tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527512513916011172024-03-13T03:08:21.799-07:00Project Retro a blog by Olivia Stagi-JonesI am Olivia, tough as jerky. I have too many children, loads of family, and a very good life.Oliviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10106931946517844046noreply@blogger.comBlogger85125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-852751251391601117.post-59514273171790984002013-03-28T09:42:00.000-07:002013-03-28T09:42:16.953-07:00Update on Victoria<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> Victoria is doing well and will be coming home tomorrow. We are both anxious, nervous and so much more. Victoria has a mental health issue known as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borderline_personality_disorder" target="_blank">Borderline Personality Disorder</a>. Right now she can not be technically diagnosed until she is 18, because in the mental health world your personality doesn't develop until you are 18. I have been reading a book called</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Stop-Walking-Eggshells-Borderline-Personality/dp/1572246901/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1364488840&sr=8-1&keywords=stop+walking+on+egg+shells" target="_blank"> Stop Walking on Egg Shells</a>, which has made so much sense of so many things from when she was a little girl until now. Victoria suffers from a very deep rooted depression that will take a very long time to help her come out of. We work together as a family to build her up so she can hopefully see what we see one day. Therapy will continue through an IOP, Intensive Outpatient Therapy, program in Stockton 2-3 times a week. It will be a long, slow, intense process and I just have to have hope that my beautiful girl will see a light at the end of the road. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I get asked everyday how are you doing? Well lets be honest in my 38 years of life so far this has been the most difficult thing I have gone through. Some days are better than others. I feel a lot of different emotions to be honest. I am sad she has to feel this way, I am not looking forward to driving so much, I am not ready for the financial strain this will put on our little family. I was just starting to apply for jobs and this all happened. My ever so patient husband and family say this is my job right now. We are taking it one day at a time for now and hope for the best. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I appreciate all your messages, texts and calls. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Just for kicks Whats for dinner?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We are having a jambalaya kind of thing I hope the kids like it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span>Oliviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10106931946517844046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-852751251391601117.post-28894483806814443662013-03-11T09:24:00.000-07:002013-03-11T09:24:00.870-07:00The Last 8 Days of our life.<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Where do I start? First you should read this from my sister.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">People tell you the love you will have for your children is like nothing
else you've experienced before. It is boundless, an all encompassing
feeling that aches in a good way.<br />You obviously have no idea who your child will be, but whoever it is you will love. <br />Mental
illness puts a huge strain on that relationship. When a child struggles
with depression, anxiety and other emotional issues, that love is
stretched, tested in ways unimaginable. <br />My niece struggles with
these problems and I've witnessed the lowest lows and the brightest love
all at the same time. Recently my niece attempted to commit suicide,
which landed her in the pediatric intensive care unit. She had
restraints on her arms because she was combative, a danger to herself
and others. At this point we were told that her liver might be so
damaged that she would need a liver transplant, other complications
could come up and death was a possibility. She needed to be monitored.<br />She
was hallucinating, having delusions that everyone was against her. She
was becoming more agitated and suddenly started to try to rip off her
restraints. She got one off before we got to her. It took 6 people to
hold her down. She screamed at the top of her lungs that she wanted to
go home. She said many things out of anger. My sister got in her face to
talk her down. I could see my sister struggling to try every tactic she
could come up with, while all of us held her down, waiting for the
strong medication in the IV to take effect. What finally broke me down
was when my sister told her daughter she was there to save her. That she
would do everything in her power so that she could live. She wanted to
look at her beautiful face, to take her in every inch of her.<br />In that
moment I understood my sister's deep strength and love. Her daughter
struggling with every fiber of her being against all her mother's
efforts. A mother's love does not quit.<br />The medication finally took effect and my niece calmed down, still having hallucinations but cooperating and even joking.<br />I
will never forget these moments, my sister and her daughter in their
own bubble. The love that radiated from mother to her daughter, in the
