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The meaning of life

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Do you ever ask yourself why you are here?  What is the meaning of life?  If you believe the Bible, you should know that you were created in the image of God for His glory, with a soul that will last forever.  God knew you before He made the world, because you are part of His eternal plan.

If you believe in evolution, you probably don’t have an answer.  But take heart.  After all, you’ve got thumbs.  That makes you special, right?

Baby Caine

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happy caine 300x225 Baby Caine

Friends,

Thank you to everyone who prayed so diligently for our nephew Caine.  For those who don’t follow us on facebook, I’m thrilled to be the bearer of good news here instead!

After about a week in the ICU, he made a near-miraculous recovery.  On Sunday he was still in the ICU on a high-flow oxygen machine, scheduled for a cystic fibrosis screening in an effort to find the underlying cause of his struggle.  By Monday he was completely off oxygen and ready for release, although they kept him another day to make sure he didn’t relapse.  When he was released Tuesday his breathing was better than it had been since Thanksgiving.

He will be monitored for a while, and will be on steroids for 6 months to help repair the damage to his lungs, but he is doing wonderfully now.

P.S. His mom has requested additional prayer this morning.  She says that after a week of sounding congestion free, he is struggling to breathe some today.

Another Calvin pic

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Will try to write up a birth story today while it’s fresh in my mind.
In the meantime, here’s what I’m doing:

wpid IMAG1131 Another Calvin pic

Snuggling my little big man.

Patrick Calvin

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Patrick Calvin Coghlan was born 7:02 pm he weighs 9 pounds 4 ounces and measures 22 inches long.

wpid IMAG0210 Patrick Calvin

Kim is resting and will post the details later icon wink Patrick Calvin

And we’re off!

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Today’s the day – at least, things are really starting today.  Of course there are no guarantees that it will all be over before the stroke of midnight.

I woke up around 6 AM with contractions every 15 minutes.  This was nothing unusual but these were just a little stronger and more regular than any I’ve had with this pregnancy, and after 6 or 8 of them I was pretty sure I was in early labor.  I don’t usually start in the morning so I’m not at all sure what to expect from this day, but as soon as I got up and moved around contractions went from a steady 60 seconds long and 15 minutes apart to a very frequent but irregular crampy feeling, impossible to time as individual contractions.  I had a snack, showered, dressed, and lay down again for a few minutes.  I wasn’t trying to slow things down, but decided I would much rather have regular measurable contractions than constant discomfort.  It felt so unproductive, and was already making my back ache.  Lying down brought the contractions back to regular 10-15 minute intervals.

Perry took all the kids to work with him today to give me some peace and solitude.  We’ve both learned that I’m like the watched pot that never boils: my labors just don’t progress when I have a large and eager audience.  The plan: I’ll give my midwife a heads-up call in a few minutes, vacuum my bedroom, eat a snack, and see how I feel.  Maybe I’ll unpack a box or load my very own dishwasher.  There’s plenty of puttering to do in our new house!

 

Still…

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… pregnant.

Join us Saturday at a local fundraiser

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I think I have mentioned our interest in Krav Maga.  Perry, Kaitlyn, Lydia and I started lessons last year, and when I learned I was pregnant Megan took my place.  They love what they’re learning, and Perry and the girls have really gotten to know and love many of the people at The Spartan Pit.

A few weeks ago, one of the instructors at the gym lost her husband Wayne to a chronic medical condition.  Amanda is now a very young widow with a 6yo daughter, and expecting twins in a few months.  Because her husband’s condition was longterm, he was unable to carry life insurance, so the people at The Spartan Pit want to help her.  That includes us!

Rudy, the owner of The Spartan Pit, has arranged a big fundraiser this Saturday to help Amanda and her little ones.  There will be loads of fun for the whole family, including:

  • BBQ Plate Sale by Nelson’s BBQ ($6/person)
  • Parents Day Out (Drop off your children and pick them up later)
  • Live Music
  • DJ Guess Who
  • Door Prizes
  • Celebrity Guest Appearances by WWE and Ultimate Fighting Championship fighters
  • Special guest appearances by Alamo City Roller Girls
  • Dunk Tank to dunk Rudy!
  • Face Painting
  • Moon Bounce by Jump n More Inflatables
  • Salsa & Swing Dancing Lessons
  • Zumba Class
  • Krav Maga Demo by Spartan Pit Krav Maga - including the Coghlan family icon smile Join us Saturday at a local fundraiser
  • Bake Sale - including chocolate M&M cookies by Kaitlyn
  • Silent Auction - with many items donated by Vision Forum and other local businesses
  • Raffles - “”
  • Games and Contests at the top of every hour
  • Food & Concessions
  • Free Health Screenings
  • SAPD Volunteers
  • A Special Guest Appearance by Rudy “El Guapo” Hernandez!!

