tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591087519211207202024-03-21T22:31:13.776-07:00Sweet Vanilla BeanLindsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00369028684969361006noreply@blogger.comBlogger124125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-259108751921120720.post-5620923651382214792015-12-05T14:28:00.002-08:002015-12-05T14:40:13.834-08:00holiday gift guide...<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Man, the holidays are upon us once again! This year, with a brand new baby, I find my time is short, and thus my time for Christmas shopping is too! I'm teaming up with <a href="http://www.aftcra.com/" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" target="_blank">aftcra</a> to bring you some beautiful gift ideas to help you (and me) save time, and find the perfect things for everyone on your nice list! </span><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Have you heard of aftcra, the beautiful <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">e-commerce marketplace? It's similar to Etsy but features delicious, beautiful handmade goods exclusively made by artisans in the USA! </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b>aftcra = handmade:</b></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">made by an artisan & </span></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">made in the USA... meaning a whole heck of a lot of unique gift ideas for birthdays, house warming parties, and most especially for this Christmas and Chanukah season! </span></div><div><div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Here's a few beautiful things I found while exploring </span></span><a href="http://www.aftcra.com/" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">aftcra</a>:</div>
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<br></div><div>Take a stroll through aftcras' gorgeous e-commerce marketplace! You'll love what you find! </div><div><br></div><div>Happy Holidays!</div><div><br></div><div>Love,</div><div>Lindsay</div><div><br></div><div><br></div>
</div>Lindsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00369028684969361006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-259108751921120720.post-20142420451299799332015-07-22T16:00:00.000-07:002015-07-23T09:24:58.235-07:00home...When & I moved into our cozy little home just over six years ago, it seemed like a natural next step. Married and dog owners. And living separately (and mostly long distance) for 4.5 of our then 5.5 year relationship was challenging and lonely. I think I underestimated lots of aspects of this adventure... buying a 30+ year old home comes with inherent pros and cons.<br />
<br />
Shortly after moving in, our water went from flat rate to metered. Realizing we'd bought a mini jungle, some adjustments had to be made. We've spent a small fortune removing the over growth in the front yard created by the previous owners. I would have much rather spent that money on a kitchen remodel. But alas, you can actually see out house from the street now. So, the kitchen remodel waits.<br />
<br />
Then, plumbing problems... the dreaded words any homeowner has nightmares about. That 6 month fiasco seems so far away now... but holy tragedy was that a mess! Thank GOODNESS for my parents who live nearby who arranged their whole lives to be at our house when countless contractors managed the plumbing issues, and then when were forced to remodel both bathrooms, simultaneously, unexpectedly and with every penny of savings we had. I would have much rather spent that money on a kitchen remodel. But
alas, you can actually pee at our house when you visit now. So, the kitchen
remodel waits.<br />
<br />
Then, once again, we we were faced with addressing a mini jungle, but this time in the back year... and some adjustments had to be made.
We've spent our third small fortune removing the over growth in the backyard
created by the previous owners. I would have much rather spent that
money on a kitchen remodel. But alas, that beautiful, bare, dirt backyard is cleaned up. So, the kitchen remodel waits.<br />
<br />
And then Thanksgiving on 2014, while my hubby was showering, I decided my heightened emotional state may be more than just a heightened emotional state... so I decided to take a pregnancy test. And it was positive. We were overjoyed with that faint, second pink line, but decided to wait until 12 weeks to tell anyone, considering our previous pregnancies. This once stuck, and plans to prepare for baby earmarked any small savings from that of "kitchen remodel fund" to "baby fund." So, once again, the kitchen remodel waits.<br />
<br />
Even without my dream kitchen, a home isn't about perfect plumbing (though working plumbing is vital!), and it's not a "done" backyard. A home isn't items from a catalog or the latest-and-greatest-anything. A home is place where your faces fill picture frames. A home is an unmade bed, a pile of dirty laundry, a basket of dog toys, and an sense of peace when you walk in the door to be greeted by the world's most loving and beautiful dog! A home is your roots, your stuff, your smell and your safe haven! And our home is where my baby will grow up knowing he is loved, where we will carve pumpkins, write to Santa and hunt for Easter eggs. Home is where baby will play with Penny and help dad in the yard. Home is where we will eat pancakes, watch movies, hash out problems, and come together as a family. Our home is one of my greatest blessings & I am grateful for a cozy, little space where my family will grow and continue to make the most amazing memories!Lindsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00369028684969361006noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-259108751921120720.post-33450116068487302582014-07-18T06:00:00.000-07:002014-07-18T06:00:03.915-07:00why i still scrapbook...I've been keeping journals and scrapbooks since I was a child. The year I got married was just about the time digital photo books were really becoming a thing. It was then that I decided to make annual yearbooks to track and highlight the happenings of our daily life... and I now have tons of 12x12 photo books of our first years of marriage (and even one of our doggy's first year with us--her baby book, if you will!), and even more 8x8s chronicling our trips and special events. I do love digital scrapbooking. Like, so much! There are drawbacks though:<br />