darkest time of her young life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My younger sister could not have put it more beautifully.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> When my ex husband drove me home from the hospital on Sunday all I could think was if I didn't push so hard for her to have dinner she would have chocked on her vomit and be dead, he looked over at me and said you are a hero I said no I am a mom. I only slept an hour and a half that night the next morning my sister drove me to the hospital where Victoria was in ICU. When the doctor was telling us what was going on and death, liver transplant were still on the table I couldnt hear anymore, Violet asked all the questions and made all the calls that needed to be made. Victoria was saying things to me in her fit of rage I have never heard from my children, I hate you, I will have your children taken away from you, you should have let me die etc. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I am doing my best to keep things as normal as I can for the rest of my children but inside I feel empty, I cant focus, I want to hold her, feel her hair, tell her it will be OK. I wait everyday for the phone to ring so we can talk, I leave messages for her and when we do talk I keep it light and easy. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">For now we are here and we continue to move forward getting her the help she needs. It is a day by day process. I am seeking therapy for myself to help me cope. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span>Oliviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10106931946517844046noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-852751251391601117.post-36295064863632069832012-10-24T08:26:00.003-07:002012-10-24T08:26:51.022-07:00What I have been doing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vLU1UzfUfzk/UIfy3S2mztI/AAAAAAAAAWA/JstXiOobS6I/s1600/IMG_0420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vLU1UzfUfzk/UIfy3S2mztI/AAAAAAAAAWA/JstXiOobS6I/s320/IMG_0420.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Mouse in a tin<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7DP3Usc6wlo/UIfy_btcg0I/AAAAAAAAAWI/0AF2AkOsMqs/s1600/IMG_0427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7DP3Usc6wlo/UIfy_btcg0I/AAAAAAAAAWI/0AF2AkOsMqs/s320/IMG_0427.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Squirrels<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VtU8zsNSjp8/UIf0AB18hJI/AAAAAAAAAWY/Gicw-n_Oyfo/s1600/DSCN2934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VtU8zsNSjp8/UIf0AB18hJI/AAAAAAAAAWY/Gicw-n_Oyfo/s320/DSCN2934.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
So many giraffes<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u6VoXyjXVlE/UIf0i9eT3YI/AAAAAAAAAWk/7IpWBIhj6Ws/s1600/DSCN2942.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u6VoXyjXVlE/UIf0i9eT3YI/AAAAAAAAAWk/7IpWBIhj6Ws/s320/DSCN2942.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Making my daughter drawing into a doll<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vTtpX3vJTdU/UIf1EguBhuI/AAAAAAAAAWs/uixjs202HSc/s1600/DSCN2943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vTtpX3vJTdU/UIf1EguBhuI/AAAAAAAAAWs/uixjs202HSc/s320/DSCN2943.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Owls coming out of my ears<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJ8z0T8sq9Y/UIfzerCUWGI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/ZjP9AtODCZg/s1600/DSCN2949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJ8z0T8sq9Y/UIfzerCUWGI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/ZjP9AtODCZg/s320/DSCN2949.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Bats<br />
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All of these and so much more can be found in our Etsy store<a href="http://www.stagiworks.etsy.com/" target="_blank"> www.stagiworks.etsy.com</a>Oliviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10106931946517844046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-852751251391601117.post-47557241265215955702012-07-20T13:05:00.000-07:002012-07-20T13:05:42.103-07:00Talking To Children.<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Children are the most interesting creatures on this planet, except giraffes possibly (I'm still trying to figure out what noise they make, do they make a noise?). </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Go ask your kids a question, and I promise you, you'll get one of the most interesting answers you've ever heard.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Or all the questions they ask. The constant badgering may seem annoying, but they're so curious. They ask incredibly thoughtful questions (sometimes) and you might not even notice. My stepson once asked, "Where's a good place to hide when the world ends?" and my fifteen-year-old turned it into a song.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Kids are strange, definitely. They cry over the simplest things, like my daughter right now, she's sobbing over her soda that got drank, and not by her. My other daughter has cried over how high her ponytail was. My son has cried over his Legos. But kids are amazing little things. They bounce back from accidents with only a few tears, maybe anger for a bit, but there's not grudges like adults have. They remember the weirdest things--like that time they went to a restaurant, but not their siblings' birthdays, the words to a song, but not what they did during school that day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">They want to rebel constantly, do what they're told not to do, while other times all they want to do is impress mom and dad and do everything exactly right.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Kids are strange, definitely, but extremely interesting. So next time you talk to your kid, ask some questions, listen to answers, maybe write them down so you can show them when they're older.