And much, much more!!!  You can find details here: https://www.facebook.com/events/469386209761103/

Or just show up:

Giant Steps Early Learning School
7900 Old Tezel Road
San Antonio, TX 78250
(210) 521-6677

Date: Saturday Sept, 29th
Time: 11am – 3pm

If you’re too busy or too far to join us, please consider donating to Amanda and her sweet little ones.  Checks and money orders can be sent to:

The Spartan Pit
9135 Victory Pass
San Antonio, TX 78240

Put “Wayne Kee Memorial Fund” on the memo.

Or if you know and trust us, you can use paypal to send us your donation and we’ll write a check.  Even very small donations add up, so please don’t be shy about helping this family.

Let’s Try This Again…

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wpid IMG 20120826 153508 Lets Try This Again...

Megan: lace, cowboy boots, and curls.
wpid IMG 20120826 152516 Lets Try This Again...

Kaitlyn: fishtail braid, peacock necklace and awesome leather belt. icon smile Lets Try This Again...

wpid IMG 20120826 151804 Lets Try This Again...
Lydia: fluer de lis necklace, black nail polish and belt and converse shoes.,

And to make up for laziness…

wpid IMG 20120826 154355 Lets Try This Again...

Two of the most handsome guys I know!
icon biggrin Lets Try This Again...

Catch-up

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Sorry y’all! I’ll try to do better. In the meanwhile gets all the pics I haven’t been posting!

wpid IMG 20120710 2128011 Catch up

Gypsy Rachael.

wpid IMG 20120709 1159551 Catch up

Patriotic Lydia.

wpid IMG 20120708 1518232 Catch up

wpid IMG 20120720 164928 Catch up

wpid IMG 20120720 165146 Catch up

The sun rays in the top of this picture are gorgeous, don’t you think?

Live Streaming of the Food Conference! (and Kim is speaking on Saturday!)

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Live Stream Live Streaming of the Food Conference! (and Kim is speaking on Saturday!)

Good morning!

 

This is Perry jotting off a quick post to let you know about the live streaming of the Food Conference! This is the first time that Vision Forum has had a live stream of any of our conferences and it’s available for the modest price of only $35.00!

While this is exciting, it’s not the most exciting part of the announcement. I did not realize until about 30 minutes ago that my lovely wife KimC. who will be on the panel discussion about Frugality and Healthy eating, will be part of the live stream feed.  So not only do you get to watch live lectures by Joel Salatin, Doug and Beall Phillips, and Michelle Duggar but you will be able to catch Kim and she and several other ladies share what they have learned about “Frugality and Health: Resolving the Tension Between Feeding Your Family a High-Quality Diet While Staying Within the Constraints of a Tight Budget ” all for about 35 dollars

For more information you can click on the image above or visit http://www.visionforumministries.org/events/food/004/ to find out how to sign up!

PS. Kim is out this morning enjoying the Ladies Tea so don’t judge the typos too harshly (I didn’t have an editor!)

PPS. If you don’t have time to watch the lectures this weekend they will be available in an archive until the end of the month so you can watch them when you get time.

 

24 weeks: I’m not fat for a pregnant lady {pregnancy update}

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You will either totally understand and chuckle, or cringe at this, but in our house fat and pregnant are lightheartedly used as interchangeable terms.  When I’m pregnant, my sweet husband often looks at me with loving eyes and says, “Hey, you’re the cutest fat chick I know.  Wanna go out with me?”  If you think he might be referring to the size of my thighs rather than my belly, kindly leave me in my blissful ignorance.

