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Saturday, January 3, 2009

Traditional Home
Photo courtesy of Traditional Home

Like everyone else, I begin the year thinking of things I would like to change in my life.  I don't make resolutions because I feel like they can set one up to fail.  Instead, I think and journal about things I hope to move toward in my life.

I will not share all of  my hopes and thoughts here but I do want to share a few.

~I want to spend more time reading my Bible. I go in and out of phases reading devotionals and reading the Bible.  I need to be more consistent.

~I used to do Pilates years ago with a private instructor.  This was before it was all the rage.  I was rather good at it which was a surprise because I am not very athletic (at all) and I despise sweating.   I hope to get back into Pilates and become stronger.

~I will be blogging about more than the peanuts.  I LOVE decorating and cooking and art.  I have been reluctant to post about those things because once someone left a very cruel comment complaining that this was supposed to be an adoption blog.  I want to clarify that this was never intended to be exclusively "an adoption blog."  This has always been our family blog.  And for me, decorating and cooking are part of how I make our house a home. So, I will be slowly sharing the ways I am making our new house our family home. I will do entire posts about paint colors and flooring and drapes.  I realize some of you will not like those posts or be interested in them but this is me.  I will also add some of my favorite decorating blogs to my side bar when I have time.   

~I have fallen in love with photography over the past 2 years.  I think about it and plan it and want to spend most of my free time getting better.  I have SO SO SO much to learn and I am going to really move toward learning. For some, it comes naturally.  They have an eye.  For me, not so much. I really have to work at it. I have 3 families lined up to photograph this year (for free) as I try to improve.  And I hope to take some classes as well.

~If you have read this blog for long, you know we have "dates" with our children individually.  With our move and the holidays, we have not had many dates.  We need to get back to that.

AND...we finally have a babysitter so my hubby and I will be having dates too! In fact, we have a date at a French restaurant planned for tonight.  It will be our first night out sans children in 3-4 months!!!!

 YIPEE!!!


68 comments:

  1. have a wonderful time on your date, i love all of your 'resolutions' and for the record, i think you should post about whatever your heart desires. i can't wait to read about all of it! xo, clare

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  2. Wow you are fast - changing the header - love it! Have fun on your date tonite! We've had nights sans children but only to do errands! Now that you are more settled in, I hope you have more time to work on your list. Blessings, Wendy

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  3. Even though I am a adoptive parent (china) .....
    I was reading this blog for style reasons (remember your flower arranging?)

    I bet I am not the only one either :D
    So I am glad to hear you will do more of this :D

    PS if anyone is interested your crystal garland and ballard design small wreaths are on sale. Also Matilda Jane now sells clearance items on their site.

    K, LOL... I still secretly hope you talk about ironing again hahahahaha.
    I have a fancy iron an a professional ironing board.
    I REALLY think it's a lost art :D

    Happy New Year!

    TM

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  4. Kim, I'm fairly new to your blog and it's always a place I love to come to, read about your 3 Peanuts and see what your family is up to. I love to decorate, appreciate art and I am just starting to get into photography. Can't wait for your future posts.

    Hope 2009 is a blessed one for you and your family!

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  5. P.S. And have fun on date night!

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  6. Kim -- I enjoyed reading your list. Bring on the decorating and paint samples! That sounds like loads of fun to me!

    I hope you have a great time on your date tonight. We have a sitter scheduled for next Saturday night and I can't wait!

    I love your new header too! It's perfect for your royal family!

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  7. Sounds like some amazing changes. I love pilates and used to be able to do it well. I enjoy the stretches. Anyway, I'm sorry someone made you feel strange about sharing decorating or cooking techniques on your own blog. I didn't see the word "adoption" in your header. There are many facets to all of our lives and we should feel free to write what we please. Please continue to blog about what is important to you. You aren't trying to make your readers happy. These are YOUR memories!

    I love your blog just as it is!!!

    Have a ball on your date night!!!

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  8. Kim,

    I am looking forward to your decorating and cooking posts- two of my favorite interests other than my family!! I especially loved the post you did a while back about how your family eats in terms of all your dietary and allergy aspects. On a different note, I think you are a GREAT photographer- wish I lived near you so you could take our pictures this year too :) Have fun on your date!