</span>Oliviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10106931946517844046noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-852751251391601117.post-70092105430249182802012-06-28T08:48:00.000-07:002012-06-28T08:48:08.703-07:00Pimping my sister<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aY8C2IeUED4/T-x1kwgSPVI/AAAAAAAAASw/yRh-g0RUi6c/s1600/Mommy%27sDayOff2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aY8C2IeUED4/T-x1kwgSPVI/AAAAAAAAASw/yRh-g0RUi6c/s320/Mommy%27sDayOff2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Isnt she good? This one is Mommys day off</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WmDcFspRJ8A/T-x1nVsJ4_I/AAAAAAAAAS4/olOTO0yIOEg/s1600/Olive+Oil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WmDcFspRJ8A/T-x1nVsJ4_I/AAAAAAAAAS4/olOTO0yIOEg/s320/Olive+Oil.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The famous Olive Oil</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ywCioDXNdIo/T-x1r1URlLI/AAAAAAAAATA/XyIyBfl68EM/s1600/liza.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ywCioDXNdIo/T-x1r1URlLI/AAAAAAAAATA/XyIyBfl68EM/s320/liza.jpg" width="304" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> This is a family portrait she did of a local family.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> This is the not me</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-om0S2eoOCbA/T-x14sIdkMI/AAAAAAAAATU/9Rhy_PUzwss/s1600/nurse+violet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-om0S2eoOCbA/T-x14sIdkMI/AAAAAAAAATU/9Rhy_PUzwss/s320/nurse+violet.jpg" width="293" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This one is after my other sister who is a nurse.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L0SLkyQaBpo/T-x16DUi5NI/AAAAAAAAATc/deQwGMjOsPw/s1600/sisters0002%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L0SLkyQaBpo/T-x16DUi5NI/AAAAAAAAATc/deQwGMjOsPw/s320/sisters0002%5B1%5D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> This is the three of us </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qDDWdGTmZBc/T-x2QoKSoxI/AAAAAAAAATk/QTXDvI84u0Y/s1600/staff+family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qDDWdGTmZBc/T-x2QoKSoxI/AAAAAAAAATk/QTXDvI84u0Y/s320/staff+family.jpg" width="227" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This one is of a office family</span>.<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">You can find more of her works at our shop </span><a href="http://www.stagiworks.etsy.com/" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">www.stagiworks.etsy.com</a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> we have a special going on right now 30% off everything in the shop use code HOTDAYS.</span>Oliviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10106931946517844046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-852751251391601117.post-43016493643658048172012-06-26T09:42:00.004-07:002012-06-26T09:45:47.926-07:00New items and sales<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So many new things coming to both shop keep your eyes peeled for the new things, new prices and specials.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Look at this lumber Jack doll</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> New clutches I started making. I challenged myself and look I did it. I also got and offer for a shop to sell these besides my own YAY.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> A bunch of new patterns coming to the shop.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Look at this cutie I love the vibrant color</span>! <br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So keep checking both shops everyday for new, up-cycled and great deals everyday. Right now you can get 40% off when you use the code HOTDAY at <a href="http://www.projectrandom.etsy.com/">www.projectrandom.etsy.com</a></span> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">and 30% off using code HOTDAYS at </span><a href="http://www.stagiworks.etsy.com/" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">www.stagiworks.etsy.com</a>.Oliviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10106931946517844046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-852751251391601117.post-81934463373704969322012-06-11T17:09:00.001-07:002012-06-11T17:10:12.495-07:00Shes Gone<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I have been thinking about this post all day today. Where should I start, the beginning I guess :)</span>. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Our somewhat little family has been through a lot lately. My 15 year olds depression seems to be a little bit worse than her therapist had thought, so now we will be going to more groups. I have started Parent Project and find it very informative and much needed. I wish this class was mandatory for all people who have kids. It is a 9 week course once a week for 3 hours an hour away from home, I make it when I can and read the lessons when I cant make it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The three younger kids I think are feeling the loss of life from their mom and that makes me sad. I feel so drained at the end of the day and emotionally done. My husband, God bless this man, said there is nothing left of you when I get home. Something you don't want to hear from your spouse. It made me really think I need to be more mindful in the moment of whatever I am doing. I started watching more kid movies with the little kids and to have them fight over who sits next to me is kinda nice. We planted a garden my husband and I spend some time out there together. We actually had a date day doing our errands the other day and that was much needed. But for the past 2 months there was a growing pain in my heart couldn't put my finger on it until it happened, my 18 year old daughter moved out to start her new job, at Target YAY, and go to college. How do you let someone go that you have put so much work into? This empty feeling is so big I hate it. Don't get me wrong she needs to go and start her life, learn new things, grow and thrive. I just really wasn't expecting feeling like this. I miss her yelling MAM from her room, telling me all about her day, things she wants to do. I miss her in a way I have never missed anyone. I think it is mostly because she is my first child, I had her when I was 19 and some of the time we were growing up together. I did a good job I can confidently say that. I only wish her the best, many blessings everyday, so much joy she doesn't know what to do with it and for the love of ketchup she saves a little money. I love you Mary more than you understand. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I have to do this 4 more times oh man! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Whats for dinner? I am having a quesadilla with an egg and avocado.</span>Oliviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10106931946517844046noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-852751251391601117.post-37754536737419645742012-04-19T11:16:00.000-07:002012-04-19T11:16:20.873-07:00Realizations<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Hi everyone I wanted to check in and let you know whats been going on over her in my part of the universe. Carting the kids around to various activities, Tiv to therapy, prom dress shopping with my 17 year old, kids being sick here and there and a couple of mile stones for me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">First my baby is turning 18 in a few weeks and will be off to college I know I have talked about it before but it is getting closer and I am seeing growth in her I have never seen before. To see your child transform is amazing. I almost feel sorry for my last one I wont want her to go, but we have to cut the cord and let them go. Don't get me wrong my 17 year old has a lot more growing to do but she is doing a great job, I couldn't be more proud.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Tiv has been making good progress in therapy and we are learning so much in the sessions too. We are required to attend the same sessions that she is in so we all can learn the same things, cant complain its going well. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As for me I am in the beginnings of a spiritual journey and learning about myself on a different level. I had a light bulb moment while driving the other day. I don't know quite how to word this so I will try my best. I kept having kids to fill some void I was feeling inside. Children love parents unconditional when they are babies they look at you so lovingly, they trust you and just need you. I was also trying to maintain happiness in a broken relationship. I do not live with regrets or look back on how I could have done things better if I had only done this or that. I like to move forward and deal with what I have been given in the best way possible. Which leads me into my next revelation I am a professional mom. I was given these children to raise and take care of the best I can. There are hard times any mother will tell you but I have been truly blessed to be able to stay at home and be here for my kids when they need me for the smallest thing to the biggest thing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Whats for dinner? I am not sure what I am in the mood for yet so lets say chefs surprise :) </span>Oliviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10106931946517844046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-852751251391601117.post-9574974881886434932012-03-20T09:17:00.000-07:002012-03-20T09:20:22.469-07:00My craft space<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here is my craft space I have been wanting to post pictures right when I moved but life happens and this is when I got around to it. </div>
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Here is the table my husband and I built together. We bought the top laminate piece from Home Depot and used old kitchen cabinets to hold it up. We went back and forth many time as to how to put it together, functionality etc. Below you can see my littlest one has claimed under the table as her club house.</div>
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This is where the sewing magic happens. I got this table from my dad and have hauled it with me for years and I am so happy I finally get to use it for my sewing. The bins below hold felt and odd and ends of fabric. The cabinet all the way on the left holds all my pretty fabric, I realize now I should have opened it. </div>
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My cutting tools, decorations from the kids.</div>
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My books, some embroidery thread, and my lovely metal box that holds all my buttons and misc.</div>
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This is my ironing table area. I used to do most of my creating here and have everything all over the counters but now that I have the table I have more space to lat out fabric.</div>
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On the other end of the garage, aka my craft room, is my husbands area. Just so you don't think I have all the room in this house taken up my husband does have a whole building to himself on one end of our property, we are just waiting for our landlord to put power out there.</div>
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Well thats it, my craft space. I see all these pictures of cute craft rooms and get so many ideas but I cant make it work in this space. I one day hope to move into the house and have one of the bedrooms for my space. As for now I am very blessed and fortunate to have this bit of space. I am also very, very blessed to have a husband who understands my creativity, and how therapeutic my crafts are for me. Thanks Babe!</div>