As an everyday example, I was making my way down the deck stairs toward the car and PerryBoy asked why I was moving so slowly.  ”Because I’m fat,” I replied, meaning pregnancy had slowed me down.  He knew just what I meant but his charm kicked in nonetheless.  ”You’re not fat, Mom,” he replied with a glint in his eye.  ”You’re just the right size for a pregnant lady.”  Actually I’m 3 centimeters big for a pregnant lady, but what does he know?  Let’s not tell him.

Just in case it wasn’t totally obvious to everyone last week, let me just say it: I’ve popped.  This week every time I bought groceries (what? you don’t buy groceries 6 times/week?) the cashier nearly pleaded with me to let somebody help me out.  ”Do you need help with those?  Are you sure?  Let me just call someone…”  I don’t remember receiving this sort of treatment in the past; maybe I look like I’m already in labor.  Or maybe I’m sending twin vibes – except to my midwife.  Last time I saw her she was still convinced there was just one baby in there, enjoying lots of extra space.  He’d better enjoy the extra space while it lasts.  :)

I attended a bridal shower with quite a few ladies I don’t see regularly, and I think the first words I heard out of 30 different people were variations on, “Hi Kim – you’re pregnant!!!”  No doubts, no hesitation.  They knew without thinking it over that this was not a leftover tummy from any or all of the last 10 pregnancies.  I’m obviously, entirely, completely, very pregnant.

But you knew that already.

Last week I complained about minor swelling in my hands and feet, and asked what caused you to swell.  I thought about trying a dozen different suggested solutions at the same time, but that would create the problem of not knowing which solution worked.  Instead, I decided to keep it simple and start with the most obvious possibility.   Over the past week I’ve made an effort to drink more water, more consistently.  I was estimating that I drank 2-3 quarts/day and I think that was a fair estimate because I drink from a quart jar when I’m home.  Now I’m filling a gallon jug every morning and trying to polish it off by the day’s end.  I usually do finish, but I know it’s more than I normally drink. I think a bigger part of the problem has been how little I drink when I leave the house.  Those are the days when I notice swelling, and those are the days when I don’t have a quart jar near at hand.  So there’s an answer to my little mystery.  Why do my feet sometimes swell?  Because sometimes I’m not drinking enough water.  Duh.

I did call my midwife and chatted with her about the swelling for a few minutes.  Among other things, she mentioned that I had just cleared another milestone: the second major increase in blood volume.  This could have accounted for a little extra fluid retention and weight gain.  I guess the ice cream I’ve been eating accounts for the rest.  Before you object, let me explain.  When it’s really hot, ice cream is the only appealing way to get my Recommended Daily Allowance of chocolate.  You don’t want me to suffer from chocolate deficiency, do you?  DO YOU KNOW HOW DANGEROUS THAT IS FOR A DEVELOPING BABY?

Belly pics

I’d like to be excused today from belly pics this week on the grounds that it’s currently 104 degrees and my favorite dress is synthetic fabric and I was too lazy to get up at 6:30 for a photo session.  Also, I’d rather not post pics of what I’m currently wearing, because on days when the weather hits the triple digits we all wear the sort of stuff that sends us running for more clothes when we hear somebody coming up the driveway.  Our outfits wouldn’t scandalize anybody in WalMart, but they would doubtless scandalize some of our own friends and readers, so we’ll just keep them in the privacy of our home where they belong.

Baby at 24 weeks

  • The child is now gaining around 3 ounces (90 grams) a week.
  • Baby weighs about 1.3 pounds and is 12 inches long.
  • The eyelids can be seen very clearly.
  • If born at this stage baby is officially considered viable, and may well be able to survive.
  • more
Previous pregnancy updates:

Sunday Pictures!

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Posted by: Kittykait

wpid IMG 20120617 145445 Sunday Pictures!

This week Natalie wore a polka dot shirt and a skirt with little flowers, I think this is one case where two patterns work rather well. Her bright blue Converse add a nice splash of color.

wpid IMG 20120617 145742 Sunday Pictures!

Megan borrowed a dress from Lydia (as usual).

wpid IMG 20120617 145552 Sunday Pictures!

Lydia is wearing a new dress she bought at Walmart last week.
wpid IMG 20120617 1452362 Sunday Pictures!

I wore a kind of wacky outfit today. I put one of my favorite blue dresses under my very favorite super stripey skirt, with a black belt at the waist to pull it together.

What did you wear to church this week?

Happy Birthday to the love of my life

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Like the finest apple tree in the orchard is my lover among other young men. I sit in his delightful shade and taste his delicious fruit.