    Emily

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  9. I love reading your blog no matter what it is..
    I think most of us blog about our families.. not just adoption..
    Have fun tonight ...
    You deserve it..
    Hugs girly..

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  10. I love reading your blog no matter what it is..
    I think most of us blog about our families.. not just adoption..
    Have fun tonight ...
    You deserve it..
    Hugs girly..

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  11. I am a mother by adoption and love that fact about myself...however just like being adopted is not THE most interesting thing about my children there is also more to my life than being a mom(although it is the most important). I think it is wonderful that you are branching out with your photography and since I love photography, cooking, and decorating I am looking forward to reading about it on your blog!!

    PS keep doing your favorites, and posts about Kate's growing wardrobe I love posts like that so much I started doing it too!

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  12. I look forward to reading about decorating! I always need ideas! Have so much fun on your date! :)

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  13. Kim,

    I can't wait for all your upcoming posts on decorating and cooking. I hope you also share some about photography as well. These are all interests of mine and just by the few photos you have shared of your home, your style is very similar to mine (now if I could just get my home to reflect my style I would be one happy girl).

    Happy New Year!
    Susie

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  14. Have fun on your date tonight!! And I can't wait to imrove my photo skills along with you this year~

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  15. you go girl!! I love deocrating blogs. and I am so envious that you have a babysitter. that is one of our goals in 2009 too. we need our date nights back. I pray that God will continue to bless you and your family and your marriage. PS Beth Moore starts her new bible study i think next week. It's a great way to get in the word. check out her blog or google her. You'll be so blessed by it.

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  16. I am glad you are going to blog about other things as well. Thats what we all do from time to time adoption pops in and you have your sweet Kate already. On New Years Mikee and I were sharing our hopes for 2009 so I need to get some of those posted one main one is to cook more so make sure you share some recipes! I will need them. I have been doing Pilates and its isn't easy for me but the instructor keeps telling me I will get better it takes time to stretch it all out.
    Have a great date tonight!! You guys need it and deserve it I am sure.

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  17. These are all wonderful things to work towards! Enjoy that date tonight! Yeah!
    I wanted to thank you for the info on the header. I can not seem to find it, but I'll continue looking.
    I see you changed from your original header. I liked your original better, but that is just me personally. They are both adorable.

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  18. Kim

    I am so excited that you will be posting more about decorating. I love to decorate and I enjoy gaining new perspectives and ideas from other bloggers. I can't wait for these posts in 2009. I especially look forward to your posts on "drapes," I can't seem to find any that will work in our living room. We have semi-odd window.

    People read your blog because they like you, not becuse it is solely an adoption blog. :)

    LA

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  19. I'll look forward to your decorating and cooking posts. Your taste is a lot like mine--but better!--so I really enjoy seeing what you do. Have a great time on your date tonight!

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  20. Have fun tonight. My husband and I need to do more of that.

    I so enjoy every thing you blog about. You are so sweet to share and I like your advise. I have used some of the recipes you have posted about and found some great shops on Etsy per your advise. I also enjoyed when you shared about healthy supplements, etc. Thank you for that and being you!

    I know we have never met but I look forward to reading what you write more than I do watching the news or shows.

    Anyways, you rock. Have a great time tonight and I am glad that you found a good babysitter in your new town.

    Take care. xoxo Michele

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  21. I'm excited about your future posts. I love anything to do with decorating and have just gotten a Nikon D60 for Christmas and have NO clue as to what I'm doing. Your kids' pictures inspire me to learn! Thanks for your attention to your blog. Happy New Year!
    Hillary

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  22. Kim,

    I want you to know that I so appreciate that your blog is a family blog - as I have said before it is so inspiring to see how you live your family life. I love your "yearly movements" and I wanted to ask a personal suggestion about your first one. I hope you don't mind if I e-mail you about it!

    Wishing you all the best, Ashley

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  23. Kim, I agree in making goals instead of resolutions. In terms of your blog, it's your blog and you can post on whatever fancies you. If you look at my first post on the FDL cottage, I shut down my adoption blog and started the FDL cottage to post on all my loves: my family, decorating, gardening, etc. So you go girl, and make your blog whatever you want it to be. Have a fun date tonight...oh la la!!