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Have a good day all!!</div>
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Whats for dinner? We are having homemade chicken strips, mashed potatoes and green beans.</div>Oliviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10106931946517844046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-852751251391601117.post-13798474580069652662012-03-19T09:09:00.001-07:002012-03-19T09:09:30.799-07:00Busy week!<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
So this week is getting off to a great big batch of pink eye at my house. I have 2 kids home today husband picking up meds for them this morning while at his physical therapy appointment, a lot of praying its only these 2. Had a great relaxing weekend catching up on housework, small projects and quality husband wife time. We have a busy week ahead therapy appointments, I clean 2 houses, my husbands 4 kids have this week off so they will be coming on Wednesday, and my sisters going to Las Vegas this weekend and the baby aka "Beefy", will be with us Friday night to Monday night. </div>
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Now on to a project I have going on 3 boys dolls and 1 girl doll, faces on the boys were not right for me so after staring at them for a few days I pulled some buttons out and they look so cute now. I like to take my time with the dolls I make I want them to look how I have pictured them in my head. This set of dolls I am working on right now have many details as far as their clothing and such. I am hoping for a good chunk of time today to get them more together. </div>
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Well I hope you guys have a great week and I hope to check in again soon.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Whats for dinner? Corned beef sandwiches yummmm</span>Oliviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10106931946517844046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-852751251391601117.post-71728285743934928442012-03-19T08:35:00.001-07:002012-03-19T08:35:26.074-07:00Wild Olive: a heart-felt giveaway<a href="http://wildolive.blogspot.com/2012/03/heart-felt-giveaway.html?spref=bl">Wild Olive: a heart-felt giveaway</a>: When the book, Fa la la la Felt came out, I was delighted with it. I've never really had a huge desire to write my own book, but this was...Oliviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10106931946517844046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-852751251391601117.post-87872834455924102922012-03-15T09:15:00.001-07:002012-03-15T09:15:28.546-07:00Life is going on here<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So this past few weeks have been so crazy around here. My 15 year old daughter is in intense therapy and hour away from our home,So we drive there 2 times a week in the evening, my husband had shoulder surgery, my house is not clean by my standards and we got a puppy, I feel so disconnected. Why? I have weeks where everything is great and moving forward and then I have a few days where I just lose sight of myself, my dreams, goals and everything. I am not writing this blog for pity but to check in with you guys. I read a book recently The Four Agreements and it was an eye opener for me to really look at</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> how I want to live my life and what I should be practicing with my kids. The four agreements are 1- to be impeccable with your word, 2- to not take anything personally, 3- to not assume, 4- to do my best. The first thing I did was start to love my body the way it is stop finding all my imperfections and just love it because it is mine. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> I have also really tried to not assume things about people. This can be hard, we live in a very judgmental society. This really is one to work on with the kids too, they come home and want, want, want and its mostly because other kids have things. They assume I can afford things on a whim for them, that their friends are rich because they have things, you know not important things but this is where it starts with the little things. My son who goes through shoes faster than anyone I have ever met assumed I could just go out and buy some no big deal. I took this opportunity to show him the calender the bills we have to pay and when I could buy him some shoes, he is only 8 but somewhat understood what I was teaching him, money doesnt just show up around here we work for it. </span><br />
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To not take anything personally wowzers how hard is this one for me, I am like a walking emotional cloud or ray of sunshine depending on the day. But I learned I just need to do things for my own inner happiness not to hear someone else say good job, I can tell myself "hey you made on hell of a dinner tonight". I am a pretty good cook, friend, sister, awesome wife and a great mom. </div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Everyday I pray, sometimes several times and I always end it with let me do my best today with everything I do. Thats all I can ask for to do my best and to be in the moment of what ever I am doing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Whats for dinner? I think we are having grilled cheese and tomato soup. Its raining here so that sounds good. </span>Oliviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10106931946517844046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-852751251391601117.post-89541549228025683712012-03-01T16:49:00.000-08:002012-03-01T16:49:04.179-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Arent these little guys and girls cute? I made them from this </span><a href="http://wendigratz.blogspot.com/index.html" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">pattern here</a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">. I am taking orders and selling them for Easter or just as a treat for your little one.