tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84136725828111072342024-03-13T13:01:44.343-05:00Squigglesss...life.faith.family.love.friends.church.job.places.photos.shopping.thrifting.food.sewing.modesty.hair.donnalynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01307280701591287128noreply@blogger.comBlogger228125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8413672582811107234.post-16289444904079818512015-04-01T21:51:00.001-05:002015-04-02T05:28:03.040-05:00Gratefully recuperating..<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
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Yesterday was exactly a week from when I was discharged from the hospital. </div>
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I had undergone laparotomy to remove a massive uterine fibroid </div>
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and clean out my ovary from endometrial cysts. </div>
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As much as I worried about the procedure, I looked forward to today </div>
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when all is well and there’s nothing left to do but recuperate.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Obviously unplanned, the financial consequences<br />
can add up to the pain without an emergency fund. </div>
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Kudos to Dave Ramsey for our financial education, this was taken care of. </div>
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Also thankful for a job that not only paid my time off<br />
but also gave the moral support I needed.<br />
And to the ultimate Provider, I can never thank You enough.<br />
<i>Philippians 4:19</i></div>
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnpEYY8hw5K6nEamdaATyK79vO0p6rfSg6SQUIEAUYEKbI6YX0SvhLeB3QDbinW87O81s3t-GCNPZuacipKbQuOaGNs_HXTexwtIOIHg3u4BvxFX-xAnh0d_M3s7JxyP-5bpgyocfUpTQ/s1600/PhotoGrid_1427859055496%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnpEYY8hw5K6nEamdaATyK79vO0p6rfSg6SQUIEAUYEKbI6YX0SvhLeB3QDbinW87O81s3t-GCNPZuacipKbQuOaGNs_HXTexwtIOIHg3u4BvxFX-xAnh0d_M3s7JxyP-5bpgyocfUpTQ/s1600/PhotoGrid_1427859055496%5B1%5D.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thoughtful flowers from people who love me! :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The most difficult part was going through it all<br />
while
thinking about our loved ones from afar. </div>
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I did not want them to be anxious,
yet,<br />
I cannot deny them the facts about my ordeal. </div>
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I knew I had to
let them know, but how much information </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
is just enough to spare them from any
apprehension? </div>
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Although fear and worry
lingered, </div>
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am still grateful for the peace of God that passes all understanding.<br />
<i>Philippians
4:6-7</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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I am not the most prayerful person but when I first learned
about all this, </div>
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I have resolved that prayer is my first, if not my only option. </div>
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After three months in medication, I noticed the fibroid had shrunk, </div>
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however,
not significant enough to cancel the surgery. </div>
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As the schedule drew near, my prayer
lessened in words and increased in tears. </div>
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My tear ducts eventually dried up, I was at loss for words on the day
itself.</div>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS7z2VTluOfS7YjT9x5KiG22cepd-atra0PbRiA1UtF7YHrqIBFuF245Bn0brsthKCIb4sO49LSj2C4alHmlkEi330zZ1w9n0hveh6d8pUkCGkdD_kGRYngayUCYJKQrYcsIxk9fS9hlE/s1600/IMG_20150401_092558%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS7z2VTluOfS7YjT9x5KiG22cepd-atra0PbRiA1UtF7YHrqIBFuF245Bn0brsthKCIb4sO49LSj2C4alHmlkEi330zZ1w9n0hveh6d8pUkCGkdD_kGRYngayUCYJKQrYcsIxk9fS9hlE/s1600/IMG_20150401_092558%5B1%5D.jpg" height="640" width="552" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hot and sour Chinese soup on the day after the surgery. :-/</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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Nothing felt more comforting than knowing everything
remained covered in prayers. </div>
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So blessed and thankful for our church and adopted
family and all our loved ones </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
who lifted me, the hubby and the whole situation
in prayers. </div>
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Although some things turned out unexpected, the surgery went
smoothly. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thankful for my surgeon and nurses who took very good care of me, </div>
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made me feel comfortable and even loved.</div>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0wfOyC0lQ7AUosmNgdadGBTRRPsxrM9kfNVQYj0u6Mj3K5vjWN4Cfnp_j1wfCd-adAJy6hxph-NYNA1jx8SglYRHQmtJokn0MUnAKA0XcHvUYN29mlE77F78GwZEGA-KdB8Y2RaavGd4/s1600/DSC_0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0wfOyC0lQ7AUosmNgdadGBTRRPsxrM9kfNVQYj0u6Mj3K5vjWN4Cfnp_j1wfCd-adAJy6hxph-NYNA1jx8SglYRHQmtJokn0MUnAKA0XcHvUYN29mlE77F78GwZEGA-KdB8Y2RaavGd4/s1600/DSC_0002.jpg" height="640" width="420" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunday best without heels. :D</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Can’t be more grateful for my very own personal nurse and chef, </div>
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who was
and is always readily available to offer assistance and deliver my requests. </div>
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My superman, as usual, he's making my recovery so much easier.</div>
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I
enjoy being pampered and loving every bit of it! ;)</div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
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Currently, I am awaiting for my post surgery appointment to
come sooner </div>
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while taking pleasure in the recovery process. </div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
</div>
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Still uncertain what further test results will bring but </div>
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I
smile pondering on the goodness of the Lord. <i>Psalms 34:8 </i></div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
</div>
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I know and believe a God Who heals<i>. Exodus 15:26 </i></div>
</div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
</div>
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I am, and want to stay grateful </div>
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and joyful for the
circumstance I am currently in.<i> Philippians 4:11</i></div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
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I don’t know all the what’s, the why’s nor the how’s </div>
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but I take
refuge in knowing the God I can call on to and rely on. <i>Nahum1:7</i></div>
</div>
</div>
donnalynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01307280701591287128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8413672582811107234.post-87013885639579826002015-02-28T10:32:00.000-06:002015-02-28T11:32:01.575-06:00Celebrated 8 and counting!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">As the love month came to an end, </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">I want to </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">share some stale
photos from our anniversary last January. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">It was a usual cold winter day
that actuated my laziness. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">To go home, curl up on the couch, snuggle with
the hubby </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">and watch my favorite Filipino shows </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">were pretty much perfect for a
celebration. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">But he was persistent to keep the tradition </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">of dinner date
every 3</span><sup>rd</sup><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">of January.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkRdOJqhSR1FMH8BtPLebuDcz4J6Y2i7yHlIbQFS2nXppMd22XJpLJWK-DdkAQ6HF9J0JPtTFoWAdqGXWhJtl9zasBMaPZzhLOtuLhQKZf8gNGgHbrQ3pJMWLOgd_31gkFL2rR9mw_GwY/s1600/DSC_0011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkRdOJqhSR1FMH8BtPLebuDcz4J6Y2i7yHlIbQFS2nXppMd22XJpLJWK-DdkAQ6HF9J0JPtTFoWAdqGXWhJtl9zasBMaPZzhLOtuLhQKZf8gNGgHbrQ3pJMWLOgd_31gkFL2rR9mw_GwY/s1600/DSC_0011.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">I gave in to his easy persuading and off</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">we went to a ‘Shrimp
Fest’ at Diamond Jo Casino. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Okay, I will be defensive- </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">we did not gamble
and </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">FOOD was all we went there for. </span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhDUFbf3sJX-jvq0yXqYKLV5aY3i0v_SbUhU3Ks1XsDf9LHPhgXULNDa8vositcWv744gHFidpYQQvHEoIszS9D3wW0KFzoZfoyvSWvcr82eg6qYA30zalEjR-LbntUT6fnawoJK08odE/s1600/DSC_0014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhDUFbf3sJX-jvq0yXqYKLV5aY3i0v_SbUhU3Ks1XsDf9LHPhgXULNDa8vositcWv744gHFidpYQQvHEoIszS9D3wW0KFzoZfoyvSWvcr82eg6qYA30zalEjR-LbntUT6fnawoJK08odE/s1600/DSC_0014.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Unfortunately, we left unimpressed and convinced </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">that it was not
worth what we paid and drove 45 minutes for. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Rather than grumbling over it, we
managed </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">to shrug off our dissatisfaction and </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">diverted our remorse into our
usual glee of taking couple-fie’s.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg8M4cezANJKIOWL92fPnaIgcetR2VKqv0xsYVlH2HPA6PBvefYqX7hu2VDTgTlTQanCdnjfndpUUJ4_16eV1HeB_m1uwDwx5U2-PN8h1sCrksdBCCi4Nn6ALKSYJEo-MeMMLT32NhlWI/s1600/DSC_0024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 13.5pt; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg8M4cezANJKIOWL92fPnaIgcetR2VKqv0xsYVlH2HPA6PBvefYqX7hu2VDTgTlTQanCdnjfndpUUJ4_16eV1HeB_m1uwDwx5U2-PN8h1sCrksdBCCi4Nn6ALKSYJEo-MeMMLT32NhlWI/s1600/DSC_0024.jpg" height="640" width="422" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Days slipped past us when February suddenly sneaked in.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm9MOblIrCjf5XIwkBGKa0ZJEXM-ddcGKocjX2a9UI65cdQrk4yoY8iAw7YZOYMLmUWRVyCp-PllT3N-_XpCus1vyEpxybpLBSemcC2NRkP6slsajjmMy7T5AyZ_1sLAEZV8GFTnfD3uA/s1600/DSC_0009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm9MOblIrCjf5XIwkBGKa0ZJEXM-ddcGKocjX2a9UI65cdQrk4yoY8iAw7YZOYMLmUWRVyCp-PllT3N-_XpCus1vyEpxybpLBSemcC2NRkP6slsajjmMy7T5AyZ_1sLAEZV8GFTnfD3uA/s1600/DSC_0009.jpg" height="640" width="422" /></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Heart’s day gave us a good reason </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">to visit our favorite Asian
buffet in the nearby town. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">No picture at the restaurant itself </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">but capped off
the day with a pose </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">defying the bitter cold of winter.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Then there's the annual kite festival,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">also known as <a href="http://www.colorthewind.org/" target="_blank">Color the Wind</a>.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR1CBepjYkBcgnOH7VbklowGA5s7U6PMNDjmz_nQVaM7tWGzNS3FIZ0xHDY0xAn-M6tSf4syW6CYRr7cLWYoyh2ffLvFVJcejl0a0mJyjaEuv_ZLyrpSbf6dQjontW70zTB1fa96MjCT4/s1600/DSC_0002-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 13.5pt; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR1CBepjYkBcgnOH7VbklowGA5s7U6PMNDjmz_nQVaM7tWGzNS3FIZ0xHDY0xAn-M6tSf4syW6CYRr7cLWYoyh2ffLvFVJcejl0a0mJyjaEuv_ZLyrpSbf6dQjontW70zTB1fa96MjCT4/s1600/DSC_0002-2.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Held
last weekend,</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">we survived </span><span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-size: 13.5pt;">a -8°F (-22°C) cloudy weather, </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-size: 13.5pt;">with 23mph wind gusts</span>
for about 30 minutes. </div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
We would have wanted to stay longer and take more
pictures </div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
but realized that we’re not invincible! <img src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/mesg/emoticons7/21.gif" /></div>
</div>
donnalynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01307280701591287128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8413672582811107234.post-6642904074291410402015-01-02T16:30:00.002-06:002015-01-03T07:52:39.868-06:00What 2014 has randomly taught me..<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJIpNWjXoVMVrgOiwXJ1VX2pNKqyFVz_GKf07HmM_9OFnzLYSX-ENIEdl259Bu5PcdMJopL6JGRST7Q1Nitn7Iea6h4yMLIaunqCerYzZiReXAOc6CMMvKQ62dm-0qbQIYvflMA-yhyphenhyphenag/s1600/20140111_141852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJIpNWjXoVMVrgOiwXJ1VX2pNKqyFVz_GKf07HmM_9OFnzLYSX-ENIEdl259Bu5PcdMJopL6JGRST7Q1Nitn7Iea6h4yMLIaunqCerYzZiReXAOc6CMMvKQ62dm-0qbQIYvflMA-yhyphenhyphenag/s1600/20140111_141852.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>No one is promised tomorrow. Life is short and ought to be
celebrated every day. Be wise with how and who you choose to spend your life
and time with. Neither one has an undo
button, so cherry-pick good memories over regrets.</li>
<li>Family is family<u2:p></u2:p>.. notwithstanding distance and time,
come rain or shine. Nonetheless, family is not always blood. They are the
people who matter most to you and you, to them. They are the only people who will not only celebrate your success but will also empathize with your
defeat. They show up uninvited to your pity party and will choose to get stuck
with you in that yucky pit but will also drag you out of there!</li>
<li>True friendships do not require constant chitchat and
togetherness. Infrequent hi’s, hello’s and how-are-you’s will suffice to
express sincere thoughts and concern. Catching up will happen seldom but when
it does, it certainly surmounts distance and time difference.</li>
<li>No matter how hard you try, you can never please everyone. People
are not always appreciative and grateful of your efforts, great or small. That
is perfectly alright. Smile and keep at it, anyway... You are blessed to be a
blessing.</li>
<li>Unmet expectations often result to disappointment and heartbreak. Spare yourself from added insult to injury by
managing your own emotion, reaction and attitude. You are not in control of
people’s actions but you are certainly the chief executive officer of your own.