Song of Solomon 2:3

love Happy Birthday to the love of my life

Vision Forum gift certificate for sale

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Hi, my name is Rebecca Coghlan and I am doing this post for my big sister.  She has a $150 Vision Forum gift certificate that she wants to sell and she said she would pay me $15 to help her sell it.  I want to earn the money so I can buy a birthday present for my uncle.  He will be 14.

The gift certificate is just a code that I can email to whoever buys it, so they won’t have to wait to use it.  It’s like Vision Forum money, so you can still use it for sales or with coupons.

Megan wants to sell her $150 gift certificate for $120.  If you want it, please tell me in the comments and I will email you.  Thank you!

Ruffle neck shirt tutorial!

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Posted by: Kittykait

I made a Pinterest account last week and it’s been making my crafty side feel super energetic!  Last night Deanna gave me a v-neck shirt that she didn’t want and I’ve never been terribly fond of v-necks so I decided to experiment with it.  Here’s what I came up with:shirt tutorial1 Ruffle neck shirt tutorial!

Notes:

  1. When you mark the neckline it’s best to measure from the sides to make sure it’s even.
  2. Use a zig-zag stitch! I tried with both and the elastic tried to twist out with the straight stitch.
  3. I don’t finish the edges since knits don’t fray, but you can if you like!

This was super easy, cute and fast! It took me less than ten minutes the first time.  The best part?  The neckline is more modest because it doesn’t sag at all!

Enjoy!

 

 

 

Adrenal fatigue: what do you know?

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I mentioned on Facebook last week that my midwife was testing me for anemia.  What??  You don’t follow Life in a Shoe on Facebook?  Why not?

Anyway, I was at my midwife’s office last week for a blood draw.  This was my idea, not hers, because I am not currently seeing her for any other conditions including pregnancy.  That’s mainly because I am not, to the best of my knowledge, pregnant.

More accurately, it was Perry’s idea.  He thinks I have been rather more tired than usual over the past few months.  I’m not sure that’s true, but I am sure that I have more confidence in his observation than in my own memory or perception, especially if I’m unusually tired.

This was the first time I have EVER been stuck twice for a single draw.  I have fabulous veins, and have been told by various people in a non-creepy way that I would make a great drug addict.  If I liked needles and had higher blood pressure, I might also make a great blood/plasma donor.  As you’ll see, low blood pressure can be a problem when you’re trying to get something out of a vein.

When she stuck the needle right into my clearly exposed bright blue vein, nothing happened in the little vial.

“Hmm,” she said.  ”That’s odd.  I thought it went right into the vein.”  After a little wriggling and jabbing of the needle, we had nothing more than a few pathetic drops.  ”I’m so sorry.  I’ll have to try again.”  Poke.  Still very little action in the vial.

I began to think that instead of anemia, she should check me for a pulse.  Death causes lethargy, right?  I squeezed a squishy ball with my hand repeatedly in an effort to bleed compliantly, but it was slow going.  My blood pressure always runs low, but apparently I needed to drink more water that morning.  Looking at the thick dark sludge in the vial, I had to wonder if she was going to reconstitute it before sending to the lab.

After a long time, she smiled brightly and told me that the quarter vial she had would be plenty.

A few days later, the results are in: my bloodwork is beautiful.  No anemia here. (Does anyone know if mild temporary dehydration could skew the results?)

With anemia ruled out, I need to look at other possibilities.

What do you know about adrenal fatigue? My midwife suggested that as a second possibility.  I have enough symptoms to make it a strong possibility, but I also get the impression that doctors don’t necessarily think it’s a real ailment and everyone could have the symptoms on the lists I’m seeing.  (Do you crave sweet and/or salty and/or high protein and/or high fat foods?  Do you sometimes stay up too late, and have a hard time getting started in the morning?  Really?  You too?  No way!!!)

Of course it could also be the fact that I have been pregnant, nursing, or both for over 19 years without a break.

It could be because I am quickly creeping up on my 5th decade.  Er, that would be the 40′s.  Just like the 1900′s were actually the 20th century.  I’m not 50, though I like to think I would look great for my age if I were.