<br />
Digital Scrapbook Cons:<br />
-there have been glitches or technical problems that have required me to start over <br />
-they can be quite expensive (our yearbooks are usually over $200)<br />
-it's ordered when it's done, so there is no witnessing progress b/c it's all online<br />
-once printed, you can't fix mistakes<br />
-cannot easily incorporate keepsakes and artifacts, other than pictures or digital scans of items <br />
<br />
Digital Scrapbook Pros:<br />
-no messiness!<br />
-making changes or edits is fairly simple while making the book<br />
-sometimes coupons can make digital scrapbooks more afforable<br />
-they are slim, and fit nicely with all the others on a shelf<br />
-they are fairly durable<br />
<br />
That said, I do still make the old fashioned scrapbooks. It's just a habit/hobby I can't walk away from... and believe me, my pocket book and OCD tendencies wish I would! I have always enjoyed markers, stickers, and papers. Always! It's like my crack. Take me to Micheal's or Jo-Ann's or Hobby Lobby, and you can guarantee that I'll likely be in the scrapbook section...! And there are drawbacks to manual scrapbooks too:<br />
<br />
Manual Scrapbook Cons:<br />
-expensive... it's a rabbit hole of goodies... and there is really no end... new papers, new products, new techniques...<br />
-the scrapbooks usually wind up being very, very thick<br />
-more often than not, looking at old books results in having to re-glue things<br />
-it's very time consuming and very messy <br />
-everyone thinks you'd LOVE to scrapbook their life, b/c hey, you scrapbook, and often offer to pay you to scrapbook for them (which literally makes me cringe and laugh simultaneously b/c yea right! do you know how much time, effort, thought and money goes into even one page, let alone a whole book!?!?)<br />
<br />
Manual Scrapbook Pros:<br />
-keepsakes and artifacts can be included<br />
-some (if not most) mistakes can be corrected, or glued over<br />
- it's a very tactically pleasing activity<br />
-it decrease stress (except for the mess...)<br />
-one's own creativity is the only real limit<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje0yhPXGb64HY-WqxRB0YoM1_P1Y6vhgsMY4FuD43PeGCZzRZFdO9mWsAeH8rDPwKvfWTnQm28nGUKdLU2HCY4-tJw5fw2rLJ5wbY2XGhiYY9f50_9XfHAP7GhnO5VQq6IMeYu6grw4us/s1600/IMG_5355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje0yhPXGb64HY-WqxRB0YoM1_P1Y6vhgsMY4FuD43PeGCZzRZFdO9mWsAeH8rDPwKvfWTnQm28nGUKdLU2HCY4-tJw5fw2rLJ5wbY2XGhiYY9f50_9XfHAP7GhnO5VQq6IMeYu6grw4us/s1600/IMG_5355.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Compiled with love and a little help from a kit!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anyway, I guess I just wanted to encourage us old-fashioned types to go along with the new wave of scrapbooking, while never forgetting our true roots in the craft! <br />
<br />
Happy crafting,<br />
LindsayLindsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00369028684969361006noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-259108751921120720.post-64960568374282207762014-07-16T06:00:00.000-07:002014-07-16T06:00:02.217-07:00five strategies for finding significance...<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Are you like me? Do you want to have more significance? Sometimes I
feel like I'm missing the boat when it comes to being a person of value.
If my autobiography was written would anyone want to read it? At the
end of the day I live a normal life. So how can my normal be
inspirational? </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Here's some ideas about how to live more significantly:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /><b>#1 Build Someone Up</b><br />I love sarcasm as much as the
next person. Sarcasm is a close cousins of comedy and humor. The problem
is when sarcasm becomes normal in an environment, it's pretty hard to
have a compliment be taken seriously. Take the time to be the one person
that rises above the sarcasm and secretly tells a person how great they
are are. The reassurance will sink in and make that person reflect on
the positive aspect you saw in them. It takes more effort and energy to
build someone up then to tear them down.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /><b>#2 Remember Your Manners</b><br />Please
and thank-you will get you practically anything you want with a smile. A
few years back I had someone tell me that I forgot my manners. I would
bark orders to my coworkers and my family. It was a reality check to
hear the truth of my shortcomings. I had to own <br />the truth. Now, at
work I have set up to "please police" to keep me in check if I forget my
manners. With family and friends, why not add a please and thank you to
routine requests. My kids and husband appreciate my kinder approach as
well.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /><b>#3 Pray for a Person </b><br />Everyone is in our lives for a reason
whether it's for a blessing or a lesson. If someone has been a blessing
in your life take the time to be thankful. A grateful heart actually
makes you a happier person. If someone challenges you pray for them.
