get to take TWO naps over the weekend which helped so much after a week of 12-14 hour work days (this is a lot when I normally work part-time... at least in theory). I am not a good napper as it takes me longer to fall asleep that my brother's entire nap lasts, but know that I need some to recover from weeks like last week.

4.  Exercise - I took one jog in DC, one at the farm with my siblings, and my longest yet in the neighborhood with M yesterday (complete with new jogging stroller).  I am still going very slow, but feels nice to know that I can jog for 25 minutes now.  (Notice that I say "jog" not "run" as really I am not doing anything so glamorous as really running... if that makes any sense).

5.  Today, I made my own cranberry pear applesauce.  I cobbled it together from a few recipes and it went something like this

• two large apples (Peeled, cored and cut into eight pieces each)
• two medium pears (Peeled, cored and cut into eight pieces each)
• 12 ounces cranberries (I used ones I'd bought and frozen previously, picked over and rinsed)
• 1/2 c. cranberry juice
• 6in x 1 in strip of lemon peel
• juice of 1/2 a lemon
• 1/3 c. brown sugar

I simmered the first six ingredients together for 25 minutes.  Then I added the sugar, warmed the mixture and pureed using an immersion blender.  So delicious. 

6.  Oatmeal pancakes - Have you tried oatmeal pancakes? They are very easy and have an amazing texture.  I make mine from the "Good to the Grain" cookbook and we all love them.  B, arguably our most picky eater, ate pretty much as many as he possible could have (I think maybe 5 small pancakes?).  We serve ours with maple syrup, but also dipped them in some of the applesauce too.  Very tasty.

7.  Halloween activities have begun.  As I think I mention every year there are MANY Halloween events in kids calendars these days.  Our celebrations began with trick-or-treating in the OSSM dorms on Sunday evening.  We decided that with all these events there was no reason to wear the same costumes every time so for the first go-round we had Princess Cinderella and Batman.  I assume we'll get around to the planned costumes at one of these events.  (Remaining events: Two school party days, pumpkin carving, Country's celebration at the ball park, and then..well, actual Halloween).

8.  I read in spurts.  Sometimes, I read a lot and sometimes I scrapbook a lot or do other things like blog.  Just now, I'm reading.  A few months ago, I saw the book "A Discovery of Witches" and was tempted, but the price was pretty steep.  I waited months, and the price is going nowhere and I needed a back up book on the plane as I'd almost finished our book club book (Rules of Civility).  A Discovery of Witches was so good.  It was the first book in quite a long while that I have not been able to put down.  The story feels novel, deep, and complex and the writing is excellent.  For those that notice there are vampires involved, I too am far from the vampire trail in fiction (I've read none of the popular series in this area).  This one though, really worth the read and totally worth the $14 I paid.

9.  Fall - in addition to all the fall activities above we worked on some other fun ones this weekend including a campfire with hot dogs, another with S'mores and one just for warmth on a cold foggy morning.  The leaves are just starting to fall, but our kids have traipsed through the woods with Grandma to check no the animals and the change of season.  We have started taking jackets everywhere and thinking about our walks as some of the last before the days get too short or too cool.  It feels in transition, and for once, I am just moving with it and trying to savor the now (Hmmm maybe my OLW is working...)

10.  I have developed a pretty silly caffeine addiction this year. It has grown slowly since M was born two years ago, but of late it was becoming noticeable.  I don't really want that much goo in my body so I've been cutting back slowly.  To my great surprise, the transition away has not been too painful (literally or figuratively).  I haven't given it up altogether, and don't really plan to, but little touches is much better than multiple diet pepsis a day.  That may be my minor health victory for the moment... or maybe the running... or the love of homemade applesauce.  None of these really move my weight much, but I do "feel" a bit better for it.

That's where we are for the moment.  I'm sure there will be many more stories to tell this week and I'd love to hear yours too.  

OLW Blog Hop - February

February was a bit more low key for me in my focus on Savor.  I continue to work on "unplugging" more, eating less and enjoying it more, moving more and spending time with friends and family.  The nine pictures I selected spoke to that goal. From upper left to right:

1.  This is me and my kids at home the day after Valentine's.  To me this is about my commitment to working only part-time so I get to share in moments like this random photoshoot afternoon with them.  They make my life so much richer than the money I would make working more.

2.  Brent & B made an awesome snowman, complete with tie.  I loved watching them work together, listening to Brent teach B about snowmen, and the happiness it both brought them.  Savoring their joy is sometimes better than my own.