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  24. I am right behind you with the learning more about photography thing too Kim! I want to learn so much more. I think your photos are amazing though!

    The Pixel Fairy Princess always insires me. She can do amazing things with a photo!

    Many blessings to you and your beautiful family for 2009.

    Love, Jill xox

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  25. PS - Love your new blogger header! So sweet!

    J xo

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  26. Hey Kim,
    love the new look of your blog - too cute.
    I have SO enjoyed getting to know you, and wish you the happiest 2009!
    You have inspired me to write down some "hopes" for the new year too...have a great time with your hubby tonite!

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  27. I LOVE it when you blog about other things, I love to hear about the Peanuts too, but you truly have alot of knowledge that I love to hear and blogs that post tips etc really motivate me. For example last yr I was reading an adoption blog that posted pics about tidying up the garage, I went right out and did it and enjoyed it!
    I look forward to your cooking tips, we want to begin to eat healtheir and I know you have expertise in that area.
    Have fun tonight!

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  28. Happy Date Night! and happy upcoming kid dates, too ;)

    I confess to looking at your precious peanuts' pictures and then going back through to look for the background decorating details, so looking forward to seeing more of your inspirational sources.

    Happy 2009!

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  29. Great list - I look forward to your decorating ideas and watching you transform your new home. Some commenters just should not comment - "if you don't have anything nice to say......". Do with YOUR blog as you like - I always love stopping by and checking in.
    Have a great date tonight!!

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  30. I love your ideas - especially about sharing about decorating and colors! I can't wait to see your new pictures, also. I love how real your blog is and can't believe that some people could be so cruel and nasty. Why do people go to a blog to complain? If you don't like it...stop visiting it! Sorry - off track...but to reiterate...*I* am so glad you made these goals :) I look forward, as always, to your posts!!!

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  31. I will love hearing about decorating and photography, a love of mine too. And everything!! Go for it sister!!

    Debbie

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  32. Kim, a date with your husband is a great way to start the New Year. I love to hear about your cooking and decorating...you house is amazing and I love how heathly you all eat!
    I also plan to spend more time in God's word this year!
    Happy New Year to you and the Peanuts!
    Norah

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  33. In my humble opinion, this is YOUR blog and you should post whatever you want to post about. Personally I enjoy reading about different topics other than adoption. It helps keep my mind off of this horrendous wait!

    I look forward to your cooking posts! I really enjoy them. I am not very good at decorating ANYTHING, so I am always impressed with people who can. I look forward to those posts too.

    Oh! By the way, it's me S from the old blog Journey to Victoria Grace. I have been following your blog, just haven't been commenting. I just wanted to come out of lurking because this post struck me. It's your blog! Post what you like. :o)

    I know you will have a wonderful time on your date! Enjoy!
    Happy New Year!!!

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  34. Really excited to read about decorating and photography!!

    Have fun tonight!!

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  35. Kim,
    I think your goals are great. I have not sat down adn thought seriously about mine. I have one Jeff and i have discussed, but haven't thought about others.

    We, too, are going out on our first date night in a while! I hope the babysitter thing goes ok.

    Rachel

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  36. I meant to say have fun tonight!

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  37. I think it's crazy someone would leave a negative comment for such a silly reason. I love all of the topics you blog about - kid stuff, house stuff, Kate's adorable wardrobe, photography - it's all great. I remember thinking the "dates" with the kids were so sweet. Good luck with all of the changes.

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  38. So much to say in one little comment;)

    Love the header - absolutely adorable!

    Love that you have a date tonight - enjoy, enjoy, enjoy! We are going to be trying to do that more often as well.

    Love the birthday party, but I must offer, I, like Kate, am all about the cupcakes! Em thinks Kate's party she attended was entirely too cool! But we all knew that didn't we;)?

    It is your blog and you can post if you want to:) I like it when you post on all sorts of stuff, my favs always involve the peanuts, but I have often told you, I am better because of you - I get ideas, inspiration and new perspective learning from others, thank you for offering pieces of you to all of us:)

    Wishing you the happiest of New Years!