Choose to shrug the disappointment off and carry on. Life doesn't end there.</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal">
A grudge is not worth holding on to. The pain and bitterness
will only rub you of peace and joy. Rather than allowing yourself to go through
the same agony over and over again, learn to let go and let God. It will take
time but only God can truly heal.</div>
</li>
<li>Choose to give, rather than lend, without strings attached. Just make
sure you are helping rather than enabling bad spending habits. Be honest if you
cannot afford it. Relationships are best preserved when money matters don’t get
mixed in with it.</li>
<li>Social media is mostly superficial. The grandest vacation photos
and the most impressive shout out do not entirely tell a person’s life story. The
thumbs up, the gratifying comment and the sweet talks do not define
relationships and true friendships. Be cautious with your connections and <u2:p></u2:p>guard
your heart against that green-eyed monster named envy.</li>
<li>God loves you and unanswered prayers do not prove otherwise. Broken
dreams do not delimit His omnipotence, omnipresence and omniscience. He is God
despite your circumstances. So when things go amiss the way you planned them to
be, fear not. Simply pray- it’s more and is most effective! Learn to surrender to His will and trust His
ways.</li>
<li>Be grateful and be contented with what you have in your life.
Acquiring power, fame or more possessions will not fill the emptiness nor fully
satisfy your life. Appreciating what you
already have will make you realize just how blessed you are.</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
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</div>
donnalynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01307280701591287128noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8413672582811107234.post-56255037025562719952014-12-26T22:27:00.000-06:002014-12-26T22:27:01.037-06:00That pretty gold dress..<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I have not been diligent to prove my love for sewing nor
re-purposing clothes this year. Rather than enumerating a million and one
excuses to get myself off the hook, I will attempt to make up for my lack of
sewing posts this year.<o:p></o:p><u1:p></u1:p></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My heart swelled with very sweet compliments about my outfit,
especially the pretty dress, in my previous post. Contrary to what it seems,
the dress did not cost me an arm and a leg. A local clothing store recently
closed so the owner held a garage sale to get rid of everything. Price tags
were at a whooping $5 each.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjFyGeYGVAheemvuwullThYKZ_xY1e6LQUypzTbAgQAPRltvgNCxz6xcixe_O4_RpvjE4QMQOl5V46C9KORiUoeMrFvhztrtCyUPbtX3EXf8hDr7OZPjktPUA8Y7Yp2iceBDjYS0Pk7MQ/s1600/DSC_0049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjFyGeYGVAheemvuwullThYKZ_xY1e6LQUypzTbAgQAPRltvgNCxz6xcixe_O4_RpvjE4QMQOl5V46C9KORiUoeMrFvhztrtCyUPbtX3EXf8hDr7OZPjktPUA8Y7Yp2iceBDjYS0Pk7MQ/s1600/DSC_0049.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Lucky me, huh?? I thought
so too, but only if I find something that would fit my petite frame…We went
shopping anyway, anticipating great deals to be sent to the Philippines. Then..
lo and behold. This pretty gold dress shyly smiled at me. I could not dare
resist such beauty so I smiled back and approached her. Surprise, surprise, it is
EXTRA SMALL too. I instantly fell in love! The hubby painted mixed reactions on his face the first time I
showed him my new love. It was the perfect dress but unfortunately, wasn’t the
perfect size. Although I could not
convince him that it’ll fit me, the very attractive price made him agree, that if
all else fails, I could always resell it on Ebay. Sounded fair enough but I was
decided to make the dress suit my tiny self. By hook or by crook, if I say so...</span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-8JizYpkAvyyGl6gm32SAEVpojiLnA0MvigV8_4YNnG4IcsBqgtofI-q1xpya710Cb9ZpyYXb6hpzOkAKV2pwFV2OXiwhZpT5hsDl2c1zoQlpCqkJ44E9w-Vn7nXsCBhtQiXvNHgGpXg/s1600/IMG_20141226_100215.jpg" imageanchor="1"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-8JizYpkAvyyGl6gm32SAEVpojiLnA0MvigV8_4YNnG4IcsBqgtofI-q1xpya710Cb9ZpyYXb6hpzOkAKV2pwFV2OXiwhZpT5hsDl2c1zoQlpCqkJ44E9w-Vn7nXsCBhtQiXvNHgGpXg/s1600/IMG_20141226_100215.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I wish I took before and after pictures of the dress but.. who had time to do so? The upper body was tad bit loose and the length wasn’t very ideal for my height. It was too long to be a midi yet too short to be a maxi. Sooo, for 1 and 2 above, I took each side of the torso in, through the sleeves, by approximately an inch. I love how the skirt puffed and flared charmingly so I left it as is.. And 3, I folded the hem thrice to attain my desired and still modest length. </span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHRv2mIsy8qRailKNIxgIfJMJ3d7tK1d1oCkdx9u-bxlI9kPDLd0uW0VWppVR1Y0PJpbPdVSZyyPdB2JujhyphenhyphenmAnsTimHtvGosBggOqqV_b58li_fqJg0qiROZQy6SDv3XvQ5kJluJGCVU/s1600/DSC_0065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHRv2mIsy8qRailKNIxgIfJMJ3d7tK1d1oCkdx9u-bxlI9kPDLd0uW0VWppVR1Y0PJpbPdVSZyyPdB2JujhyphenhyphenmAnsTimHtvGosBggOqqV_b58li_fqJg0qiROZQy6SDv3XvQ5kJluJGCVU/s1600/DSC_0065.jpg" height="640" width="422" /></span></a></div>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I am so glad it worked out well, even when I
altered the dress very quickly rather than carefully. I decline paying full
price for clothing that needs alteration for my size but anybody wanting the
dress can purchase it <a href="http://www.jenclothing.com/mi-md1016-renee-blacklace.html" target="_blank">here</a>, not for $5 though!</span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And yes, there goes my little secret about that pretty gold dress.</span></span></div>
</div>
donnalynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01307280701591287128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8413672582811107234.post-25852430664264212502014-12-15T20:20:00.002-06:002014-12-23T14:49:45.879-06:00Oh hello, December!<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZXmG9CZporHPsCQ15WcQ1vAOwxwtJZ9EGA-xSaBU1RsBdKv9QYfRn3t4aobsCo85jFJgenbcYSMuWUohAwd-r2746yg8bNfZkI65FFOUsBxxmUBqVGK6bj4JwlKCbabshhHy1zNYUU_I/s1600/DSC_0062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZXmG9CZporHPsCQ15WcQ1vAOwxwtJZ9EGA-xSaBU1RsBdKv9QYfRn3t4aobsCo85jFJgenbcYSMuWUohAwd-r2746yg8bNfZkI65FFOUsBxxmUBqVGK6bj4JwlKCbabshhHy1zNYUU_I/s1600/DSC_0062.jpg" height="640" width="423" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I browsed through the calendar, trying to recollect how time
flew by so quickly. I remember blogging the preceding entry in a panic-y mode, with
the high hopes of updating this blog as soon as we come back from St. Louis. That, obviously, wasn’t the case. No effort or any attempt was made. NADA!<br />
<br /></div>
<span style="text-align: justify;">I have been working like a dog on weekdays, by choice, and kept
myself engrossed with church stuff on weekends. In between, I’d catch myself under the
weather. I’d like to blame it on the weather
transition from the summer hot to the winter cold. Uhhm no, sadly, no fall
occurrence, as far as I am concerned. But maybe, I am to blame for enduring as
much stress I can… </span><span style="text-align: justify;">Uh-huh. ‘Nuff alibi, I hear. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Just wanted to check in and make it known to the
blog world that I’m still alive and kicking. Oh yeah!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
donnalynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01307280701591287128noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8413672582811107234.post-10995969644657522262014-09-25T21:19:00.001-05:002014-09-26T10:51:50.420-05:00Exploring the East Coast (Part 3)<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">I was told that
without experiencing the Big Apple, </span><span style="color: #222222;">one can never really claim having been to
America. I’ve been here since fall of 2007 so guess I’ve never really been to
America until this road trip! It was nice to see the its skyline from afar but
the city was overwhelming in actuality. Our navigator acted up on our way to
Queens from Niagara and brought us to the 34th</span><span style="color: #222222;"> St of the
eminent, Manhattan. Traffic felt like home, where rules are widely accepted as
suggestions resulting to chaos rather than order. Most if not all areas we’ve
explored were densely crowded, probably, not just with visitors but including
the locals relishing the weekend.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIvaGtvcJA4xifrRcFPm8EPUeYDWyWZzk4C7BFR8LSB8uzqItKeWVd5JelikaxbcXwKU_GBBxQ3unutmhjPckAcvWmj6WpZ7F_eerJC6n3N4EAW-e2Mh8p7g5DeS3MPp2EWhp71-W-BlI/s1600/PhotoGrid_1411664430658%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIvaGtvcJA4xifrRcFPm8EPUeYDWyWZzk4C7BFR8LSB8uzqItKeWVd5JelikaxbcXwKU_GBBxQ3unutmhjPckAcvWmj6WpZ7F_eerJC6n3N4EAW-e2Mh8p7g5DeS3MPp2EWhp71-W-BlI/s1600/PhotoGrid_1411664430658%5B1%5D.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Above collage only
contains some of sites we visited. I will have to post the rest of the pictures
in Facebook or this entry will end up talking about New York City entirely. We
probably have not covered all the tourist spots, mundane or prominent, but
that’s okay. That’d be a good reason to visit again. We’re equally happy
and grateful for the experience. Thanks to Jackoi and Monic for their very kind
hospitality and accommodation. We long to return the favor when you come visit
us in the Midwest someday and hopefully soon.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAjRJB1hXe7iHdFgJNiHPu2czdaWlxYZ1WtABTKBOrc7tEHxWsh2QTeFdqK6VmrFe6pl56dizm3mMsk_rgVPyf704yPVUSoDeNljyMtILf7KOih08aUyNIbBpMjseY3u2DP2XBl9GUm6Q/s1600/PhotoGrid_1411685819499%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAjRJB1hXe7iHdFgJNiHPu2czdaWlxYZ1WtABTKBOrc7tEHxWsh2QTeFdqK6VmrFe6pl56dizm3mMsk_rgVPyf704yPVUSoDeNljyMtILf7KOih08aUyNIbBpMjseY3u2DP2XBl9GUm6Q/s1600/PhotoGrid_1411685819499%5B1%5D.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">Philly did not make
much appeal to me until we got there. Not only did it play a significant role
in the declaration of US independence, Philadelphia has also served as the temporary
capital of the United States at some point. Our tour of the Independence
National Historic Park started at the Liberty Pavilion. It felt unreal to
actually see and touch the iconic Liberty Bell. What I thought was an
ugly emblem of the postage stamps was actually one of the bells that historians
believed to have rung in an affirmation of the country’s independence. Then
there’s the well-preserved Independence Hall, where Congress meetings were held
to evaluate the US Constitution and even declare the American independence.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXC79UZogJB9BNwrQFwbMls6Z73ddUExfe8fV4ZzYFKqIQbklLKVnCNfhjmpCihKKYEjgsQ_UVon1XAkEMzjAkjFyJ4Av44Rv0es2a28ofdkUiWVs2-9SLA1dxCQ6TxUq4FSGrTOGlPHE/s1600/PhotoGrid_1411685316246%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXC79UZogJB9BNwrQFwbMls6Z73ddUExfe8fV4ZzYFKqIQbklLKVnCNfhjmpCihKKYEjgsQ_UVon1XAkEMzjAkjFyJ4Av44Rv0es2a28ofdkUiWVs2-9SLA1dxCQ6TxUq4FSGrTOGlPHE/s1600/PhotoGrid_1411685316246%5B1%5D.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Washington DC was our next point of interest. Been there four or so years ago but our time was insufficient to explore and enjoy the place. Hubby and I were fortunate enough to have friends from Baltimore, approximately an hour away from DC, who warmly accommodated us in their humble abode. Thanks to the Catayas family and Garcia couple. We are doubly blessed with your generosity of sharing your home with us. We truly look forward to share ours with you too.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQxIHJdA7e5UoPNOnqsxpnhG28Gvw0WPcnpubs91UMbtXFHXJkl6JIwYxOtWV3Jf04DAoIAdq5wEAH01dh7WQAjSU5QGeWJ4QG7JUxQga9qoN7NckE5dJinzv1ahBomUTQ3sgtu1h9wVc/s1600/PhotoGrid_1411687533333%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQxIHJdA7e5UoPNOnqsxpnhG28Gvw0WPcnpubs91UMbtXFHXJkl6JIwYxOtWV3Jf04DAoIAdq5wEAH01dh7WQAjSU5QGeWJ4QG7JUxQga9qoN7NckE5dJinzv1ahBomUTQ3sgtu1h9wVc/s1600/PhotoGrid_1411687533333%5B1%5D.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We missed our schedule of the Pentagon tour that hubby had
reserved almost a month prior to our trip. Our drive from Baltimore was delayed
due to unexpectedly slow flow of traffic. Nonetheless, we pursued to pay our respects to
the heroes of the 911 attacks. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8oxT3Xz7ji6Y8VTc3gc3kuXdfOmjg7A2vLbnCcz3ODj38Mm8S2DakOnUBqeI-vaMA6B5njlCIefWoQ6bIIwjBhAS9OwKVciYPLqXIGn3oNsDuRFAnGYusisfUhlSLU-y2_xJN_tLJMU0/s1600/PhotoGrid_1411687325729%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8oxT3Xz7ji6Y8VTc3gc3kuXdfOmjg7A2vLbnCcz3ODj38Mm8S2DakOnUBqeI-vaMA6B5njlCIefWoQ6bIIwjBhAS9OwKVciYPLqXIGn3oNsDuRFAnGYusisfUhlSLU-y2_xJN_tLJMU0/s1600/PhotoGrid_1411687325729%5B1%5D.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In DC, the Capitol tour was most remarkable for me. The
interior design of the building was amazingly and impressively rich in history.