3.  Brent & the kids.  I love how this captures their silly, fun rapport.  They are so good together and make me so happy.  It was a random shot after our weekly family picture, but one of my very favorite moments captured this month.

4. Savoring that sweet boy smile.  So often he seems to be so much more grown up than I can believe, but something about a sock monkey hat and a charming grin make me want to seize this moment and never let go.

5. This is our trailing hearts from Valentine's day (Story here). I am so glad that I stopped to make this and create this fun tradition for our family.  It was awesome.

6. My baby lady - up close and investigating as always.  She makes me smile, laugh and focus in on the moment, in part, because if I don't she will literally slip away to some other mischief.  So beautiful and vivacious.  I love it.

7.  This is my bread rising.  I didn't make bread as much this month, but what we had was divine and this speaks to my ongoing healthfulness challenge.  I began a new fitness project and am 9 days in and doing well. I also re-started WeightWatchers and lost a couple pounds.  Hooray!

8.  Craft time with M - she loves crafts and I love those adorable pigtails!  I spent more time crafting both with the kids and on my own this month, which felt great.

9.  Part of our savoring is spending time with family and friends.  This month that included a trip to Dallas for John's birthday and to see friends and family.  I am do glad we went and will treasure those memories always.

Also - the winner from January's Blog Hop is Lucy Newton.  If she is reading, please email me at abbeyviolet at gmail dot com to claim your prize!  I'm doing another giveaway this month with lots of American Crafts Minimarks Rubbons for those that comment here.  Enjoy the blog hop and I hope to see you next month Your next stop in the blog hop is Nicky!

1.    Margie                          http://xnomads.typepad.com

2.    Monica Bradford              http://scraplifters.blogspot.com/

3.    Jill C                      http://jillconyers.typepad.com/

4.    Miranda                 http://mirandasscrapsite.blogspot.com

5.    Donna                        http://www.donnabryantdurand.blogspot.com

6.    Lynn                             www.crafty-creativity.blogspot.com           

7.    Stacey                        http://www.TheAcornGarden.com/blog

8.    Lisa                                    http://backtoallen.com/writers_blog

9.    Cassie                        http://craftycassiescorner.blogspot.com

10. Abbey                                    http://athomewiththerichardsfamily.blogspot.com/

11. Nicky                                    http://seejanebake.blogspot.com

12. Holly                                    http://lovingrobots.blogspot.com

13. Karen T                                  http://breathenowsmile.blogspot.com

14. Claudia                        http://creative-moms.com

15. Rebekah                        http://istampscrapcraft.blogspot.com

16. Kimberly                        http://foreverdaisies.blogspot.com

17. Kat                                    www.katswonderings.blogspot.com

18. Kristina                        http://ciqis.blogspot.com

19. Jan                                    http://mysimplelittlelife.typepad.com

20. Nikki                                    http://www.inkyart.com.au/

21. Amanda                        www.scrappnbee.blogspot.com

22. Lisa                                    http://luluoz.typepad.com

23. Sam                                    http://learncreatedo.wordpress.com

24. Maureen                        http://cookingmylife.blogspot.com

25. Kristi                                      http://theprojectofme.wordpress.com

26. Tere                                    http://terecontodomicorazon.blogspot.com

27. Karen                                    http://womenontractors.blogspot.com

28. Katrina                          http://k84mansramblings.blogspot.com

29. Monica                         http://questtoperfectimperfection.blogspot.com

30. Mandy                        http://captureandcreate.wordpress.com

31. Lisa                                    http://makeyourownescape.blogspot.com

32. Chrissy                        http://getcraftywithchrissy.blogspot.com

33. Lee                               http://linarstudio.typepad.com/embracelife

34. Jen                                    www.byjen.com

35. Sylvia                                    http://baxtersmom1.blogspot.com/

36. Christianne                        http://christiannemarra.blogspot.com/

37. Cheri                                    http://cheriandrews.blogspot.com

38.  Joy                                    www.undiscoveredjoy.blogspot.com

39.  Beth                                    http://justbebeth.wordpress.com/

40.  Jennifer L                        www.studiojenn.blogspot.com

41.  Kathryn                        www.katlodesigns.com

42.  Heather                        www.scrappyhare.blogspot.com

43.  Cindy                                    http://seriousplay.typepad.com
44. Cynthiau                        http://paperpapereverywhere.blogspot.com/