    Love,
    Heather

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  39. Your blog is gorgeous (as are your children and your home), hope you don't mind getting a new follower. ;)

    Hope your date is going well!

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  40. I really like your blog too...change is good and I will really enjoy reading about decorating etc. as your home looks very pretty and you are one talented lady! We always love hearing about your peanuts but other things that are important to you in your life are great too....we look forward new meal ideas too. Have an awesome date with your hubby tonight:)

    Janice

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  41. I have been reading your blog for a while now and I think it is just great. I'm sorry I have never left a comment before, but I do enjoy reading all your wonderful stories, no matter what they are about :)I just started my own blog, so I am still learning about how all this works. Hopefully it will be just as great as yours.

    P.S. I love your photography also. I am saving up money for a Nikon D60. I would like to take up photography as a hobby.

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  42. Oh Kim! I just love reading about paint colors and fabric! Making a home gives so much more meaning to life, and I have lots of affection for my own home, as you do for yours. I will be so excited to read your thoughts and ideas! Have fun tonight--- we are going to "Marley & Me"--- I am looking forward to it too!!!

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  43. I think they all sound like great add ons to life. I'm very shocked that someone would actually tell you what kind of blog you should run. Apparently that person never found my blog, which only speaks of adoption once a month. ;)

    Happy New Year!

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  44. Oooooo..love the new header. I need to find your friend Jennifer's email address, so I can get help!

    I love that you will be blogging about your home and decorating...share share share!!!

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  45. I look forward to your new posts!! Can't wait to read all about it.

    Blessings,
    Robin

    Have a great time tonight(I'm jealous, wish I had a sitter!!)

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  46. So Kim, does this mean that we can send our decorating quandaries your way? (I am just kidding!) Although, as one who is pretty inept at decorating, I will personally love reading posts on paint colors and flooring and drapes (especially drapes!!!).

    Yea for your first date since moving back! Enjoy the time together.

    Great blessings for 2009.

    Meg

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  47. I love that you will be including decorating and photography on your blog too! I am a mom and in the process of adopting from China but I love feathering my nest and taking pix of my babies. How great to find it all in one blog! Fabulous! Thanks so much!
    Cindy

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  48. Hi there,
    I love your peanut posts, but i'm really looking forward to your decorating posts! Also, could you write about the methods you use to teach yourself photography and what kit you have? I'm trying to teach myself at the moment too. I have a Canon 450d (i think its digital rebel xsi in the US).
    Helen xx

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  49. Someone left you a mean comment because you talk about your life in addition to adoption? How horrible! The point of adopting a child is to live as a family with a full life...right?! Don't let one rude person stand in your way!

    Have a fabu date with the hub! Y'all deserve it!!

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  50. Goodie.....I can't wait to read all about these things.....I'm thinking of a new camera and have totally fallen in love with photography as well.....

    Hugs,
    Steffie

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  51. I liked reading your resolutions AND love the idea of you adding decorating, cooking and such to your blog. It will be fun!! I'm excited and WILL definitely not leave you any yucky remarks, people are weird sometimes aren't they.?!.
    Have a great evening out with your husband...I'm jealous. I must make a date for us soon.

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  52. Hi Kim! I can't wait to read your decorating entries! I love the way you decorate! I also love to decorate, the problem is, I"m not very good at it!!! Happy New Year!

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  53. Enjoy your night out : ) I can't tell you the last time we went out with out our little ones. Now that my son has graduated from college and is home (starts his new job at a large accounting firm on Monday, yipee) he and his girlfriend will babysit for us.
    I do pilates three times a week. I take two reformer classes and one mat class. I have to tell you, I love it!!!!! I have never really enjoyed going to the gym but I love my pilates classes. It makes me feel good and I feel so much stronger!
    I am happy that you will be posting about decorating and cooking. Those are two of my passions. I am sad that someone left you a mean message. Some people find joy in hurting others, I don't get it!
    I too love photography but it doesn't come natural to me. I want to take a few classes once the girls are in school.
    Happy New Year Kim {{{{hug}}}} You sound so happy and so settled. That makes me smile!