We were hoping to get up to the observation deck of the Washington memorial but
tickets were sold out. Then again, there’s always a next time! We strolled, hung
around the area for quite a bit then finally took a picture took a shot of the
Lincoln monument building before heading home.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp6pxvZKZ8JfQcFGwH1Vd96HSYH2i-u_B3nL26gfiEJhW_c5n1tuzj9mrh-nnXKAzPAG1STE2a9c5BOXpFzOwL6EcU_fe4T_88khnsIsLoqKBGWBGuHru0btMUrL7EN7EapMDn_KwfKdc/s1600/PhotoGrid_1411693697177%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp6pxvZKZ8JfQcFGwH1Vd96HSYH2i-u_B3nL26gfiEJhW_c5n1tuzj9mrh-nnXKAzPAG1STE2a9c5BOXpFzOwL6EcU_fe4T_88khnsIsLoqKBGWBGuHru0btMUrL7EN7EapMDn_KwfKdc/s1600/PhotoGrid_1411693697177%5B1%5D.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lastly, we could not resist the urge to stop over
Kentucky, which I’m glad we did! It was beyond wonderful to see family and
friends. Wish we could have spent a longer quality time with everyone but gotta do what we gotta do, come back home to reality.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our East Coast road trip wasn't flawless but I can't complain, not at all. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Too blessed to be stressed, humbled and forever thankful for the Lord's protection, travelling mercies and provision throughout our trip. Just as it is written, <i>He</i></span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"> sent an Angel before us, to keep us in the way, and to bring us into the place which He has prepared. - Exodus 23:20</i></div>
</div>
donnalynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01307280701591287128noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8413672582811107234.post-42962259481149533212014-09-19T23:54:00.000-05:002014-09-26T10:51:02.889-05:00Exploring the East Coast (Part 2)<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJB7sgj9Z8xgQ9c5GbyHDgerqmZ8pJY42gwk_gIVypDxFkw-6zaI6cvW33B-qPyTnwrlnBG_ST_AYOjx_dXfoUS7fR7uAulRjfszI0B54NKhqjm_Lh9tyTcOj2E3MvT9ZA_djbjwggvw/s1600/DSC_0073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJB7sgj9Z8xgQ9c5GbyHDgerqmZ8pJY42gwk_gIVypDxFkw-6zaI6cvW33B-qPyTnwrlnBG_ST_AYOjx_dXfoUS7fR7uAulRjfszI0B54NKhqjm_Lh9tyTcOj2E3MvT9ZA_djbjwggvw/s1600/DSC_0073.jpg" height="423" width="640" /></a></div>
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Of all the places comprising our itinerary, Niagara was what I looked forward to the most. Days prior to our trip, hubby showed me videos on YouTube where people get drenched while on a boat ride across the river below the falls. For some reason, this worked up my nerves into serious fidgety. Whenever we plan trips and even ordinary dates, I almost always care for only two things- one, if it’d make a good photo shoot location and two, (and more importantly) if it'd offer a good dining experience. But with Niagara, all I wanted was to feel the water! Maybe because it’s summer and it was too hot out, maybe because I miss being on the beach, maybe because I have never seen a waterfall in any way, form or shape, or maybe because it was simply a much needed vacation. Irregardless, Niagara, we're coming!!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1viWGVNkIlerEsSi8uRbgKMu8xhx-ssK6iloCFQZFyWugvBHq3JbAAHfAAR1XcuyKELM1CAaAdxkib5LmzR1qbq_E8cZOF0dAPAuIPge5rixKJmXPX1LAbKMOmzzoE7OSYDgMcX9khKA/s1600/20140822_171829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1viWGVNkIlerEsSi8uRbgKMu8xhx-ssK6iloCFQZFyWugvBHq3JbAAHfAAR1XcuyKELM1CAaAdxkib5LmzR1qbq_E8cZOF0dAPAuIPge5rixKJmXPX1LAbKMOmzzoE7OSYDgMcX9khKA/s1600/20140822_171829.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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It was a 4-hour drive to get there from Pittsburgh. I was kind enough to share the pain of driving with hubby. Although I’m not fond of geography, I was in the best(est) mood to listen to hubby’s lectures about Niagara on our way. I eagerly nodded, as if I cared and understood everything, while he patiently conveyed every bit of information he gathered from his research. The stubborn-wife-attentively-listening-to-the-husband happens very rarely, so that, in itself, was a blessing to the man.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqem8b6Gu6YwDzPn_1TsJScTUroGHz3iE5fPMJRaZr6yj78wYPJuhPxIvSTMxzkPgWz0obPhxGYEEnhUl8_xVPSAawzQL-5ryOuDuzkW9FpsVVR-XnI5fzVCBuLpcXxcZgE20MOWpgYXM/s1600/20140822_103026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqem8b6Gu6YwDzPn_1TsJScTUroGHz3iE5fPMJRaZr6yj78wYPJuhPxIvSTMxzkPgWz0obPhxGYEEnhUl8_xVPSAawzQL-5ryOuDuzkW9FpsVVR-XnI5fzVCBuLpcXxcZgE20MOWpgYXM/s1600/20140822_103026.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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But hey, I absorbed the fact that the name Niagara is actually a collective name for three falls- American, Horseshoe and the Bridal Veil falls. Anyway...</div>
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The Maid of the Mist was at the outset. This passenger boat (spot it on the previous picture above) sets sail across the river and gets close to the bottom of the Horseshoe falls, that bathe the passengers with a bounteous mist coming from the very powerful rush of the waterfalls. We ended up taking off our hopeless sunglasses as our vision clouded up with water. Although the ponchos provided looked cheap and unreliable, those plastic babies actually surpassed my doubts, keeping us from getting fully soaked up. I was thankful hubby won the argument over having to wear the poncho or not.</div>
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The Aquarium did not have a whole lot but we were lucky to catch the sea lion show. It was short but sweet enough to melt the audience’s hearts as the onstage sea lions outperformed themselves in every act, not showing any hint of old age or bitter past.</div>
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Adventure Theater was both entertaining and interesting. We watched a movie that narrated the legend and history of Niagara. It was a great way to sit back and relax after some hiking in the park. Then there was Niagara Gorge Center, which showcased antiquated exhibits that provided information on history, fossils and geological formation. Not my thing but their time-capsule-like elevator was pretty cool. It virtually fell a course of 12,000 years explaining the development of the gorge at every drop.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjncq9vRKZkbFfdCLs2Hje-F4cWWZLajgvG16Af0eP_Mdg4eme4If7RPCUz0S_afwal8vAnlNdA1R3wYep1O6D89u_SVumC7Bkuj76OAmxi0Hpnm2cUmAz-H8u8VxDUXQ-doEJwjAmGzhg/s1600/20140822_184833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjncq9vRKZkbFfdCLs2Hje-F4cWWZLajgvG16Af0eP_Mdg4eme4If7RPCUz0S_afwal8vAnlNdA1R3wYep1O6D89u_SVumC7Bkuj76OAmxi0Hpnm2cUmAz-H8u8VxDUXQ-doEJwjAmGzhg/s1600/20140822_184833.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a><br />
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We unknowingly saved what was unexpectedly the best for last- the Cave of the Winds. The elevator dropped 175 feet down the Niagara Gorge, trailing to a wooden alley towards the hurricane deck. We were welcomed by the mighty surge of the Bridal Veil Falls face to face! Believe it’s the best means to get real close to the falls and to me, the best way to experience the falls. If the blue ponchos saved us, the yellow ones weren't fully geared up for the hurricane!</div>
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It was the most wonderful feeling I’ve felt in a verrryyyy long time, I could stay there forever.</div>
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Night came when w<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">e wrapped up our Niagara
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">with the illumination of the falls and fireworks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: center;">Niagara
was the best part of this road trip and definitely the best experience yet.</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">.. an experience I want my loved ones to experience too. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">The breathtaking attraction made
me realize, once again, </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">how blessed I am and how awe-mazing my God is.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">Many, O LORD my God, are Thy wonderful works which Thou hast done, </i><i style="font-family: inherit;">and Thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto Thee: </i><i style="font-family: inherit;">if I would declare and speakof them, they are more than can be numbered. - Psalm 40: 5</i></div>
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donnalynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01307280701591287128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8413672582811107234.post-71996702609496019952014-09-05T22:27:00.000-05:002014-09-05T23:37:12.588-05:00Exploring the East Coast (Part 1)<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">We planned for our
trip to the east coast early this year. To say we were so excited is an
understatement. The thrill was amplified by the anticipated double date with a
precious couple. However, God had a more exciting adventure in mind. They
were blessed with a bun in the oven that has also brought great joy to me and
hubby. Our friendship has outgrown time and distance that we consider their
blessing ours too. We knew a lengthy travel time, both flying and driving, will
not be ideal or convenient for our preggo friend and the baby so we decided to
postpone our plans- maybe in the near future, maybe not, but definitely in His
time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">While our excitement
has switched over to this year’s UPC General Conference, something unexpectedly
came up- another one of those undeserved blessings that led me and hubby to
pursue our planned east coast itinerary. We jumpstarted our road trip with a 12-hour
long drive to the Steel City- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYpDdePZA_sIDTW8NV2iOeoCeV3e6puTZ9F0cETxmXbpMnP6I63ie_cua25WABGFGHW0EkJbg4J4oCX3yP0OM1ukti8nRUFnwhND6LjwyxWTwGTU9MuCr4S6LM-yZve3KY7T1Pm4Eo66U/s1600/20140819_132135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYpDdePZA_sIDTW8NV2iOeoCeV3e6puTZ9F0cETxmXbpMnP6I63ie_cua25WABGFGHW0EkJbg4J4oCX3yP0OM1ukti8nRUFnwhND6LjwyxWTwGTU9MuCr4S6LM-yZve3KY7T1Pm4Eo66U/s1600/20140819_132135.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We tried to minimize
as less pit stops as possible, munching on snacks to calm our growling tummies
and only heeded to the call of nature if deemed really necessary.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Two hours away from </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Pittsburgh</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> is Akron, Ohio. If you are an NBA fan, you know this is Lebron James’ hometown. </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">We drove around his neighborhood
and amused ourselves with all the beautiful mansions, greenery and flowers. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Then finally,we arrived </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Pittsburgh</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> late at
night so we got to witness the pretty city lights as we entered the city on the