Sometimes that is the only thing that you can do. Praying for the person
that is difficult will inevitably help you feel more at peace. If
someone has hurt you in a terrible way it is hard to pray for them.
Forgive someone not because they deserve it; forgive someone because you
deserve peace.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /><b>#4 Smile for a While</b><br />Mother Teresa once said that
"peace begins with a smile." Sometimes a simple smile is the one thing
that can change someone's heart. Your smile the one thing that crosses
all barriers. It can be a new beginning even the toughest person.
Remember the famous phrase that smile and the world will smile back at
you. We don't see our own faces but other people do. What does your face
reflect? Sometimes a smile can be the very thing that people remember
you by. It will make a lasting difference in who you are.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /><b>#5 Change Perspective</b><br />I
get frustrated at people and situations. At the end of the day, I want
things my way and I can become angry. How to change this perspective is
to rewrite the story. If you are in a traffic jam and somebody cuts you
off then rewrite the story. Maybe they are on their way to see someone
in the hospital or they are late for a crucial sales presentation. Use
creativity and make up a scenario why they are so rude. Even if someone
else's intention is wrong. It does not have to be taken that way in your
brain. This is not excusing people for their bad behavior. It is
helping you cope with the fact that some people are just difficult and
there might be a reason why. Even if that reason is your "make believe"
story.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />After putting these five simple tips into practice. Your
normal life just might be an inspiration that someone would want to read
about. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>You are on this earth for a reason so make a difference while
you are here - even if it's simple!</b></span></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Significantly yours, </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Cara Lane</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Communication Coach </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZ82ocwcbtdcVcNuecnccdn76TH6xhCrbFtp8F-GUP3jlMob9SDKxa4ZOP7Pwo22FzWdkGh4s5vo4vVb_MF7Wl9hSSHpw98q3Xw_fqdr2wvvtCGYnwd8bMy_-_g_DSdDg_yt6DFedHys/s1600/cara+lane.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZ82ocwcbtdcVcNuecnccdn76TH6xhCrbFtp8F-GUP3jlMob9SDKxa4ZOP7Pwo22FzWdkGh4s5vo4vVb_MF7Wl9hSSHpw98q3Xw_fqdr2wvvtCGYnwd8bMy_-_g_DSdDg_yt6DFedHys/s200/cara+lane.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a>Cara Lane can be summed up in two words = infectious enthusiasm.
Cara’s high energy, expressive style will be a joy to your learning on life.
She has won the hearts of people and has become known nationally as “America’s
Speaker Sweetheart.” She has also toured the world and has become an
internationally known motivational speaker and trainer. Cara Lane is the award
winning top trainer for the world’s leading seminar company. She's a leader
an ambassador for Weight Watchers. Cara has given over 10,000 hours of instruction
on communication training. Check her out at <a href="http://caralane.com/">here</a>!</span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Lindsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00369028684969361006noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-259108751921120720.post-88458711490950387872014-07-11T07:00:00.000-07:002014-07-17T22:15:54.585-07:00a baby shower for ellie...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