</span>Oliviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10106931946517844046noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-852751251391601117.post-54378889147365523702012-02-16T08:34:00.000-08:002012-02-16T08:34:30.607-08:00Look<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I was the topic of someone else blog today check it out</span><a href="http://wendigratz.blogspot.com/2012/02/show-tell-rag-dolls.html" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> here</a>.Oliviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10106931946517844046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-852751251391601117.post-40341696192979454112012-02-14T11:50:00.000-08:002012-02-14T11:50:21.448-08:00Face care<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I am a loyal Olay girl have been for about 10 plus years now. I use these two in the morning after I put my conditioner in my hair I apply a quarter size amount of Olay blemish control to the palm of my hand and a small amount of water then apply to my face. I leave it on while I wash the rest of myself and when it comes to taking it off I don't just rinse it away I use a washcloth to make sure I get all the soap residue. When I am done drying off I apply the Olay complete UV lotion.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">At night before bed I was my face with Olay age defying face wash, I leave it one for a few minutes, I will usually apply and go ask the kids if they have their outfits picked out for the next day. After I wash is off with warm water on a washcloth I apply a small amount of Olay regenerist and a recent addition to my regime has been the Nivea I will apply that after the Olay regenerist, just a small amount and massage my face a little.</span><br />
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Now this might not be what you want to do but I thought I would share what I use and how I do it. Ever since I can remember My aunts and my grandmother really stressed how important it is to take care of your skin so its just part of my life. As far as cost well here ya go</div>
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Olay Total effects blemish control- $7-$8</div>
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Olay complete lotion- $6-$7</div>
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Olay age defying wash- $6-$7</div>
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Olay Regenerist lotion- $18</div>
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Nivea I have no idea the kids got it for Christmas and gave it to me. </div>
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I use coupons and wait for sales for these things I try to never pay full price for them.</div>
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Have a great day all!</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Whats for dinner? We are having pancakes! Heart shaped of coarse.</span> <br />
<br />Oliviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10106931946517844046noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-852751251391601117.post-41766668335970367412012-02-06T08:27:00.000-08:002012-02-06T08:27:07.882-08:00Goals???<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Goals</span> </b></span><br />
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So how has your new year been so far? Ours has been good. Have you kept up with your goals? </div>
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You can read about my goals <a href="http://projectrandom13.blogspot.com/2011/12/goals-for-2012.html">here in this post</a>. We have been doing very well with some and maybe not with others.</div>
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We haven't eaten fast food at all!! YAY!!</div>
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I cant report if I have lost any weight yet I do not want to weigh myself until March. </div>
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I haven't been blogging twice a week and I am working on that now!</div>
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Exercise well lets see that depends on how you look at it, do you count raking the yard? Cleaning a house moving for 3 straight hours? I have been doing these kinds of things, does that count?</div>
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200 sales in my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ProjectRandom?ref=si_shop">Etsy shop</a> I am on my way I am currently at 133.</div>
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Four more houses to clean I am still working on this, and had some things come up that actually might work out better, I will tell you more about that later.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">20 doll sales- I have been working very hard making and creating new dolls as soon as I finish them I will post pictures, one of them will be for sale. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Whats for dinner? We are having Tacos yum!</span><br />