way to the hotel. </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We got to driving
around the following day and contrary to my initial, night-before impression
and what I had actually hoped for, ‘Burgh is a lot bigger than Lexington,
Kentucky. </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I dread driving in big
cities but I also believe that it’s just a matter of getting used to. I also
prefer living in a small town, opting for a laid-back over a fast-paced lifestyle. And my personal preference of raising a family also leans towards the
previous. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWSYsLk44EF8lPadZzG6LgZg7esiehSuhqaTWNySiPw1D6kZR3WOL1-j7KTDTOLha33A2I2cJlkN5flnKfuMZR16Z44JO7BbrcmE3-8va22Jc3P5A2GDbKhWgcw2ZaBs49NABhm6xgaDE/s1600/IMG_20140820_164542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWSYsLk44EF8lPadZzG6LgZg7esiehSuhqaTWNySiPw1D6kZR3WOL1-j7KTDTOLha33A2I2cJlkN5flnKfuMZR16Z44JO7BbrcmE3-8va22Jc3P5A2GDbKhWgcw2ZaBs49NABhm6xgaDE/s1600/IMG_20140820_164542.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Hubby brought me to </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Monterrey</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> Bay Fish Grotto, a restaurant overlooking the city. As soon as we were
welcomed with a valet parking person, we knew that it was an expensive
restaurant. Since we were both starving, we were convinced to, at least, get in
and check out the menu but also agreed that we’ll just have to go out if prices
are way out of our budget. Surprisingly, the meals were reasonably priced,
considering the size of each serving, its mouth-watering aroma and the explosion of flavors for every bite. Bonus, their meals were mostly consisted of fish, which the waitress said, were fresh from Florida daily.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB9hQAV5wMZPoAxawfYO5xSXpuQUBIqeTdAGaileQXoYopYqmxgO7UsPwBtO3HrwQv-1uDzVN_lPOQXya8TwPxkYFxvJD6K605bwieus_rPO2vZw9ityJ7zSv5uZngoPvCPid3EyYPUZY/s1600/DSC_0056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB9hQAV5wMZPoAxawfYO5xSXpuQUBIqeTdAGaileQXoYopYqmxgO7UsPwBtO3HrwQv-1uDzVN_lPOQXya8TwPxkYFxvJD6K605bwieus_rPO2vZw9ityJ7zSv5uZngoPvCPid3EyYPUZY/s1600/DSC_0056.jpg" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Out of curiosity, we also rode the Duquesne Incline, century-old
wooden cable cars that bring passengers atop the steel city, to enjoy the best
views.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Three nights and two days may have not been enough to fully discover
Pittsburgh. However, we enjoyed our visit and are truly grateful for the wonderful
experience. </span></div>
donnalynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01307280701591287128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8413672582811107234.post-72835989018545094732014-02-28T19:58:00.002-06:002014-02-28T19:58:47.324-06:00February in Pictures!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijl1w-MIkMpZwwle1G5PNS1bUvk9PHFwUz03Wu4fTDpbzdTG9uVzJwVZ3UkZ7qYj0mEAFmQJ2kBzAXTd8zYlCpkllqMficxdRCU1jDINpLLQIkOzZs3gqREB3iEVviatBkcbMsrbKTcLI/s1600/DSC_0006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijl1w-MIkMpZwwle1G5PNS1bUvk9PHFwUz03Wu4fTDpbzdTG9uVzJwVZ3UkZ7qYj0mEAFmQJ2kBzAXTd8zYlCpkllqMficxdRCU1jDINpLLQIkOzZs3gqREB3iEVviatBkcbMsrbKTcLI/s1600/DSC_0006.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After church and before our post Valentines date.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyfmMMs023lzcqfduKLGQoKzEdDuTtwiMLdAoXhGbBW8qVCOiPTr1AdZt2ejzpZCEXvUXGeuGLO01jEIS0DFNoiMWmzJzHLBDMl0UfBkbBZyuSO9NeX_mbhCvkkQAxLkDiEGGLVFEubY0/s1600/DSC_0140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyfmMMs023lzcqfduKLGQoKzEdDuTtwiMLdAoXhGbBW8qVCOiPTr1AdZt2ejzpZCEXvUXGeuGLO01jEIS0DFNoiMWmzJzHLBDMl0UfBkbBZyuSO9NeX_mbhCvkkQAxLkDiEGGLVFEubY0/s1600/DSC_0140.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Freezing at the Color the Wind Festival 2013..</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicgu8rh-4srMQXAuO9QCpOtvZEX8s7fQnHltYQQfpS8yujxAd9CJlmo40YluiWmqNafdzwoHDL5Z-Uf6ozWNmY8XrLnCBqc9cui3oLwsepKaEs_tUKZevIgeb79AcoS3O2LQ88x0shIzE/s1600/DSC_0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicgu8rh-4srMQXAuO9QCpOtvZEX8s7fQnHltYQQfpS8yujxAd9CJlmo40YluiWmqNafdzwoHDL5Z-Uf6ozWNmY8XrLnCBqc9cui3oLwsepKaEs_tUKZevIgeb79AcoS3O2LQ88x0shIzE/s1600/DSC_0003.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our pweeetty snow lady- made in fun and love during the blizzard!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />donnalynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01307280701591287128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8413672582811107234.post-69807544102152334742014-02-23T07:21:00.000-06:002014-02-23T07:21:11.037-06:00Heya, I'm back!!!<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
On the 3rd week of<br />
February already?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
..but 2014 has not really sunk in yet. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So I wanted to walk down 2013 memory lane </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and muse
over my favorites..<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have to count my fingers to determine how many.. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>but it’s
been 6 years! </b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That long for the poor husband to be stuck </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and
deal with the stubborn wife that I am . </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbG5huOPpKSOVXFVSss-Z3KPqKdOHq0kqFWQLAjNxgZ9fRZgxpPYxNAgKqGbTBRNeQirtmMbiTtFn7hYQtDv1Ve3PzVJpWy6eTt-lnxu8yrLDBL7InneEdrxDysv3t2xQt7gmGGFDVri4/s1600/DSC_0014-3.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbG5huOPpKSOVXFVSss-Z3KPqKdOHq0kqFWQLAjNxgZ9fRZgxpPYxNAgKqGbTBRNeQirtmMbiTtFn7hYQtDv1Ve3PzVJpWy6eTt-lnxu8yrLDBL7InneEdrxDysv3t2xQt7gmGGFDVri4/s1600/DSC_0014-3.jpg" height="640" width="433" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Definitely looking forward to N more years</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of
love, friendship and drama. <o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Road trip to the south </b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
at 3000+ miles and ~45 hours of driving.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
The hubby’s persistence on the idea </div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
was more than I could contest. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My skeptical self was overcome </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
by the fun and pretty places we chanced upon. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Maybe
to him, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it was a dream come true to watch NBA live for the first time. </div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_x6H0jN7rHVW92PsUrgCwOuwbIusThDDSrIjao6-6AikRzFSKmBxlHPmty3PaFU4q16UzCbkhOgDnPl0kCKVAASR3PSedtloaPNdn66aitBlMQoFRfjE4mVSFHed3oi-9y2b1XxCRr24/s1600/DSC_0041_tonemapped.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_x6H0jN7rHVW92PsUrgCwOuwbIusThDDSrIjao6-6AikRzFSKmBxlHPmty3PaFU4q16UzCbkhOgDnPl0kCKVAASR3PSedtloaPNdn66aitBlMQoFRfjE4mVSFHed3oi-9y2b1XxCRr24/s1600/DSC_0041_tonemapped.jpg" height="433" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To me, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it was another undeserved blessing- </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
an (almost) all-expense paid trip </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and quality time with people we consider family.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>First photo shoot.. </i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and it was our friend's sister's wedding! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you can't tell, the hubby and I both love taking pictures. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The enhancing of the pictures..</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
well.. it is a whole different story. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have a love-hate relationship with it </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and I blame my laptop for being so ancient </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that it gets so lousy when I run the application </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to edit the pictures. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The hubby doesn't only have the talent to do it </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but he's got such patience </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and endurance for such a painstaking task!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-WmVL-8weQRVzp4tYDOi3eM8J400mzZG8vr5FxIQyr8NrFUbdxrVMywLj0QTLWg5reQopqK_NkcP6HlIZO-VM5oOTWd5J_Ug6QKX84dudsDPirN4qArbSuZ_053-7m3MfQ7TRCtSRbU/s1600/DSC_0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-WmVL-8weQRVzp4tYDOi3eM8J400mzZG8vr5FxIQyr8NrFUbdxrVMywLj0QTLWg5reQopqK_NkcP6HlIZO-VM5oOTWd5J_Ug6QKX84dudsDPirN4qArbSuZ_053-7m3MfQ7TRCtSRbU/s1600/DSC_0009.JPG" height="432" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Look at us,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
taking our turn to pose</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
after the wedding.</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Mamang’s 57<sup>th</sup><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>birthday-</i></b><u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Grateful for the year that has gone and come.. </div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh79aFbHS1krlHZZwG5ltr3qYV7DkNe8oteTC183qsW2ID0LaSDcI7v80njJxQP2eRPztdtAVVaEpM19mzfA3sXXnF4CPPT1bJRDBG0ufwVNkzEvbGCp7xE4wRMI7s-Bo7D2QnSYowilDg/s1600/DSC_0014_tonemapped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh79aFbHS1krlHZZwG5ltr3qYV7DkNe8oteTC183qsW2ID0LaSDcI7v80njJxQP2eRPztdtAVVaEpM19mzfA3sXXnF4CPPT1bJRDBG0ufwVNkzEvbGCp7xE4wRMI7s-Bo7D2QnSYowilDg/s1600/DSC_0014_tonemapped.jpg" height="432" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and looking forward to what God </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
has in store for her in the coming years. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love you, Mang.. to infinity to beyond. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
May you continue to beautifully bloom </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in the Lord’s loving grace, mercy and goodness.</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>General Conference 2013</i></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My first and definitely not my last! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIH1u8i1B4uUV0VsDSXCARAgn0j9_017v-VK2BAwWKOvTbloiTI5TxSjxG_sM7EtiUrceE_V9r9yTBDuN-_sclKSQbGm2KhOuzcQNub39EIP5vpDYn6rKrsbu4OM8lzMCd_mgTsJgxk0c/s1600/DSC_0022-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIH1u8i1B4uUV0VsDSXCARAgn0j9_017v-VK2BAwWKOvTbloiTI5TxSjxG_sM7EtiUrceE_V9r9yTBDuN-_sclKSQbGm2KhOuzcQNub39EIP5vpDYn6rKrsbu4OM8lzMCd_mgTsJgxk0c/s1600/DSC_0022-3.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Nothing compares to the awesome presence of the Lord</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and the precious infilling of the Holy Ghost </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