My best friend had her baby a few days ago! She is the most precious little baby, and looks just like her big brother, <a href="http://sweetvanillabean.blogspot.com/2010/08/back.html">Mason</a>, when he was born! Remember when I threw his shower almost four years ago? Time is moving at warp speed!<br />
<br />
We had her shower four weeks ago, and it was a lovely affair! We kept it small and simple. I am thrilled with the results!<br />
<br />
Here's some pix from the day:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikKty_0Xp2aMJIYLRxlMD5Vzl7lGrLzALr5F5jtrxRHBZzYUxmWnAS9h47Q9N35-elalLVlvf4MmSPImTR9VBoq1Lc1tD65MF16vzmMH8ajMtQJgpQzLoTWKBAzrA6pIZBfeHWIB4xXjo/s1600/invite+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikKty_0Xp2aMJIYLRxlMD5Vzl7lGrLzALr5F5jtrxRHBZzYUxmWnAS9h47Q9N35-elalLVlvf4MmSPImTR9VBoq1Lc1tD65MF16vzmMH8ajMtQJgpQzLoTWKBAzrA6pIZBfeHWIB4xXjo/s1600/invite+front.jpg" height="640" width="414" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Invite: Front</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD4Ynu0w1WAUpzISd_Wb-iXpYKgpTuczIOAVimKDCegFHD2XIN90DBFRlPQJ_oC_1AEnINzGWBk3M-frI60a5dBgA9vUTek8Ct-lSF_rOP_glPwDIuaWCbgRhTQZUIa39ffQNZt7sBS_U/s1600/favor+seals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd9RHWP6iXlwtTvkJKViylZg8kc0BgaB5DN9IJWGWjttsb8eg1rdm9KYGnHfRrbzLajUuKtJadoHsXX9fAh52jTvJDYfHr9myR3yljNzuRH8nSmkM-_xaZOkCDo2jRTYqblHLR9FetdlY/s1600/invite+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd9RHWP6iXlwtTvkJKViylZg8kc0BgaB5DN9IJWGWjttsb8eg1rdm9KYGnHfRrbzLajUuKtJadoHsXX9fAh52jTvJDYfHr9myR3yljNzuRH8nSmkM-_xaZOkCDo2jRTYqblHLR9FetdlY/s1600/invite+back.jpg" height="640" width="412" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Invite: Back</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBvNayT0EXAW-8ElPyV09peyK9FtrJvP2cECBx-Cj9CuawBY7z2LwXNYIFefstjMTWw1-ImFDnctoJWaNhT5A3-fWLPoa8VVxVWSygqXp7_sVZPLTcWc7tD9E9l2iqKOI3EL72WB70504/s1600/Lynsey's+Shower+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBvNayT0EXAW-8ElPyV09peyK9FtrJvP2cECBx-Cj9CuawBY7z2LwXNYIFefstjMTWw1-ImFDnctoJWaNhT5A3-fWLPoa8VVxVWSygqXp7_sVZPLTcWc7tD9E9l2iqKOI3EL72WB70504/s1600/Lynsey's+Shower+(1).JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making sugar cookies for the shower</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik74pS2r_w0R77bs4AMjGkM0Or_9-0m2JXAJjJIGehWr5hR8V3lrxbm2-E62dc_BZ5_1lrzAwLd0jrFdPoJeFYTelecmJv3EEpqnrMklyFeH036FEzae8VMIftAbom4IG5jlEOzr-9Y6k/s1600/Lynsey's+Shower+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik74pS2r_w0R77bs4AMjGkM0Or_9-0m2JXAJjJIGehWr5hR8V3lrxbm2-E62dc_BZ5_1lrzAwLd0jrFdPoJeFYTelecmJv3EEpqnrMklyFeH036FEzae8VMIftAbom4IG5jlEOzr-9Y6k/s1600/Lynsey's+Shower+(3).JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simple seating for casual dining</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl0qOI7y3Gnz8NdYtubg3pOOJXN2D21ok14byZZN0UZHTI_x1s9ctkgLvKITdIFwZXa6hpyE9lE2PlZhlBJSliiZlXsoUdsApUHNiqhS81kGTuEqUrp2hJ-yO3G2GdQkvzNX_6aPzzTrQ/s1600/Lynsey's+Shower+(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl0qOI7y3Gnz8NdYtubg3pOOJXN2D21ok14byZZN0UZHTI_x1s9ctkgLvKITdIFwZXa6hpyE9lE2PlZhlBJSliiZlXsoUdsApUHNiqhS81kGTuEqUrp2hJ-yO3G2GdQkvzNX_6aPzzTrQ/s1600/Lynsey's+Shower+(4).JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loved the different textures & shades of