It could be the fact that my still-nursing 20mo baby only recently started sleeping through the night, and only in the loosest sense.  He still wakes often, and winds up in my bed more than what I would call “occasionally,” but less than “frequently.”  Is there a word for that?

It could be because although the baby is finally beginning to sleep a little better at night, the other young children are not.  I get at least one or two visitors each night, and on a busy night my bedroom looks more like a fast food drive through:

“I need a drink of water.”

“I need you to turn on the bathroom light.”

“Bethany has my blanket.”

“I’m scared of that little green guy on that cartoon I watched when I was 4.”

“Pant, pant, pant.”  Stare… (that’s the dog)

“Parker won’t sleep.”

“I need you to turn on the bathroom light.”

“I can’t sleep.”

“Are you asleep?”

“The dogs pooped all over the living floor and I stepped in it.”

Gee, I don’t know why I’m so tired all the time.  Adrenal fatigue, or is it just life?  Or are they both the same?

For sale: Swords, RC Helicopter, and more

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posted by 11yo Natalie

I have a few things to sell.  The reason that I would like to sell these things is because I need money for Christmas.

This year we are doing something new where each person gets one present.  Everybody chips in except the person it’s for.

I really need some money to chip in, so I am selling these things.  They are brand new and very cool!

Please add $5.00 shipping per order.

I have 2 Roman Short Swords for $19.00 each or both for $32.00.

57851 m For sale: Swords, RC Helicopter, and more

And the other is a Remote-Controlled Gyroscope Deluxe Helicopter I will sell for $36.00.

63582 m For sale: Swords, RC Helicopter, and more

 

And Becca has an English Adventure Sword that she bought from clearance.  It’s new, but has a few scratches and is missing the sheath.  She would like $16.00 for it so she can chip in on gifts too.

99760 m For sale: Swords, RC Helicopter, and more

 

And Megan wants to sell some things in my post.

10178 s For sale: Swords, RC Helicopter, and more

Fun Ride Super-Z Zip Line for $90

10162 s For sale: Swords, RC Helicopter, and more

Fun-Ride Deluxe Zip Line for $60

10160 s For sale: Swords, RC Helicopter, and more

Fun-Ride Original for $30

72574 s For sale: Swords, RC Helicopter, and more

The Jubilee Doll for $45

72588 s For sale: Swords, RC Helicopter, and more

The Fidelia Doll for $45

72584 s For sale: Swords, RC Helicopter, and more

The Abigail Doll for $45

And that’s all!  If you want to buy something on this list, please use the form below and my mom will email you.

Your Name (required)

Your Email (required)

Subject

Your Message

Elves on the move

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wpid IMAG0181 Elves on the move

Digging through a bag of ancient hand-me-downs today, we found some items that brought smiles and laughter to our crew.
On a whim, I agreed to take them to town IF Kaitlyn would wear the outfit.
It was an easy sell.
I think we added to the net joy in San Antonio today. What have you done for your town?

I can drive!

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Posted by: Kittykait

Last week I got my Learners Permit!  I was a little nervous about the test but it was all multiple choice questions, easy!

As it turns out the part I should have been nervous about was the picture. I think they need to change the order of things and do the vision test *after* they take your picture to make sure your not permanently blind.  If you watch everyone in the room jumps and blinks when the flash goes off.  I thought I was struck by lighting for Pete’s sake!

Anyhoo since then my eyesight has recovered and I’ve driven Dad (most of the way) to work 3 times and on Sunday we had an extra car in town so I drove Mom all the way home from church all in our Kia, which is a manual. Manual is generally thought of as really hard but I had a good teacher (my dad) so I think it’s fun.  I’m not perfect at it but I was feeling really proud of myself Sunday because I had to start and stop on a few hills (for the first time) and I didn’t even come close to killing anyone! icon smile I can drive!

Right now we have 3 working vehicles, the great white whale, the Mustang and our little Kia. I haven’t driven the van yet which, for now, is fine with me.  I drove the Mustang half way home one time and even though it’s automatic (and super cool) for now I prefer the Kia because the nose is shorter and the windows are bigger so I don’t have to be too nervous about what I can’t see.

I think the dumbest thing I’ve done while driving was right after a light turned green, I shifted into first, to start, then I gave the car some gas. But the car didn’t move so I gave it more gas… still nothing, I was getting kind of frantic then I realized I must be in third. Nope. I was pumping on the the brake not the gas. That made me feel really intelligent. I didn’t even mind when Natalie and Becca waived and pointed to the “Student Driver” sign from the back seat.