through powerful preaching </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and anointed music.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Already looking forward to this year's conference!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">O give thanks unto the LORD; </span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">for </span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">he is</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"> good: </span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">for his mercy </span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">endureth </span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">for ever.</span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Psalm 136:1</span></span></i></div>
</div>
donnalynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01307280701591287128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8413672582811107234.post-9829545761051745392013-05-14T17:49:00.001-05:002013-05-14T18:02:07.495-05:00Has spring sprung?<div style="text-align: center;">
Snow in May. Bald trees. Gloomy skies. Thunderstorms. And chilly winds.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0zL9HRBVEenQpv6HZzyKQckQgmG2UAOegJ7cifd3Y7M8d5Ydvh49avv0DxE7-YfqeNKpV92-efvh1eNwOODicV8jxltjhig4GxxMev5i118b59pEctRkfejeixzVuNxpaLZ8HYkseJJ4/s1600/DSC_0122_cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0zL9HRBVEenQpv6HZzyKQckQgmG2UAOegJ7cifd3Y7M8d5Ydvh49avv0DxE7-YfqeNKpV92-efvh1eNwOODicV8jxltjhig4GxxMev5i118b59pEctRkfejeixzVuNxpaLZ8HYkseJJ4/s640/DSC_0122_cropped.jpg" width="432" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pollen allergies. Sunny day. Sprouting leaf buds. Robins chirping.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Green grass and dandelions.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9yORm8FcEG1-DM95dhvSNZ3_tD6_NaHS80WkQ4rI_TpueLcX0lqVbOB95SMVAmc8dg4PozaKunsJRzA-BliD0XUrgv3o6eggOC6HvIbmlZdORq4jF3sOmyU0188FqIoqtFKMmTh2Rx5Y/s1600/DSC_0125_tonemapped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9yORm8FcEG1-DM95dhvSNZ3_tD6_NaHS80WkQ4rI_TpueLcX0lqVbOB95SMVAmc8dg4PozaKunsJRzA-BliD0XUrgv3o6eggOC6HvIbmlZdORq4jF3sOmyU0188FqIoqtFKMmTh2Rx5Y/s640/DSC_0125_tonemapped.jpg" width="432" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
100-degree warm up. Longer days. Shorter nights.<br />
It's summer. Suddenly.<br />
<br />
"While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat,<br />
and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease." -<span style="font-size: x-small;">Genesis 8:22</span></div>
donnalynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01307280701591287128noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8413672582811107234.post-8473308112318876132013-05-12T15:37:00.000-05:002013-05-14T18:02:33.535-05:00Meet Myrna and Myrna!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." <span style="font-size: x-small;">- Proverbs 31:30</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaQTVekxgZeww7ZpsXD0-NoHad_O19HhKZMnwFGGQ3CxUJRTaR1sIfLqGgDsgKFLg2yZEAxTGD2F5JHYweabACS8phaCitYYeXE075cIvzBrL5XPWO5MLXy3hDcaS6lwx0ISR_bESsueM/s1600/Myrnas_cropped_tonemapped2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaQTVekxgZeww7ZpsXD0-NoHad_O19HhKZMnwFGGQ3CxUJRTaR1sIfLqGgDsgKFLg2yZEAxTGD2F5JHYweabACS8phaCitYYeXE075cIvzBrL5XPWO5MLXy3hDcaS6lwx0ISR_bESsueM/s320/Myrnas_cropped_tonemapped2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Happy <i>Mamang's </i> day,</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to my in law and my mom.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am doubly blessed to have you two as</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
icons of a Proverbs 31 woman in my life.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Wish I can be half the wife and mother<br />
that you both are. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Love, love , love you both!</div>
donnalynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01307280701591287128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8413672582811107234.post-89681377430136299222013-04-14T17:47:00.000-05:002013-04-14T19:07:15.384-05:00His happy happy birthday!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-aAfT6h6PCgf13YFosppzF0Sci-T2wonMcEM5KJL3ulmSFBeY6ynXXNz2PlsMBj3jDHsbZmhvf_wERekcJ7fEWfR4MVf10p1kLF567fSwFU88wy1kDzzgTs_TX-_pYCigGvVsjh_vFKA/s1600/spring+failed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-aAfT6h6PCgf13YFosppzF0Sci-T2wonMcEM5KJL3ulmSFBeY6ynXXNz2PlsMBj3jDHsbZmhvf_wERekcJ7fEWfR4MVf10p1kLF567fSwFU88wy1kDzzgTs_TX-_pYCigGvVsjh_vFKA/s320/spring+failed.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taken from Facebook</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We are ~5 hours away from the Canada border </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and we feel the pain! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This year's spring has been struggling </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to move forward. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Snow shows up uninvited. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Rain drizzles longer than wanted.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mr. Sun very rarely shows up.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The temperature went up to the 50's only once<br />
since the first day of spring.<br />
Oh, don't forget that wind whose unsolicited help make matters worst!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>And yet, I will rejoice in the Lord, </i><br />
<i>I will be joyful in God my Saviour (Habakkuk 3:18)</i><br />
no matter how gloomy the weather can be..</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRrsEHg_XOhrp9ymoFhQd6yP8DJxuqjUxewHNNEzP89Ep-tG7vEeFv3CTiE-jszmWA85kRFd7_cjoLZA7B1qRtc2dKeaz4cXJ-TmSVlVOMh7oooljksYI1wXIcbThLFfzm00d-6Z9juAM/s1600/DSC_0011_tonemapped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRrsEHg_XOhrp9ymoFhQd6yP8DJxuqjUxewHNNEzP89Ep-tG7vEeFv3CTiE-jszmWA85kRFd7_cjoLZA7B1qRtc2dKeaz4cXJ-TmSVlVOMh7oooljksYI1wXIcbThLFfzm00d-6Z9juAM/s640/DSC_0011_tonemapped.jpg" width="432" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The birthday boy!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Looking far..and wide.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Just can't take his eyes off that basketball!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yeah, the <i>Miami</i> heat's playing so he's got to concentrate. </div>
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</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEBs1J-G-ABTyPRwhE7O5qaJy32Dc8gLx-pA8KalnMbiJ9sfKF5V8nwjn0rqA5XV8Y1dh0s-S3V4fZqno9MPLpvNi-btgSyr6V9ZS0LBonzvDXxs4qd_hl3H3HwVEhVyUFsDm2Y4CnXq0/s1600/DSC_0018_tonemapped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEBs1J-G-ABTyPRwhE7O5qaJy32Dc8gLx-pA8KalnMbiJ9sfKF5V8nwjn0rqA5XV8Y1dh0s-S3V4fZqno9MPLpvNi-btgSyr6V9ZS0LBonzvDXxs4qd_hl3H3HwVEhVyUFsDm2Y4CnXq0/s640/DSC_0018_tonemapped.jpg" width="432" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After church and a sumptuous lunch buffet for his birthday..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy happy birthday, mahal ko (my love)!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Wish you more of the Lord's love<br />
and abundance in your life</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and in those you love (me included..teeheee).</div>
donnalynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01307280701591287128noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8413672582811107234.post-11027096234085807622013-03-31T20:25:00.001-05:002013-03-31T20:25:42.812-05:00Happy Easter!!!<div style="text-align: center;">
Bbrrrrrr... Still too cold up here to get out and take pictures.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTxKU5BnqHiT784_P5UGQHqlgPZY-mEsMY8bC-qRuBKVXWIWDxp6Cgh2Ajw66eiiYwwLdPNHCiYrGZoq233IgTAeVrjuaEXjDJvw5Xk8pUwxAue1mMNxa-n1RPqJ2VxMnD3rz_EtpKN_w/s1600/DSC_0066_tonemapped_cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTxKU5BnqHiT784_P5UGQHqlgPZY-mEsMY8bC-qRuBKVXWIWDxp6Cgh2Ajw66eiiYwwLdPNHCiYrGZoq233IgTAeVrjuaEXjDJvw5Xk8pUwxAue1mMNxa-n1RPqJ2VxMnD3rz_EtpKN_w/s640/DSC_0066_tonemapped_cropped.jpg" width="368" /></a></div>
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But we managed to move things around and</div>
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squeeze ourselves in what little space we have for a quick pose!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx1-FnLM_jsavadPZZkjk3WD_BTKMQeko9jrGJt4ErfE020e-Ocw33S8fXwzs6ozidkmDy0VB6M-f6a9o0h8DVxKm-Tikt7nUmVj9XFmfODubEXtjtMgCEsdM9TZtTmwfScoMejSgytTg/s1600/CSC_0074_tonemapped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx1-FnLM_jsavadPZZkjk3WD_BTKMQeko9jrGJt4ErfE020e-Ocw33S8fXwzs6ozidkmDy0VB6M-f6a9o0h8DVxKm-Tikt7nUmVj9XFmfODubEXtjtMgCEsdM9TZtTmwfScoMejSgytTg/s640/CSC_0074_tonemapped.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Hope y'all have a blessed Easter and great week ahead.</div>
donnalynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01307280701591287128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8413672582811107234.post-35833496463154631882013-03-30T09:30:00.002-05:002013-03-30T13:30:27.348-05:00Rewind, rewind, rewind..<div style="text-align: center;">
It’s been 4 LONG months! </div>
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Blame work that has held me hostage since I came back </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
from a 5-week <strike>short</strike> vacation in the Philippines. </div>
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Blame the cold that sucked all the energy out of my poor tiny <s>brain</s> body </div>
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so that outside work, there’s really just me and some retail therapy.</div>
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Okiiiieeee, enough alibi! </div>
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Lemme do a little recap here then together </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we cross our fingers for up to date posts in the coming months...</div>
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I
celebrated my 31 years of youthfulness back in November. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Can't find a better, more decent picture of me except this!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCrnoOwLJfp1CKbKUwnTpLPSF3NWd-iiHgo2rMnoHCmaOXZ-nT4uBOJzWVJRmQD2NjGS0MqYADlTzW4bHFpxrAuJARCEaA7fX70NjSytYccZs3H42gT0aaMkUb-TTiz39HaC2jHpzHto/s1600/DSC_0088_tonemapped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCrnoOwLJfp1CKbKUwnTpLPSF3NWd-iiHgo2rMnoHCmaOXZ-nT4uBOJzWVJRmQD2NjGS0MqYADlTzW4bHFpxrAuJARCEaA7fX70NjSytYccZs3H42gT0aaMkUb-TTiz39HaC2jHpzHto/s400/DSC_0088_tonemapped.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">at Cancun Mexican Restaurant</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I missed my traditional Thanksgiving list for 2012 but </div>
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I surely have a LOT to be grateful for, “my cup
runneth over!”</div>
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Took the day off before actual thanksgiving holiday.</div>