pink and orange</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEiJDwBowtYJU5lTGN6qJPXt-lcfX6HF0sk_29k63NIdtR8vKUZLpNuU-C0RZ5O515IiKuOAGHAH2i0LS6E2sIU4azwMe5bJt6Pr0mBfS7v_lZA3ToUr2bgztNvds3oYFRe5xA0QFxtOBsQ/s1600/Lynsey's+Shower+(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJDwBowtYJU5lTGN6qJPXt-lcfX6HF0sk_29k63NIdtR8vKUZLpNuU-C0RZ5O515IiKuOAGHAH2i0LS6E2sIU4azwMe5bJt6Pr0mBfS7v_lZA3ToUr2bgztNvds3oYFRe5xA0QFxtOBsQ/s1600/Lynsey's+Shower+(5).JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The momma-to-be's backyard was the perfect venue</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEjjmegGFlfd60WNGSGgI7bwnmuhtZKb6h4unmbcZPhVBqVwwVdGGslpH1e6ys1aKYFmlpYN50QG8RDqa0ece4Oqb0qMS8M0C31nvtt0oekufxcnXnSnZeY7sCc65y9SGnbl-9JdA2CgMhk/s1600/Lynsey's+Shower+(6).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjmegGFlfd60WNGSGgI7bwnmuhtZKb6h4unmbcZPhVBqVwwVdGGslpH1e6ys1aKYFmlpYN50QG8RDqa0ece4Oqb0qMS8M0C31nvtt0oekufxcnXnSnZeY7sCc65y9SGnbl-9JdA2CgMhk/s1600/Lynsey's+Shower+(6).JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Presents for Ellie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEjhAobw3bRiFa9dDRnR-9hbjXdl9n_QdUPFp3aGQMvFg4DyozZZldkscQfyxF_cAhT7p59xzySWfoQpq-IzyLkZRND37FP_p9zExFB44BUvT6wPHU_sUAsYSI2NQv5uTY8xkHC1MxSZb6Q/s1600/Lynsey's+Shower+(7).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhAobw3bRiFa9dDRnR-9hbjXdl9n_QdUPFp3aGQMvFg4DyozZZldkscQfyxF_cAhT7p59xzySWfoQpq-IzyLkZRND37FP_p9zExFB44BUvT6wPHU_sUAsYSI2NQv5uTY8xkHC1MxSZb6Q/s1600/Lynsey's+Shower+(7).JPG" height="320" width="319" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ellie's paternal grandma, Judy, helping setup</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEjUDtsPNTwP2pO1kMhJBTRZMo9LkbpYom962JRFHnMzrpt1BX7CHAcPbNoQn166qwrsb2QqXOH-IMTLivFqIRu7o8SAXbg5-1oDfS66DB-pILHDXcJo3LCZ69mJsj3P2GU_NmZGJPSG-e4/s1600/Lynsey's+Shower+(8).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUDtsPNTwP2pO1kMhJBTRZMo9LkbpYom962JRFHnMzrpt1BX7CHAcPbNoQn166qwrsb2QqXOH-IMTLivFqIRu7o8SAXbg5-1oDfS66DB-pILHDXcJo3LCZ69mJsj3P2GU_NmZGJPSG-e4/s1600/Lynsey's+Shower+(8).JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cookie onsies party favors at each guests' place setting</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEhuogMzN9g_Ss23cx8k3Z74ZoqWj46PiOuCd3S4gjhwdiRpyqXY4xlBP2VetS5yLGPrhjVSHE34Y30q5KWky8Uem2FR_mWjWxlvemaXdKFDOb-dgNhRU_Cagz71rODuzJoEEjPGxEXBVUY/s1600/Lynsey's+Shower+(8.5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuogMzN9g_Ss23cx8k3Z74ZoqWj46PiOuCd3S4gjhwdiRpyqXY4xlBP2VetS5yLGPrhjVSHE34Y30q5KWky8Uem2FR_mWjWxlvemaXdKFDOb-dgNhRU_Cagz71rODuzJoEEjPGxEXBVUY/s1600/Lynsey's+Shower+(8.5).JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tasted as good as they looked!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEgc4E6_9IuzpBY9yRTP7QIlLRnfqYwr36AI8aoNpwhxBlhXUk_tXMcZi1X-3cGhwnCmsJPugT0MbcMgiL7FVndZCF6Bs6HFLYFvbfINKtPb2vqNqgE0Np8Dy3TpSoSCLYIO3187UptThCM/s1600/Lynsey's+Shower+(9).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc4E6_9IuzpBY9yRTP7QIlLRnfqYwr36AI8aoNpwhxBlhXUk_tXMcZi1X-3cGhwnCmsJPugT0MbcMgiL7FVndZCF6Bs6HFLYFvbfINKtPb2vqNqgE0Np8Dy3TpSoSCLYIO3187UptThCM/s1600/Lynsey's+Shower+(9).JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More party favors</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEjSUXAfpSJjR0A8XEb-9Ffwxxvflrn_BTP4TO16WqdPuMIFUI551Z4SwR7Ph3FlylDqjRPUeDvgoviks2gERF_GVAoAhaSy-bmR91zCeXSBYGbn5bWCB3g-HsSEjYo6khdwwt7JOTArXyE/s1600/Lynsey's+Shower+(10).