Mom and I were wondering together how many people know how to drive manual.  Mom thought probably less know than don’t.  So shouldn’t automatics be called standards?

Let’s see:

Can you drive manual?

View Results

loading I can drive! Loading ...

Remember months ago when I said I would do a weekly poll? I did warn you that I would forget!

Help me choose a skirt

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We’re trying to choose a new skirt (or two) from New Creation, and there are tons of new ones available, plus a few beautiful styles on clearance.  I need help.  :)

French Country Blues is elegant, and unlike anything I own.

88111040524 front normal Help me choose a skirt

I’m wearing my Diagonal Stretch Denim Blue right now.  It’s the most comfortable demin skirt I’ve ever owned, thanks to a touch of spandex.

88111120210 front normal Help me choose a skirt

City Chic Wave Steel Gray sounds even softer and more comfy, and I love the shape!  I could use another denim skirt, especially if it has a little bit of a special look and feel.

88111110823 front normal Help me choose a skirt

The Neah khaki looks like a refreshing change from standard-issue.  Love the pockets, of course, and the ruffle at the bottom is a pretty touch.  By the way, searching “pockets” on the New Creation Apparel site turns up a lot of results. That makes me happy.

88111110206 front normal Help me choose a skirt

And I’m quite taken with the silhouette of this Liberty Bell Salt & Pepper Crystals.  Hey, now.  It’s on clearance at 60% off, so don’t buy it before I have a chance to make up my mind!

88110740625 front normal Help me choose a skirt

Which one should I choose?  Or should I pick something entirely different?  Pssst…watch for another New Creation giveaway in a few weeks!  Why not start browsing now so you’ll be ready to enter?

 

Baby carrier/diaper bag does dual duty: Go-Go Babyz Sidekick

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It’s on Zulily (search Sidekick)for almost 50% off the price anywhere else, and I’m wondering if anyone has tried it out yet?  I love the idea but can hardly find any reviews!  I’m deeply devoted to my Ergo, but this is way cuter, way cheaper, and looks a lot like the Ergo’s hip carry.

What do you think?

Jubilee Dolls for sale

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By Natalie 11 yo

Well, I have some Jubilee dolls for sale.  These are new in the box.

Note from Mom: speaking of clearance, Vision Forum just launched their Fall Clearance sale to make room for new items in the warehouse.  Save up to 70% on over 300 bestsellers! [ends 10/8]

The reason why I would like to sell  the dolls is because I have been trying to save up for a camera. I would like a Canon Powershot and the reason I would like a Canon is because my oldest sister has one, and when I saw how much she liked it I really wanted one.

I love to take pictures of little kids and other stuff.  Here are some pictures I’ve taken with our family camera.

beth 300x200 Jubilee Dolls for sale

flowers 300x200 Jubilee Dolls for sale

lady dog 300x241 Jubilee Dolls for sale

perryboy 300x200 Jubilee Dolls for sale

Also, there is a church retreat that I would like to chip-in on because some of  us older kids would like to help with the expenses.  We really want to go because it’s really fun.  There is canoeing, dancing til midnight, and you can make fast friends there.  There is also an airsoft war.   We went last year and had a lot of fun!

So I am selling these for $45 each, including shipping.  They usually cost $75 plus shipping.  Here is a picture.  You can use the contact form below to tell me if you want to buy a doll.

Thank you if you buy one!

72574 m Jubilee Dolls for sale

Your Name (required)

Your Email (required)

Subject

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Don’t you hate it when…

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Don’t you hate it when you have to go to the bathroom and it seems like the whole world is conspiring against you?

On Labor Day, I was in Home Depot with Perry and Deanna.  Deanna and I took off on the traditional visit to the ladies room.  We were in a hurry.  OK, I was in a hurry.  I had to go.

We went all the way to the back of the store and turned left.  We were almost there when we hit a road block!  They had closed the aisle for restocking.  Ack!

You know how the sight or sound of water makes you have to go even worse?  We had already come through the plumbing supplies.  Now we had to go back through the plumbing supplies again.  Ack!

I looked down the next aisle past all the toilets but our way was still blocked.  Ack!