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<br />Oliviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10106931946517844046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-852751251391601117.post-58863307550559894872012-02-02T10:24:00.000-08:002012-02-02T10:25:05.608-08:00Why Not<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I am having a Why Not sale in my </span><a href="http://www.projectrandom.etsy.com/" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">shop</a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> today everything is 25% off go check it out!You can have your pick of anything in the shop! Look at these gems.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"> <span style="color: red;"> </span></span>Oliviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10106931946517844046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-852751251391601117.post-30512726171116157182012-02-02T08:00:00.000-08:002012-02-02T08:00:03.227-08:00Thursday Things<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Surly Sue</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">These are new patterns coming to <a href="http://www.stagiworks.etsy.com/">Stagi Works etsy shop soon</a>. Have you been in to see our other newly added patterns lately? We have great stick figure patterns, our line of Surly Sue is off to a smashing start. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Whats for dinner? Leftovers for us tonight! </span><br />
<br />Oliviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10106931946517844046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-852751251391601117.post-61937570535041103072012-01-30T08:00:00.000-08:002012-01-31T12:27:07.672-08:00Stagi Works<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> My sister Melissa and I opened a shop together a few months ago named project stockpile, selling all different craft supplies and such. A month or so into it we got to thinking why couldn't we do embroidery patterns? So we started selling patterns and art from my sister Melissa. We thought our shop name doesnt really reflect what we are doing here so the name game began. We came up with Stagi Works. Stagi is our maiden name and works is to pay om-age to our parents shop San Jose Stove Works. It seemed fitting, our shop is a bunch of our "works" of art. I hope you enjoy going through our <a href="http://www.stagiworks.etsy.com/">store</a> and maybe finding a thing or two you might need or maybe just want!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Here are a few patterns:</span><br />
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<tr style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.stagiworks.etsy.com/">Larry Jones</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span>Oliviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10106931946517844046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-852751251391601117.post-26888324594738179102012-01-27T09:36:00.000-08:002012-01-27T09:36:46.662-08:00Chickens <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So to be a little more country we got chickens.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The great thing about our new house it gives us the ability to have them. The previous owner of this house used to raise peacocks, swans and deer I guess. There is a little out building on the side of our property the we turned in to the hen house. We started off with five chickens and now have four. We woke up one morning to her just being gone. My five year old wanted to make missing signs, we all got a good laugh out of that one. It was the one chicken who would walk up to you like she was saying good morning. </span><br />
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They dont require much work as long as you are on top of it. I love going out there in the morning to give them some scraps of food and they all come running over, they run pretty fast. The kids love to go get eggs everyday, hold them and play with them. We are thinking of getting more during March so it is warmer for chicks. Did you know they have chickens that lay eggs that are green, and blue? Have a good day all!!!</div>
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Whats for dinner? We are having beans and rice tonight I cant wait!!!</div>
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<br />Oliviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10106931946517844046noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-852751251391601117.post-27050897641331823372012-01-26T12:00:00.000-08:002012-01-26T12:00:41.859-08:00Questions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have a couple of questions for you today dear readers. Everyday I find myself wanting to blog about raking the yard for exercise, my wonderful husband, how raising kids can suck sometimes, one chicken ran away etc... </div>
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Then this morning I thought why not ask you what you like to read, I want to get to know the people who take time from their busy lives to read my words.</div>
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1- What interests you about this blog? </div>
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2- What topics do you want to see?</div>
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Please share I would love to see what you want to read.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Whats for dinner? We are having yummy grilled cheese and tomato soup</span>.<br />
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<br />Oliviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10106931946517844046noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-852751251391601117.post-7175942743506970282012-01-12T11:55:00.000-08:002012-01-12T11:55:47.634-08:00Being a Mom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One of the hardest most underpaid jobs around I think. I do everything I can for my kids and still teach them lessons that I feel they need to know. I am truthful, respectful, open and honest with all of our kids, my 5 and my husband has 4, we are a modern day Brady Bunch. There are times when I feel overwhelmed with all the kids and trying to give everyone the attention they need. I don't spoil them with possessions I try really hard to teach them you have to work for things, so I say no a lot. </div>