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  54. Feel free to post about whatever you want, it is what will keep blogging fun!! I learned a lot from your posts about y'alls diet, plus we have the same taste so I really look forward to the future posts!!

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  55. Oh my! I have always thought that this was YOUR blog. Not an adoption blog, not a kid-raising blog, but your blog. Talk about whatever you want to talk about. If a topic doesn't interest us, that's our problem not yours! Personally, I've found your decorating comments to be pretty interesting.

    If I buy a book about adoption and it mentions adoption in the footnotes of the ninth chapter, I have a right to be upset. Through your blog you graciously share a little bit of yourself and your family. Yes, I came to your blog through the adoption community. But I keep coming back because I like "hearing" your take on the world. I'm sort of an uninvited guest, as I see it, and it's awfully kind of you to continue to let us in.

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  56. oh i love you style!! i think i will have to steal some tips from you then! good luck on all you ambitions for the new year.

    hope you have/had a wonderful date night!

    lots of love,
    amy

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  57. I have some of the same things.. exercise, read Bible daily, not just "here & there" as I can catch time, yes our blog is a family blog not just about AA, even though our blog title is all about her!

    Happy New Year!
    Alyzabeth's Mommy of 15 Weeks!

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  58. I must agree with the others. It's your life, your story, and you should feel free to post and discuss on topic of your choice.

    Have a fabulous New Year and best wishes on your new goals!

    Jo

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  59. I can't wait for your decorating and cooking posts! I think it's wonderful that you're incorporating your interests into your family blog. I think there are many of us who look forward to your new posts!


    Karen

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  60. I hope you had a GREAT time on your date. You blog about whatever you want, it's your blog!!! I just love peering into your front window so please share, I love learning from you!!!

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  61. I hope you had a great date night! You both deserve a relaxing evening!

    I look forward to hearing more about decorating, cooking and anything else you are working on. I always find you inspiring and interesting. I appreciate that you share your peanuts and talents with us!

    All the best to you in 2009!

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  62. I am very excited about your expanded theme!! My husband and I are still trying to furnish our home and could use a person with your expertise.

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  63. I love your blog. I think you have a lot of style and class while at the same time being real. I look forward to your decorating, cooking, etc. Can't wait! Thanks for being you. =)

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  64. Hi,
    I don't always comment, but I do always read your blog and love it! Since you are in Houston I wanted to make sure you knew of Beth Moore at

    http://www.lproof.org/

    She reminds me of you in that she is very pretty and stylish in the same way you are, and she is an AWESOME bible teacher. She has devotions on her site if you can't make it to hear her teach. It's not light and fluffy, she really gets to the heart of things but she is also extremely funny.
    I would really be interested if you could ever direct us to some healthy EASY recipes. I know you are a great cook and know a lot about nutrition. I would also love to know about healthy snacks for your kids, or do they not eat snacks?
    Thank you for sharing all the beautiful things with us.
    I LOVE your new blog header!

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  65. One thing for certain is that with change, it truly involves letting go and loving. When you give love away, more comes back so with each change, think of is as a hug! Dates spread the love and we as adults need that. Enjoy your date night.

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  66. It's your BLOG-ROTIVE(LOL) do what you wanna do!! I love your blogs, your photos, and your decorating ideas, so I'M IN FOR THE LONG HAUL!!! If you need a "willing participant" for polishing up on your photography endeavor, let me know!! I would love for you to capture some family photos of my family w/our little one (we are in the process of gaining guardianship)! I have always LOVED to have our family pictures taken by "new photographers"! I love the unique style and ideas they seem to come up with, I HATE THE DREADFUL STUDIO pictures!! Let me know, we are only an 1.5 hours away!!

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  67. I love, love, love this post! I pray all those things come to pass for you and well, look quite forward to seeing home design and cooking on your blog. I graciously look forward to being inspired and see how your design flavor comes out in your blog. Happy New Year to you. I pray 2009 absolutely wonderful for you and your family.

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  68. I was just about to write to see if you read Cote de Texas and then I looked over and saw it on your side bar! I can't wait to look at the other design blogs on your list, thanks for posting them!

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Thank you for your kindness.