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Below is video the hubby took while </div>
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we waited for DJ Fancher to drive us to Minneapolis.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwckUbBh5xKBT0m4D-SQdcEsKQmISEFnr4MSc29H8_Cxvd8kAHJ3qcKXJSAInHF8jAtT-_FIOSj47vhcBLANA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Told my mom that we will be spending the holiday in Minneapolis </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so we can't do Skype for a few days.</div>
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I have been looking forward to this since the
beginning of the year.</div>
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Mom was clueless we we're headed home to the Philippines!!!</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy-lxX4T2zxJq20tjglcphdLMdWeGOsdI_pH5vVyQf2XCxlYyZmokjf0q9c7lU9-Ul1Xsgw2EzWWymdVZiM5g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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And yeah, she was too surprised, she would not open the door at 2AMish!</div>
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The dogs would/could not stop barking, we woke up the entire neighborhood.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hCZ8QcZSktjWTHhFuK1FLqLSRfCO807uX9QzZ_G17cM3tzlx7pb4wnroPBprRWVAEm4bfEUTuRCltxOJFtW-VvVcQUQpb0koCl45O5hB46v1_ot6FXXIldXWztAA-44kX-QyBSa-wvU/s1600/DSC_0093_tonemapped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="433" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hCZ8QcZSktjWTHhFuK1FLqLSRfCO807uX9QzZ_G17cM3tzlx7pb4wnroPBprRWVAEm4bfEUTuRCltxOJFtW-VvVcQUQpb0koCl45O5hB46v1_ot6FXXIldXWztAA-44kX-QyBSa-wvU/s640/DSC_0093_tonemapped.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">at home with our baby Ada</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was a long tiring trip but it was beyond wonderful to be home!<br />
Definitely, well worth everything.<br />
Quality time spent with the family was most precious.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZYjIRK2jbuYRDE5ty0VXODdVqH_5YaajjrAw3hlrVbJ_wUOSS2ikF_Cc2H-orWlXAt0YqHHH1fXOzDDePMklblUdEy9vNJXCkKgjthmbfDnuDE2II0yOXThrNHzMa870tmtIErOHQ6LY/s1600/184468_315699561869789_1712583380_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZYjIRK2jbuYRDE5ty0VXODdVqH_5YaajjrAw3hlrVbJ_wUOSS2ikF_Cc2H-orWlXAt0YqHHH1fXOzDDePMklblUdEy9vNJXCkKgjthmbfDnuDE2II0yOXThrNHzMa870tmtIErOHQ6LY/s640/184468_315699561869789_1712583380_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
It was a very merry Christmas for us.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBJVcmgET_1_cwAlQX8hkHJR9St0CPcOeQbsWhFibfwg3XtR55fFBno00RELDeglTVkF9syO7EQ_a9upFzaqeH7H0nNAw3jEHwGKdc-odbvqmhLXcW2fndQ8sBPkE9K4AN3Im-_yvW8G4/s1600/DSC_0010_tonemapped+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBJVcmgET_1_cwAlQX8hkHJR9St0CPcOeQbsWhFibfwg3XtR55fFBno00RELDeglTVkF9syO7EQ_a9upFzaqeH7H0nNAw3jEHwGKdc-odbvqmhLXcW2fndQ8sBPkE9K4AN3Im-_yvW8G4/s640/DSC_0010_tonemapped+cropped.jpg" width="608" /></a></div>
But time flew by so fast.<br />
It was time to come back.<br />
As per mom's request, we did one more pose with our hats on.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtACvLOnLPDxGpfOCIFAbJlflZNwWLThPMdfdpYFDRixe2phodhka1PqiKyPD2U44U_uzDH92MCbqmtKNWPdxePLoWSjgxzQzV85MDPZ6ucPGJqaXRn3nfj0xs4xqPtqY6tzoy-GfcBAA/s1600/DSC_0277_tonemapped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtACvLOnLPDxGpfOCIFAbJlflZNwWLThPMdfdpYFDRixe2phodhka1PqiKyPD2U44U_uzDH92MCbqmtKNWPdxePLoWSjgxzQzV85MDPZ6ucPGJqaXRn3nfj0xs4xqPtqY6tzoy-GfcBAA/s640/DSC_0277_tonemapped.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">at Cebu International Airport</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Back to the winter wonderland safe and sound.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqSyqAMHHP3Nijst9HagtV6efqkxl2tqUbvIhJhfSUIRY1IU4x3JePcnOUSSmkZaqVQxFxLXD-q7TZWZY6WOmqob8k0UpuL8uYTl6LEJ4NG4G_LlUmK1u1gxeWFuTxsX6Y5EgHB-SNr7s/s1600/DSC_0012_tonemapped.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="433" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqSyqAMHHP3Nijst9HagtV6efqkxl2tqUbvIhJhfSUIRY1IU4x3JePcnOUSSmkZaqVQxFxLXD-q7TZWZY6WOmqob8k0UpuL8uYTl6LEJ4NG4G_LlUmK1u1gxeWFuTxsX6Y5EgHB-SNr7s/s640/DSC_0012_tonemapped.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Just in time to celebrate 6 years with my ever awesome guy!</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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donnalynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01307280701591287128noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8413672582811107234.post-70223430830950526262012-10-02T21:22:00.002-05:002012-10-02T21:24:46.387-05:00DIY: Lace Pencil Skirt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After too much time spent on <i><b>surf shopping</b></i></div>
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(yes, my very own term for online window shopping ,lol),<br />
it was beyond relief to have<br />
stumbled onto <a href="http://squigglesss.blogspot.com/2012/08/diy-bow-top.html#.UGkDmE3A_m8"> this cream lace pencil skirt</a>.<br />
I knew, however, that more than I needed, I wanted a black one too!<br />
Thankfully, my frugal mode got partially activated<br />
that hindered me from adding the black option to the shopping cart.<br />
But the itch was annoying enough,<br />
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compelling me to find means
to get what I want. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk4hPlKU9ZTUW0-GS12vWJeyElHGp98riPBQ9YGalXfSjtehFmLlI-9TzIRhDCqWlt_D3aOO3M8rDKHzljaP0nLO9cpeMaPsOTV6DLCSGEiWx-m0okJ79UX5CHe9m616mqSzsDwDeggQQ/s1600/DSC_0006_tonemapped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk4hPlKU9ZTUW0-GS12vWJeyElHGp98riPBQ9YGalXfSjtehFmLlI-9TzIRhDCqWlt_D3aOO3M8rDKHzljaP0nLO9cpeMaPsOTV6DLCSGEiWx-m0okJ79UX5CHe9m616mqSzsDwDeggQQ/s640/DSC_0006_tonemapped.jpg" width="432" /></a></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then the search for sewing patterns and DIY tutorials began.<br />
I finally found <a href="http://morningbymorningproductions.blogspot.com/2012/07/lace-pencil-skirt-tutorial.html">this tutorial</a> and <a href="http://cottonandcurls.blogspot.com/2011/02/pencil-skirt-from-scratch-baby.html">this</a>. Both are very easy to follow.<br />
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The only change I added was to use my favorite pencil skirt for
a blueprint<br />
rather than taking my measurements.<br />
I love the outcome as it catered to my desired fit and comfort.</div>
</div>
donnalynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01307280701591287128noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8413672582811107234.post-37695237082179421092012-09-16T15:21:00.000-05:002012-09-16T19:55:59.989-05:00Why, hello!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I missed sharing my most recent sewing project </div>
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that I wore last Sunday.</div>
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Got caught up with pingpong after church </div>
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so ended up too worn out</div>
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to post anything here.</div>
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Not today! I got a brand new energy.</div>
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Probably because of the antihistamine I took yesterday</div>
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to relieve me from pollen allergies.</div>
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Anyways..I have two things to share here..</div>
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One. The apple cheesecake bars </div>
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I found on Pinterest (recipe <a href="http://www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/2010/09/caramel-apple-cheesecake-bars.html">here</a>).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-w1VtiYb0fDIfY77jW-NhMTYZO_xDZK7_O7HmltVI36BkfFDZlynUYFYtzgEKPq12rftuB3u97wpKtRRVWtt81qPwh6i9OOYsKywP2l4pUZxlsklORWw6d6O8P5EpgKdm7dBvzCrfQc/s1600/apples+cheesecake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-w1VtiYb0fDIfY77jW-NhMTYZO_xDZK7_O7HmltVI36BkfFDZlynUYFYtzgEKPq12rftuB3u97wpKtRRVWtt81qPwh6i9OOYsKywP2l4pUZxlsklORWw6d6O8P5EpgKdm7dBvzCrfQc/s640/apples+cheesecake.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was so easy to make.</div>
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Lookie, how yummy!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpSzIf4mEWB5gk5fCsNk1cE7lYYzgsmAU8VhCDKJVJZLwHy7AS89pq_Zn2ShEGq-oo0PFtrSJOvL8X1ndN09UyUIZ0hFBNQZlgAw6hBuzPIRS2XNcx3FnjxWItSX4wfopPWJAR3SQVroY/s1600/CSC_0022_tonemapped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpSzIf4mEWB5gk5fCsNk1cE7lYYzgsmAU8VhCDKJVJZLwHy7AS89pq_Zn2ShEGq-oo0PFtrSJOvL8X1ndN09UyUIZ0hFBNQZlgAw6hBuzPIRS2XNcx3FnjxWItSX4wfopPWJAR3SQVroY/s640/CSC_0022_tonemapped.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Two. I got to wear my very first purchase from Modcloth.</div>
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Maybe my last chance to wear short sleeves </div>
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before summer officially ends.</div>
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Notice the lace-y sleeve under the dress sleeve?</div>
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I knew I have to make some alterations on the sleeves</div>
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and maybe the bust area (as well?)..</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3f6eC_8_ZfEFg5Rl4NcluzNl61h5MgrTrrS5H3xYBvjMo7OZ-zCSvAYtiB7R-dRYNpE9K5t4mobjYYi40TlZ6RzD618Xfk46QsIe1ODNg7h_0DWaplbY9TIjJhr5qPIn9bylLIT3lUpg/s1600/CSC_0019_tonemapped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3f6eC_8_ZfEFg5Rl4NcluzNl61h5MgrTrrS5H3xYBvjMo7OZ-zCSvAYtiB7R-dRYNpE9K5t4mobjYYi40TlZ6RzD618Xfk46QsIe1ODNg7h_0DWaplbY9TIjJhr5qPIn9bylLIT3lUpg/s640/CSC_0019_tonemapped.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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In the meantime, I decided to wear a lace tee underneath</div>
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to hide what needs to be hidden</div>
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because I can't wait!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAyBE-HYl8teEqJKeQIU9qJ2vqDImRSicP_G3Zr0pedDaDUTuKGEO8K_XKcZHXiJuH2fXgbmIrQyhjTQBzFi6PUojGUYrB0qfeM1Z-gSbCJbacaGlspz72BRUm1W25zmtmmExUDqnJMV0/s1600/weee.jpg"><img border="0" height="20" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAyBE-HYl8teEqJKeQIU9qJ2vqDImRSicP_G3Zr0pedDaDUTuKGEO8K_XKcZHXiJuH2fXgbmIrQyhjTQBzFi6PUojGUYrB0qfeM1Z-gSbCJbacaGlspz72BRUm1W25zmtmmExUDqnJMV0/s200/weee.jpg" width="20" /></a></div>
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The color is very pretty, I just can't resist!</div>
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Got my dress on <a href="http://www.modcloth.com/shop/sale">sale</a>!<br />
They have some good classy items<br />
that are modest and some that can be modesty-fied.<br />
They add new items everyday<br />
so I diligently watch for them everyday too.<br />
So if you haven't, try <a href="http://sharethelove.modcloth.com/a/clk/w37qB">Modcloth</a>.