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSUXAfpSJjR0A8XEb-9Ffwxxvflrn_BTP4TO16WqdPuMIFUI551Z4SwR7Ph3FlylDqjRPUeDvgoviks2gERF_GVAoAhaSy-bmR91zCeXSBYGbn5bWCB3g-HsSEjYo6khdwwt7JOTArXyE/s1600/Lynsey's+Shower+(10).JPG" height="320" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shimmer gum balls in glassine bags</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEjb0geVv_7b7lXKdlgnFskkSi1DAZaiZu3Ehud_7NctL7R5xJ6Kw3OySBSMmZaubO17glIMjUBs0rVcBTHiSm6rrrwF9WuC_KlVu9jB1ZkfdmoF0sZZxKWtsMWgN7Awok8R-YqpzgtmIk0/s1600/Lynsey's+Shower+(11).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb0geVv_7b7lXKdlgnFskkSi1DAZaiZu3Ehud_7NctL7R5xJ6Kw3OySBSMmZaubO17glIMjUBs0rVcBTHiSm6rrrwF9WuC_KlVu9jB1ZkfdmoF0sZZxKWtsMWgN7Awok8R-YqpzgtmIk0/s1600/Lynsey's+Shower+(11).JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Place settings</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEhpiDFBp7lVp4ydMLNnpkQgw2Wai5Hug_wPSeWTXSt-Umq2EL_mqh6hjHw6vTmA-2z70qdYWU2XYMA-wKNR0YTQQUHF8koGW8NHkQ6sJ3_7xdrOsyOtR-RGFHsBx44T1dJQhk9SVCCPQMA/s1600/Lynsey's+Shower+(12).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpiDFBp7lVp4ydMLNnpkQgw2Wai5Hug_wPSeWTXSt-Umq2EL_mqh6hjHw6vTmA-2z70qdYWU2XYMA-wKNR0YTQQUHF8koGW8NHkQ6sJ3_7xdrOsyOtR-RGFHsBx44T1dJQhk9SVCCPQMA/s1600/Lynsey's+Shower+(12).JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The theme, "Ready To Pop" was perfect since<br />
she was due only two weeks after the shower!<br />
Brunch menu had the party game on the back, a<br />
quiz about babies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLhyphenhyphenapcXYROp5r7kCdndiZF9eZCIT4k8b3vEhcBdjL8xfiIeRGvRRDjjhGAX8NZoLkQojT0tf_5Q7mI9Fxrw3SF9kyvparXktI3qs7MbFqaa1vBMBtDtpHOiPN17v0_LxC2S58trwnkn8/s1600/menu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLhyphenhyphenapcXYROp5r7kCdndiZF9eZCIT4k8b3vEhcBdjL8xfiIeRGvRRDjjhGAX8NZoLkQojT0tf_5Q7mI9Fxrw3SF9kyvparXktI3qs7MbFqaa1vBMBtDtpHOiPN17v0_LxC2S58trwnkn8/s1600/menu.jpg" height="640" width="414" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNIbIiNA4dEHmb_24OZethqsCNNoW3KQQ_XC4Dm680lN0qQVWrb46SkB48MulzMS461SOcjptFnDc4LkhkywXd8uXB2m4J9FOBRzfchyphenhyphenxZJ2TQ3a2Tm1zTVf0ZUTz76Ve_wfP-yhY34zg/s1600/quiz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNIbIiNA4dEHmb_24OZethqsCNNoW3KQQ_XC4Dm680lN0qQVWrb46SkB48MulzMS461SOcjptFnDc4LkhkywXd8uXB2m4J9FOBRzfchyphenhyphenxZJ2TQ3a2Tm1zTVf0ZUTz76Ve_wfP-yhY34zg/s1600/quiz.jpg" height="640" width="414" /></a></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/AVvXsEjiAJc45dkTtpzT1_zkw5pgovqZLhxC9CZ9XPT9Oht834iwnQllj4kspFaOiaX_DiHo5O08qRgsMJTHJDHng3xzdRQkYV606YKywee3RQNDGwhkm5v8Wyrr0H9RoJL5BomH2iSNjeM87iY/s1600/Lynsey's+Shower+(13).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiAJc45dkTtpzT1_zkw5pgovqZLhxC9CZ9XPT9Oht834iwnQllj4kspFaOiaX_DiHo5O08qRgsMJTHJDHng3xzdRQkYV606YKywee3RQNDGwhkm5v8Wyrr0H9RoJL5BomH2iSNjeM87iY/s1600/Lynsey's+Shower+(13).JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So much yummy food on bright orange platters</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEj1Dmve97LREUynrFMuWkxpLyKZz6yEsWG_5MPlZNJG_TciPxvpFpg5ybk0R1qZi_Pwqsoa7Qj_Y5sGFyPDOf09kORBmnS6oQglCZGi0D505mCwvMhtPyq7zrzuWVJQzBZ2SEhqegKYB7s/s1600/Lynsey's+Shower+(14).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Dmve97LREUynrFMuWkxpLyKZz6yEsWG_5MPlZNJG_TciPxvpFpg5ybk0R1qZi_Pwqsoa7Qj_Y5sGFyPDOf09kORBmnS6oQglCZGi0D505mCwvMhtPyq7zrzuWVJQzBZ2SEhqegKYB7s/s1600/Lynsey's+Shower+(14).JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marshmallow pops!