We continued past the bath tubs, shower heads, bathroom sinks, and more plumbing supplies.  We were almost there.  Deanna asked me if I was blogging this in my head.  Yes, it’s my coping mechanism.

It was just past the kitchens, with all their sinks and faucets and sprayers.  Oh, and the washing machines, dishwashers, and refrigerators with water dispensers.  And more kitchen sinks, a la carte this time.

And the water fountain.  Right outside the bathroom door.  Is that a cruel joke?  No, scratch that question.  Of course it is.  The question is, what kind of a joke?  Do they put it there to taunt the desperate people who are coming ? Or is it to refill the kids as they leave, another cruel joke?

Waiting for the punch line?  There is none, unless you count my desire to punch the guy who blocked my way to the bathroom, or the one who thought a water fountain outside the bathroom was a good idea.  I’ve wanted to punch him for years.

Winner of 2 DVDs by the Gunn Brothers

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Thanks to everyone who entered last week’s giveaway for a free copy of Monstrous Regiment of Women and Shakytown.  The winning comment, chosen randomly from 105 entries:

Katrina says:

August 19, 2011 at 4:02 pm

I like In A Shoe on FB

Congratulations, Katrina!

Linky love

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Some of my favorite articles lately…

[recreading]

Who thinks the fact that several of those links were food-related has anything to do with the last 6 weeks of dieting?

What have you been reading?

Ack! Why didn’t anybody tell me?

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I feel like I just spent 3 days with my skirt tucked into my underwear.  I’ve been working behind the scenes on a new look, a makeover for our blog, using this really cool plugin that lets you test-drive a theme.

This nifty little piece of software lets me see and use my blog with its new look, ironing out all the wrinkles and making it look just the way I want, while the unsuspecting world sees nothing but the old look.  Cool, huh?

You weren’t supposed to see anything new.  You weren’t supposed to see stuff in the sidebars appear and disappear.  You weren’t supposed to see the entire blog accidentally turn into italics and stay that way for a whole day and a night.  You weren’t supposed to see the posts switch to excerpts instead of full content.  Don’t worry – I hate that.  Unless a bunch of people loudly disagree, that feature is *not* staying.  I don’t even know how it happened. It didn’t do that in the new theme.

What else did you see?  Maybe I shouldn’t ask.

Next time, y’all please tell me my skirt is tucked into my underwear.  Okay?

Calling all D/FW readers!

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I’m in the mid-cities with most of my children until Tuesday and would love to get together with some bloggy friends!
Can anyone suggest a McD with a nice big indoor Playland or another cool place to meet for lunch on Monday?
And would anyone come hang out with us?

edited to add:
Here’s the place!
Mc Donald’s 1 (817) 656-4100 5609 Colleyville Boulevard, Colleyville, TX 76034-6022 http://m.google.com/u/m/xi5wXH

We’re planning to be there Monday from 12:30 – 2:00. Who will we see?!

No birthday post for Deanna because…

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We’re on our way to a party for her 18th birthday!
I can’t believe there are now 3 adults living in our household!

Dolls for sale

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This is Becca, and Megan is paying me to sell some dolls for her. I don’t get very many chances to earn money, so she’s going to pay me half the price to get somebody to buy her dolls.

If I do get them sold, then first I’m going to do tithes, then savings, then I’ll use the money to buy birthday presents and stuff for Bethany and Perry. Bethany will be 3 on the 27th and Perry will be 5 on the 28th. I got one thing already for Bethany, but I want to get more.  I might get Perry some Leather Cowboy Chaps and Vest if I can get enough money.

Now about the dolls.  Megan has two brand new dolls for sale.

They are Abigail:

72584 m Dolls for sale

And Liberty:

72564 m Dolls for sale

They usually cost $75 each, but Megan and I are selling them for $45 each, and we will pay the shipping.  I think that’s much too cheap, but my mom says nobody will buy them if we charge $50.

If you want one, tell me in the comments and I will tell you how to pay.

Beach!

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I know my blog looks lonely, but y’all!  We’re at the beach for ONE MORE DAY!

Come back tomorrow for my 4 Moms post (yes, I did my chores while I was at the beach) and for now, pop over to Frugal Hacks and read #9 in my series about How to Monetize Your Blog.  Or just meet me down at the water in half an hour.

Pictures?  Later.