<br />
Happy back-to-work day tomorrow!</div>
donnalynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01307280701591287128noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8413672582811107234.post-18784064372269389472012-09-02T21:15:00.000-05:002012-09-02T21:28:45.601-05:00Sharing a Recipe & a DIY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Today we had a potluck at church and </div>
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I brought this delectable red velvet cheesecake bites.</div>
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Of course, I'm sharing the recipe! </div>
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I found it on Pinterest that brought me <a href="http://www.cookingshorts.com/featured/red-velvet-cheesecake-bites/" target="_blank">here</a>. </div>
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So easy yet so yummy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqLtFH_J7OxkX1kK5dPbmkpX36UM9DWtvylc3HR2fNQRAIfA_ZkKokGkyrZpWqo8qWjgeOZD0eaN9Jov_rD2rxNXOAWZsqs_6AlKzmvD1ybYKz4MfpVTUnYPy46MJhxfBpfjidM_MdbAQ/s1600/DSC_0004_tonemapped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqLtFH_J7OxkX1kK5dPbmkpX36UM9DWtvylc3HR2fNQRAIfA_ZkKokGkyrZpWqo8qWjgeOZD0eaN9Jov_rD2rxNXOAWZsqs_6AlKzmvD1ybYKz4MfpVTUnYPy46MJhxfBpfjidM_MdbAQ/s640/DSC_0004_tonemapped.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Also wanted to share <a href="http://www.howdoesshe.com/cheaper-and-better-diy-laundry-detergent" target="_blank">this</a> practical DIY laundry detergent</div>
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that is a lot cheaper than the commercial detergent </div>
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and fabric softener selections found at any store racks.</div>
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I love how our clothes smell and </div>
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I am confident it cleans very well.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhkLlA8CA8v52x9-3x8ymok3VgKH5mwnVQZtuMle7Vs96rL2enoHwp7MSXgsx0mbIcZlEDuWrBqB3yHocGLRA1GrOvsSDZK7C_sY7V0At7XMtkwCluX-4g3UoQsMOMwCyU3Ezyb6F_Azg/s1600/DSC_0003+(2)_tonemapped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhkLlA8CA8v52x9-3x8ymok3VgKH5mwnVQZtuMle7Vs96rL2enoHwp7MSXgsx0mbIcZlEDuWrBqB3yHocGLRA1GrOvsSDZK7C_sY7V0At7XMtkwCluX-4g3UoQsMOMwCyU3Ezyb6F_Azg/s640/DSC_0003+(2)_tonemapped.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
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That's it for now!</div>
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Too lazy to post my latest sewing project.</div>
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Y'all have a good labor day holiday.</div>
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<br /></div>donnalynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01307280701591287128noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8413672582811107234.post-45993809626940556792012-08-26T18:49:00.001-05:002012-08-26T18:53:12.140-05:00Maxi Dress in 5 Ways<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div>
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Wore this lovely dress to church today</div>
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with the purple top (outfit 1) in the picture</div>
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and got some very sweet compliments.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEnf_Xma3s7ytYd8-dN1-MtQOz75-bQHN8lbaoGsqyU82xmEQLuKizZH7bS2ZVTgJ2rfzDJN36M_rIEfnrx_pyWBps8l-kF4KUWtlID0Gx4L-mLxBb4vOCPvBdblgYvz380hO7Sg5mmds/s1600/dressin5_2.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEnf_Xma3s7ytYd8-dN1-MtQOz75-bQHN8lbaoGsqyU82xmEQLuKizZH7bS2ZVTgJ2rfzDJN36M_rIEfnrx_pyWBps8l-kF4KUWtlID0Gx4L-mLxBb4vOCPvBdblgYvz380hO7Sg5mmds/s640/dressin5_2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I love it to pieces<br />
but with fall expected to come early this year, </div>
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I want to keep it suitable </div>
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when the weather starts to cool down.<br />
So here goes the 5 ways..
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The last 4 are a very typical for my office wear.<br />
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Hope you all had a blessed weekend! :)</div>
donnalynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01307280701591287128noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8413672582811107234.post-8891605544138670482012-08-19T20:26:00.001-05:002012-08-26T18:50:13.859-05:00DIY: Bow Top <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I have been drooling over bow tops since the beginning of this year.</div>
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But I deferred to shop for one online.</div>
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I've given up, knowing too well, I'll end up with something too big on me.</div>
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Thankfully, thrift stores exist!</div>
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I found this top at the junior's rack and fell in love with the chiffon and its gold accents.</div>
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I was skeptical it looks big but thought, I could always alter it.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPtIifs6YBJOajSuMi3oE84QDOCCHueTeBjoBJgrqAhC1p7cYc-KRpJmVY_SnHpzlDiMAzmxB3SUBkb8AOJbwOmVRSfVbGhhLCwZc2nNTTUS7xAqEo-m3InEYcx-9fN2NarPrAYwomCn0/s1600/brown_top.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPtIifs6YBJOajSuMi3oE84QDOCCHueTeBjoBJgrqAhC1p7cYc-KRpJmVY_SnHpzlDiMAzmxB3SUBkb8AOJbwOmVRSfVbGhhLCwZc2nNTTUS7xAqEo-m3InEYcx-9fN2NarPrAYwomCn0/s640/brown_top.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now look, it is well worth it!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGpMgblP21x7pP3nHVYWAVYiTmRAgPFRaiDHg7I4Uqog03NUtQSqrwh7b48djnbk7mJiIynHt5ZyqMLIP4RFeUNYLj269a-GufxmdyRlcu8SHHpuiZvXVYAk7w_05KgMQsQYJ2TArMkfM/s1600/brown_cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGpMgblP21x7pP3nHVYWAVYiTmRAgPFRaiDHg7I4Uqog03NUtQSqrwh7b48djnbk7mJiIynHt5ZyqMLIP4RFeUNYLj269a-GufxmdyRlcu8SHHpuiZvXVYAk7w_05KgMQsQYJ2TArMkfM/s400/brown_cropped.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Paired with this pretty lace skirt..</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkCS7or54KxPt_IMO2Z1sYNLQB_A8g1KQ3AUpnFbftr9MaiI1FTN30qdaGwXl3GeZ1Bj3Db7xunSSx0Bfa2_5-O7Zd17mqWWosvyk8WdflshbxqGhqI2K_cb49KwtVYxKheLCVANeKuzI/s1600/brown_lace_skirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkCS7or54KxPt_IMO2Z1sYNLQB_A8g1KQ3AUpnFbftr9MaiI1FTN30qdaGwXl3GeZ1Bj3Db7xunSSx0Bfa2_5-O7Zd17mqWWosvyk8WdflshbxqGhqI2K_cb49KwtVYxKheLCVANeKuzI/s400/brown_lace_skirt.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And accented with nude patent pumps and my LVoely manhattan purse.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw8GEX5A6XvgGSeixUq8E-Ma0d7HuRuoGtHwKC6Eo_B-m3O-bS2e_wOUIh2iyfQIBUheOU9sIVT5MeCckE33MIhmJtRpaqUjKN6Yake6dGNFhylq4SRG0QZsthYulHUm6yUoI1T3Lziqo/s1600/brown_purse&shoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw8GEX5A6XvgGSeixUq8E-Ma0d7HuRuoGtHwKC6Eo_B-m3O-bS2e_wOUIh2iyfQIBUheOU9sIVT5MeCckE33MIhmJtRpaqUjKN6Yake6dGNFhylq4SRG0QZsthYulHUm6yUoI1T3Lziqo/s400/brown_purse&shoes.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here I am..</div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7rPll4BaFPRPmK9nxF0Udhp5c8LkVtoqUljSGI2z67upRo34VhJLOUwlOaPUM2lvigp3cvphQWu7FkjvMlVtomU34sa5AUetPITn77VUGDEURt9KUoWl_989Ws0-pTZPHmwoIbP1Afbg/s1600/DSC_0016+(2)_tonemapped_cropped_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7rPll4BaFPRPmK9nxF0Udhp5c8LkVtoqUljSGI2z67upRo34VhJLOUwlOaPUM2lvigp3cvphQWu7FkjvMlVtomU34sa5AUetPITn77VUGDEURt9KUoWl_989Ws0-pTZPHmwoIbP1Afbg/s640/DSC_0016+(2)_tonemapped_cropped_2.jpg" width="468" /></a></div>
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Grateful for my recovery from almost a week's torture of tummy discomfort.</div>
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Hope you all had a great weekend!</div>
donnalynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01307280701591287128noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8413672582811107234.post-29104563432713266222012-08-12T22:15:00.003-05:002012-08-18T21:28:32.594-05:00My 20cents Top<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I wish I have some DIY tutorial to share today.</div>
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However, it was such a gloomy day </div>
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that called the couch potato in me to play its wonderful role.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfM2xbWLMkoVFUpd7jsbYsBaCO7cVJ617_hywONuVwgsLVKMqRFwDosd4OoknsHuDUspWuJUwsLayTV0TAvIIHaOgTzXTMtJHolmrfOdEHHzHNec9XZXkd6MDgWB9iUoDiYxIqJ_4Qibc/s1600/DSC_0045_tonemapped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfM2xbWLMkoVFUpd7jsbYsBaCO7cVJ617_hywONuVwgsLVKMqRFwDosd4OoknsHuDUspWuJUwsLayTV0TAvIIHaOgTzXTMtJHolmrfOdEHHzHNec9XZXkd6MDgWB9iUoDiYxIqJ_4Qibc/s640/DSC_0045_tonemapped.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
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But really, I just want to show off my thrifted top!</div>
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Soo comfy and perfect for the wet weather today.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACavXovaQqjzJG37ME9KQC2MbuzMwQ7RZvrR176MTLdhVGNOUtmOlqh4KLxB5IRnJJ601Mtkf0wwVVRr0X5lnP1ISYGHzUIOT4ahQRWKCt4ZSfT_YoCKWKS0WthSz-b38GJSNIKnZ9xo/s1600/DSC_0039_cropped_tonemapped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACavXovaQqjzJG37ME9KQC2MbuzMwQ7RZvrR176MTLdhVGNOUtmOlqh4KLxB5IRnJJ601Mtkf0wwVVRr0X5lnP1ISYGHzUIOT4ahQRWKCt4ZSfT_YoCKWKS0WthSz-b38GJSNIKnZ9xo/s640/DSC_0039_cropped_tonemapped.jpg" width="460" /></a></div>
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Hope everyone had a great weekend!</div>donnalynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01307280701591287128noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8413672582811107234.post-52289174458223511762012-07-29T17:02:00.000-05:002012-08-18T21:28:41.200-05:00DIY: Dress Into A Blouse<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white;">I ordered this dress from Ebay. </span></div>
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Although it was advertised with pretty pictures, </div>
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I was disappointed when I tried it on.</div>
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It was too big on me and too short for my liking.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Returns and exchanges cannot be an option</span></div>
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since I'll have to pay for the shipping.</div>
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So my solution was to alter the dress to my size</div>
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and make it a suitable blouse.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV9ZikfpbZG3DRHVkHgVKsMK9eS-YqbVAlOK62ZQn_aHZjW2LEm2MhDnrDmUTRcW1YwsUo8lszYVxTkyAEnx2mnpVsNd22JEsmCRJUJQtMkGBTIvQ6WVOfpjw2wSjMwcNuYDHPX3f2rQs/s1600/dress3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV9ZikfpbZG3DRHVkHgVKsMK9eS-YqbVAlOK62ZQn_aHZjW2LEm2MhDnrDmUTRcW1YwsUo8lszYVxTkyAEnx2mnpVsNd22JEsmCRJUJQtMkGBTIvQ6WVOfpjw2wSjMwcNuYDHPX3f2rQs/s640/dress3.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