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEhM2zHGfM9amhtboChuWyjUDHppRaQGEwPWUtmAog1-Kpiz3ybXRWzK6zx5MZZbdcs30nNLP6QcqxiMiskDZEWz01fQbyoFwG5aJdpGEr_w6umqyvkqWOltrPicK6CjN4trjGak9ayRAl4/s1600/Lynsey's+Shower+(15).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM2zHGfM9amhtboChuWyjUDHppRaQGEwPWUtmAog1-Kpiz3ybXRWzK6zx5MZZbdcs30nNLP6QcqxiMiskDZEWz01fQbyoFwG5aJdpGEr_w6umqyvkqWOltrPicK6CjN4trjGak9ayRAl4/s1600/Lynsey's+Shower+(15).JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet simple cake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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_6HsyUQSV3Bdkc0ePzm4DEY6Le0txy9jTWCvZOZRXfYJ64ZCpDWk5WWy8G6ubEh24GRRm5AvwSIjvVmjuA_0sl66c7WkR4kkk2YV4Mpz2VcYJDxyW6q7a4ru0T8NHQadpdrK4KzsOPY4/s1600/Lynsey's+Shower+(16).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_6HsyUQSV3Bdkc0ePzm4DEY6Le0txy9jTWCvZOZRXfYJ64ZCpDWk5WWy8G6ubEh24GRRm5AvwSIjvVmjuA_0sl66c7WkR4kkk2YV4Mpz2VcYJDxyW6q7a4ru0T8NHQadpdrK4KzsOPY4/s1600/Lynsey's+Shower+(16).JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cookies for Ellie Girl</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEhCggMLf-i6LFMUx8vQwG_1PcyyKFg5CAarz3jEklq-vGox3X1knjchoyCUs3TJt2JGXfmAzQFhL7oy0VEOy-fcCAuS2z5eFL15t20THEU4VejSYDIAxl990sDFY7oP7Lkxz-16_ARiVIw/s1600/Lynsey's+Shower+(17).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCggMLf-i6LFMUx8vQwG_1PcyyKFg5CAarz3jEklq-vGox3X1knjchoyCUs3TJt2JGXfmAzQFhL7oy0VEOy-fcCAuS2z5eFL15t20THEU4VejSYDIAxl990sDFY7oP7Lkxz-16_ARiVIw/s1600/Lynsey's+Shower+(17).JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Momma opening presents</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEjIiOWqoNUHYeFHyNvYXVOXX54n-TjRqSBCqh8jGbuRCryIFsai2xgrYjUbN-2V5d7Sr9P2Qmet7PRES30kmvRVMH8YY9rbTSk-6dZJOePwpyr11DftxaYwUyG2LoVd5B3u5qWKsG95QDM/s1600/Lynsey's+Shower+(18).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIiOWqoNUHYeFHyNvYXVOXX54n-TjRqSBCqh8jGbuRCryIFsai2xgrYjUbN-2V5d7Sr9P2Qmet7PRES30kmvRVMH8YY9rbTSk-6dZJOePwpyr11DftxaYwUyG2LoVd5B3u5qWKsG95QDM/s1600/Lynsey's+Shower+(18).JPG" height="319" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All smiles while watching momma open presents</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEiKDtyk5D36vda8GRaZBqiCl00qQUiqWIud0W2eQtsgTO8AJtm5BSLFfr9cBVY4Bh1q3ouux0MKU5mon7MhrZsXcw13qhiHCVrHpVdZHzY4PFGsfjW38NzSMw9zyH7zbj7xg5FJSllx0Gk/s1600/Lynsey's+Shower+(19).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKDtyk5D36vda8GRaZBqiCl00qQUiqWIud0W2eQtsgTO8AJtm5BSLFfr9cBVY4Bh1q3ouux0MKU5mon7MhrZsXcw13qhiHCVrHpVdZHzY4PFGsfjW38NzSMw9zyH7zbj7xg5FJSllx0Gk/s1600/Lynsey's+Shower+(19).JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Party guests happened to wear bright, pretty colors</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEgeOFndjEQ0A8uJv23G3mQ1_j4ZlippL0s4VB-CV6H7zMnwv7VBmKL6Ob0_uY9udESwt85eahRkbORYR0zJx6sjoBF_9LI2_UU07frdWft2wyM5Es4wpB88jYfn4zq0hBRYmcwknLIZQdw/s1600/Lynsey's+Shower+(20).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeOFndjEQ0A8uJv23G3mQ1_j4ZlippL0s4VB-CV6H7zMnwv7VBmKL6Ob0_uY9udESwt85eahRkbORYR0zJx6sjoBF_9LI2_UU07frdWft2wyM5Es4wpB88jYfn4zq0hBRYmcwknLIZQdw/s1600/Lynsey's+Shower+(20).JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aunt Becky, Ammy (maternal Grandma to Ellie) & Kirsten</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEi6476syOLn8lEC3POiVwcepIlj8-Pv3HWJk5HawUg0LfVhxH9mpMk6-DrBjdFt90KngXDst4OUz2aER9UHWqOSmJZ_CuqXe9M5moI_E0wMRaAvzFNU5lLmZahuv9ADQ9Cj97Tz_K7TVGg/s1600/Lynsey's+Shower+(22).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6476syOLn8lEC3POiVwcepIlj8-Pv3HWJk5HawUg0LfVhxH9mpMk6-DrBjdFt90KngXDst4OUz2aER9UHWqOSmJZ_CuqXe9M5moI_E0wMRaAvzFNU5lLmZahuv9ADQ9Cj97Tz_K7TVGg/s1600/Lynsey's+Shower+(22).JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amanda & Lynsey. Amanda won<br />