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We had a really hard time this last Christmas if it were not for our families our kids would have had no gifts. We struggle just like every-other family, we make it a point to tell our kids when they complain that we have a roof, food on the table and we are all pretty healthy. </div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">There are times when I hear about my kids friends what they have, are doing and I get a little down but then I remember the kind of family we are and how much my kids love our home we have created. I could not be more proud of my kids they are so smart, caring and conscience of people around them. Don't get me wrong there are some mornings I wake up and the shouting between siblings has started before they even get out of bed. They think I ignore them and I don't, its just for me I pick my battles what lesson can I teach from what ever they are yelling about, and will we be laughing about this later? For example yesterday my 8 year old son had a piece of glass in his knee it took 45 minutes to get it out, the girls all laughed at his crying, I got frustrated and walked away to make our dinner many times and in the end when he looked away I pulled it out. While we ate dinner we all laughed about it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> I have been asked several times over the last 17 years of being a mom "who does a better job stay at home moms or working moms?" We all do our best job that we can. Some moms need to work, some need to stay home I cant judge anyone's situation or why there kid is yelling at the store. I can just know my truth and that at the end of the day I loved my kids as best as I can, I hugged them, kissed them and listened with all my heart.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Have a great day all!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Whats for dinner? We are having BLTs, and a salad. </span>Oliviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10106931946517844046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-852751251391601117.post-76558416195441528392012-01-11T09:52:00.000-08:002012-01-11T09:52:25.515-08:00New Direction<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
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I have been battling myself the past few weeks over my blog, should I keep it, shut it down, start new??? </div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I have decided to change it up. I started this blog to feature things I sell in my shop and I dont want it to be about that I want it to be about my life and all the things that go on around here. I think it will make for better reading and I can share more things I think about not what I think I should be blogging about. What do you all think?</span><br />
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I want to tell you all about our chickens, how I made cinnamon rolls, crafts I make, crafts the kids make, what I made for dinner you get the picture.</div>
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Whats for dinner? We are having lemon chicken, rice and sauteed green beans. </div>
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<br /></div>Oliviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10106931946517844046noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-852751251391601117.post-36649133983600517652012-01-01T15:44:00.000-08:002012-01-01T15:46:01.250-08:00New Dolls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I made my nephews dolls for Christmas take a look</span>.Oliviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10106931946517844046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-852751251391601117.post-11547056848394896412011-12-20T09:47:00.000-08:002011-12-20T09:47:29.697-08:00Mystery Bags<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I am trying a couple of new things in my </span><a href="http://www.projectrandom.etsy.com/" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Project Random sho</a><a href="http://www.projectrandom.etsy.com/" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">p</a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">. I bundled some<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/88973888/bundle-of-1970s-womens-patterns"> patterns</a> and started making "</span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/88975250/grab-bag-of-craft-supplies" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">mystery bags</a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">". Doesn't everybody love a mystery? I of course take pictures of what is going to be in the bag and you can see what you will be getting in the mail. I have collected so many odds and ends of crafting things and I really had no idea what to do with them. I woke up in the middle of the night remembering going to the Salvation Army with my grandma and we got to pick a "grab bag" of toys. I think this will help draw traffic to my shop, fingers crossed. I have</span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/88975250/grab-bag-of-craft-supplies" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> one</a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> posted so far take a peek</span>.<br />
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I think its a good thing if I do say so myself. Have a great day all!!</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Whats for dinner? Chicken and green olives over here.</span><br />
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<br />Oliviahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10106931946517844046noreply@blogger.com0