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1. I removed the side zipper of the dress.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm1f4oJvRjIEdjUE-JIpTmmXCCwed4rAvXtZvXpMc2k2quCtjsMwPFmGN8_Ng1j8PK-E6FmBQv58EGz61_i3W_H1y7cg613kY436lthnBq8Ia7xEbaDpAeVqoXQTyfphqunIlwuvqOP3Q/s1600/DSC_0020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm1f4oJvRjIEdjUE-JIpTmmXCCwed4rAvXtZvXpMc2k2quCtjsMwPFmGN8_Ng1j8PK-E6FmBQv58EGz61_i3W_H1y7cg613kY436lthnBq8Ia7xEbaDpAeVqoXQTyfphqunIlwuvqOP3Q/s640/DSC_0020.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2. Sew the white lines (see first picture above) on the sides of the dress.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB47i3QUKccw77A1v7XpdtwqPvlkbKA3eRNPU2UVSYl1dN2-aH4BuVZpt-cNDTiHehJ_Pmq3awjQ5ElhnU1bv2Ul3WxKr8m3rCnRhBueUVs_hyphenhyphenyuZbUJQQFvpHsQQ-XbCaAfI0QDrS0jA/s1600/DSC_0021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB47i3QUKccw77A1v7XpdtwqPvlkbKA3eRNPU2UVSYl1dN2-aH4BuVZpt-cNDTiHehJ_Pmq3awjQ5ElhnU1bv2Ul3WxKr8m3rCnRhBueUVs_hyphenhyphenyuZbUJQQFvpHsQQ-XbCaAfI0QDrS0jA/s640/DSC_0021.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3. Cut the dress short through horizontal white line (<span style="background-color: white;">see first picture above)</span><span style="background-color: white;"> and hem.</span></div>
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First, it felt like I may have chopped the dress way too short for my blouse.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqDYXNMeNyrD77KsRPbzQomMeyQ1Tb90J7sGmFlg9Ctz9gcaXpSY_wcXumjJSxfITfifUtDFMUoCWAd42iU6Bs8QP6wbB77hIVL1mivadejuVfXcIWt5-hYk3_YQRytMgoNO_jbLhFiac/s1600/cropped_tonemapped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqDYXNMeNyrD77KsRPbzQomMeyQ1Tb90J7sGmFlg9Ctz9gcaXpSY_wcXumjJSxfITfifUtDFMUoCWAd42iU6Bs8QP6wbB77hIVL1mivadejuVfXcIWt5-hYk3_YQRytMgoNO_jbLhFiac/s640/cropped_tonemapped.jpg" width="404" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Thankfully, I'm a shorty myself </span><span style="background-color: white;">so it's no biggy.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZW0JoUCF63bssTnOGjdP0zMt7_5LicXy58ZnWi07gAjFhuzkTSKPyyfZ7IA-8IbxTvZvRaRdLusKaZN9tKkvRI3scksH9MlouFJI_Bog7eYvU_6D3muYHuXnc2QuMuqO7K26GHfkkUIo/s1600/CSC_0008_tonemapped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZW0JoUCF63bssTnOGjdP0zMt7_5LicXy58ZnWi07gAjFhuzkTSKPyyfZ7IA-8IbxTvZvRaRdLusKaZN9tKkvRI3scksH9MlouFJI_Bog7eYvU_6D3muYHuXnc2QuMuqO7K26GHfkkUIo/s640/CSC_0008_tonemapped.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Matching blue and yellow makes a totally pretty outfit. Don't you think?</div>
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But until people from church pointed it out, I did not realize, </div>
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I was actually wearing a Snow White outfit. </div>
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<br />donnalynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01307280701591287128noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8413672582811107234.post-82962912455222083712012-06-28T19:00:00.000-05:002012-08-18T21:28:49.209-05:00PFC (Petite Fashion Challenge) #17: Candy Colorized<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqdvl7TKCfSivdcB6Qn1YTX4l0GjKiLVaB-HhX-6XltPgCiD7u7w3uvybG7pQyInRX3aylpzziTGq-n-c1rZbWUchuK44JFw_Z51XsD-hbGOqfDAQ_Dpi_wSUCr68clvsQy03oqowRTJnS/s320/petitefashionchallenge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqdvl7TKCfSivdcB6Qn1YTX4l0GjKiLVaB-HhX-6XltPgCiD7u7w3uvybG7pQyInRX3aylpzziTGq-n-c1rZbWUchuK44JFw_Z51XsD-hbGOqfDAQ_Dpi_wSUCr68clvsQy03oqowRTJnS/s320/petitefashionchallenge.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://sewpetitegal.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">SewPetiteGal</a> is hosting this months's PFC entitled <a href="http://sewpetitegal.blogspot.com/2012/06/petite-fashion-challenge-17-candy.html" target="_blank">Candy Colorized</a>! </div>
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So, first of... <span style="background-color: white;">I'm glad to be reunited with my LVoely Alma, my first ever fab baby!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZwLZ4oGbNn8XukkreNHsazWdPOg3eKYdCv4xqF682jN4mFec9tHOVNQLue7sj7Uko-_skuwUhOlF4EYpp7vttFr7_YvNVCm8ohPrzFJfGkIlobb40Ch4PuXoASXAOQWY9CyZ9ks_knUc/s1600/CSC_0029_tonemapped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZwLZ4oGbNn8XukkreNHsazWdPOg3eKYdCv4xqF682jN4mFec9tHOVNQLue7sj7Uko-_skuwUhOlF4EYpp7vttFr7_YvNVCm8ohPrzFJfGkIlobb40Ch4PuXoASXAOQWY9CyZ9ks_knUc/s640/CSC_0029_tonemapped.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now here's my outfit...</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Sunnies</span>: <i>Rayban</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Top and Dress</span>:<i> Kohls</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Sandals</span>: <i>Rue 21</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Purse</span>: <i>LV Alma</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhAvrHIvBHh3e4EGpTEEjfGyr4EO2s33NPWhwmnpk7wI_Kiscgk-QD281QvOPrBPzZx0m_fGG84nTvCohjd5trzdCuqVjB0OKdnkkOKXBjUG50Bgxd8sE5bvslOQup_PLQ0NPGUAo-3-g/s1600/CSC_0028_tonemapped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhAvrHIvBHh3e4EGpTEEjfGyr4EO2s33NPWhwmnpk7wI_Kiscgk-QD281QvOPrBPzZx0m_fGG84nTvCohjd5trzdCuqVjB0OKdnkkOKXBjUG50Bgxd8sE5bvslOQup_PLQ0NPGUAo-3-g/s640/CSC_0028_tonemapped.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">This is my first so am a bit shy but gotta try it. :)</span></div>donnalynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01307280701591287128noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8413672582811107234.post-7254684039070188412012-06-27T23:36:00.000-05:002012-06-27T23:36:56.640-05:00We hardly ever stay put on Saturdays.<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;">And when we do, it
makes me all agitated to get as much items, as I can, crashed out on my
invisible to-do list.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Other than cleaning and decluttering, last Saturday was
intended for…</span></div>
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‘Gardening..’ <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj4jF0Q0jlUKlvdWRLwea5n_l1XmrPRmLgc8mGmJzGPoUDbeWllqC0EJpSZFjQSCaR8P3eTkaTAy_TtjHrVoKXPfR_odlafZPlie2Q0QwLwoWhuFAjfBzfVQPL1fTqvTV0v3shIEkhcRg/s1600/DSC_0023_tonemapped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj4jF0Q0jlUKlvdWRLwea5n_l1XmrPRmLgc8mGmJzGPoUDbeWllqC0EJpSZFjQSCaR8P3eTkaTAy_TtjHrVoKXPfR_odlafZPlie2Q0QwLwoWhuFAjfBzfVQPL1fTqvTV0v3shIEkhcRg/s640/DSC_0023_tonemapped.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">The last two pots are cucumbers. And the other three? Yes, sweet potato vines. What’s considered a
decorative plant here is a common food in the Philippines. Those pretty leaves are
as edible as the roots. OKaayyy, remember that we live in an apartment. So that’s
the best we can do for gardening. Hubby is as negative as some of you maybe.
They’re all vines which mean they need to be planted on a bigger space like a
real garden and not pots. Oh well, we’ll
deal with it as they grow bigger. For now, I’m just happy they have survived 4
days in pots.</span></div>
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Baking…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLdSGV88c4EVcjsokWMiINjkLJcJEbuGMfVhQuPEdr5VkgeBHumYLnDrMXp05m6SXUmC3MNoqvkARPdfrLTn0-8_mTECWtYNTdDxb3rJDyUZFC5d8Ux_Mc2nI1BZeJhuRjmkwEnro9-FE/s1600/DSC_0004_tonemapped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLdSGV88c4EVcjsokWMiINjkLJcJEbuGMfVhQuPEdr5VkgeBHumYLnDrMXp05m6SXUmC3MNoqvkARPdfrLTn0-8_mTECWtYNTdDxb3rJDyUZFC5d8Ux_Mc2nI1BZeJhuRjmkwEnro9-FE/s640/DSC_0004_tonemapped.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Last Sunday,I brought this baked leche flan</span></div>
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and again, pickle wraps<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA8o5B1EDPUBYEygmfkEYeXYadHOMg2if5nSYLtgDQ8wosgj1ZS5hgrgG_f9lbUM7H9zzMTk0QDApAHT1TinYkYzuAyBYROwuf6bPDgmDuFLTHBl8vzxEZFV6KDkvZm-QUiXmpsjzLQjc/s1600/DSC_0005_tonemapped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA8o5B1EDPUBYEygmfkEYeXYadHOMg2if5nSYLtgDQ8wosgj1ZS5hgrgG_f9lbUM7H9zzMTk0QDApAHT1TinYkYzuAyBYROwuf6bPDgmDuFLTHBl8vzxEZFV6KDkvZm-QUiXmpsjzLQjc/s640/DSC_0005_tonemapped.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">for our potluck at church to celebrate the Kappmeyers’ 40</span><sup style="background-color: white;">th</sup><span style="background-color: white;">
wedding anniversary.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">That's how our weekend went. Hope y'all had a great one, too.</span></div>
</div>donnalynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01307280701591287128noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8413672582811107234.post-91454606462377252282012-06-20T22:22:00.003-05:002015-04-21T12:32:06.780-05:00Random Notes to Self...<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white;">What was most awaited came very unexpectedly after years and
years of anxious waiting. The agony was finally put to halt when schedules
were set. I am very rarely an optimist but rumors had it all. I was over-confident,
this is it. In my mind, I painted a vivid picture of better days ahead. And although I worried some, I have a
definite plan of action carefully crafted to pronounce triumph.</span></div>
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Like how the previous caught me by surprise, the outcome of
it all was far more overwhelming. A very probable impediment interrupted
the whole process. It took a while to sink in but when it did, it tore my
sketch of reverie apart. Dreams and plans- shattered into pieces. I tried to
concoct my own formula for answers. The more I tried, the more desperate I had
become. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibcFAzRpehDKoheNOlyc6XhV5K6AXKccPLRdHrphFdiPrstZjfWQQ6tSjoEc8Zcq1aH_dsa1nVWh1N_-1NfV5hJdyPuaTCPkX_nKC2Hnqcxj2W7E00mRylSD84tYXQG5MBeJhXpMRKzuo/s1600/DSC_0060_tonemapped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibcFAzRpehDKoheNOlyc6XhV5K6AXKccPLRdHrphFdiPrstZjfWQQ6tSjoEc8Zcq1aH_dsa1nVWh1N_-1NfV5hJdyPuaTCPkX_nKC2Hnqcxj2W7E00mRylSD84tYXQG5MBeJhXpMRKzuo/s640/DSC_0060_tonemapped.jpg" height="640" width="427" /></a></div>
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So, where was He in all these? I knew He was right in the midst of it all. Perhaps,
watching my every move but I chose to ignore and hold Him liable for this
sudden turn of events. </div>
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Give thanks in all circumstances (1Thessalonians 5:18). If only it turned to
what I thought was the right way (aka my way), it would have been easier to be
grateful. Or if, at least, the reasons for such were spelled out clearly, I
would have understood. So give thanks for what now? An amazing husband,
wonderful families, great friends, good health and a beneficial
job are blessings that can outdo all the disappointment. I am blessed beyond
measure despite this instance of a downer.</div>
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Trust in the Lord (Proverbs 3:5). I have trusted Him in all
these. In fact, this is the very same reason I vied for a positive outcome even
when hubby remained skeptic about it. In
the end, I can’t help but feel deceived by the trust I openly imparted. But if
I really trust or trusted Him, why would I be so upset now? Trust means faith. Faith is not only
confidence in the things hope for but also the conviction of things not seen. (Hebrews
11:1)</div>
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His ways are higher than my ways and His thoughts than my
thoughts (Isaiah 55:9). What took Him so long? Then what changed His
mind so abruptly? I really, honestly, don’t know. I’m just pretty sure that what
my tiny brain can barely comprehend is nothing compared to the detailed blueprint
He’s already laid out for my life. He sees a much bigger picture no matter how brilliant my imagination can get.</div>
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All things work together for good (Romans 8:28). It’s all gloomy today but I know and believe
in my heart, everything will make perfect sense in His own beautiful time. </div>
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donnalynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01307280701591287128noreply@blogger.com2