one of the "Ready to Pop" gift baskets which included<br />
soda pop, popcorn, Pop Rocks, lollipops, Sugar Daddys,<br />
Jr. Mints and a baby themed movie in a reusable,<br />
clear acrylic popcorn box.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEh4yRkzUd4Gm7_58dcMCIjyPdFW2mHf7wowEoM41SIQ5vQfTG1-co6ELy8Tzb7NgRD0FGZzfarSHhRiSQMmQXX2rAmKS5T2MxKmRCaJLplNJoWK90E8MF4r_2CRBgOjx-gnmvJQ4DKXcc8/s1600/Lynsey's+Shower+(23).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4yRkzUd4Gm7_58dcMCIjyPdFW2mHf7wowEoM41SIQ5vQfTG1-co6ELy8Tzb7NgRD0FGZzfarSHhRiSQMmQXX2rAmKS5T2MxKmRCaJLplNJoWK90E8MF4r_2CRBgOjx-gnmvJQ4DKXcc8/s1600/Lynsey's+Shower+(23).JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lindsay & Lindsay: BFFs Since 1999</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEh0tVP_Pf0stIzC_ThW8tOrRIPA_ffTzUrWQ7k0Zp-eXi5LMcs1PLM5n75cvdTP06EQzHfRzKqC5eKiUy2c_6M1ONqEQcAomyMirwKUH-wwAn-h85HVCaDoRrYftpmwrkktBpCqhFUiDAo/s1600/Lynsey's+Shower+(24).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0tVP_Pf0stIzC_ThW8tOrRIPA_ffTzUrWQ7k0Zp-eXi5LMcs1PLM5n75cvdTP06EQzHfRzKqC5eKiUy2c_6M1ONqEQcAomyMirwKUH-wwAn-h85HVCaDoRrYftpmwrkktBpCqhFUiDAo/s1600/Lynsey's+Shower+(24).JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Momma holding her cake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEhMO8Qef3u3zqlRGHBDZvCa0-vTZk9i7WN9abfEjq_4KCpIdwGeBOdCWTKLomBqkda54_mQLLASItEO8I2_yHfhiT6n82rJNzWeXC_fkoN465k1sDcnnaq4Ut_i3CcD5tPGHx5liceGu_U/s1600/Lynsey's+Shower+(25).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMO8Qef3u3zqlRGHBDZvCa0-vTZk9i7WN9abfEjq_4KCpIdwGeBOdCWTKLomBqkda54_mQLLASItEO8I2_yHfhiT6n82rJNzWeXC_fkoN465k1sDcnnaq4Ut_i3CcD5tPGHx5liceGu_U/s1600/Lynsey's+Shower+(25).JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Those darn cookies were so cute!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEgF-YFKKytN9gWUgVDorSjXV5ytzPjUbVHGDh3QwWOSW72eQIK0t_FU6Blz-ewdhTtC90gCZ13pL5m5gj51lhPsZ0UNKE7ZcNrpcz-LcrD8XdTKk_mJIXeMSowlUr2oW0YZA3GYy7NBx24/s1600/Lynsey's+Shower+(26).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-YFKKytN9gWUgVDorSjXV5ytzPjUbVHGDh3QwWOSW72eQIK0t_FU6Blz-ewdhTtC90gCZ13pL5m5gj51lhPsZ0UNKE7ZcNrpcz-LcrD8XdTKk_mJIXeMSowlUr2oW0YZA3GYy7NBx24/s1600/Lynsey's+Shower+(26).JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lynsey with the hostesses: Me & my Mommma</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEiuqUS5faGL3iZVbkuMg4WEjdZHCVm6dYaixY8_LyjalbDJpcIZeFuwCIdXazWbdP-RL6XOrLq2skOw-nGXuRqZhdMWZuIXWm-DNnMKhObKPfDaN3pQb3bv72Nak963bNFRt49jLLbnICo/s1600/Lynsey's+Shower+(.5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuqUS5faGL3iZVbkuMg4WEjdZHCVm6dYaixY8_LyjalbDJpcIZeFuwCIdXazWbdP-RL6XOrLq2skOw-nGXuRqZhdMWZuIXWm-DNnMKhObKPfDaN3pQb3bv72Nak963bNFRt49jLLbnICo/s1600/Lynsey's+Shower+(.5).JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just one more pic of those adorable cookies! ;)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Thanks for stopping by! Ellie is so perfect! Momma and baby are adjusting well... and big brother Mason is very sweet and attentive to his lil' sis!<br />
<br />
Sweetly,<br />
Lindsay BeanLindsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00369028684969361006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-259108751921120720.post-52528677422018058082014-07-08T08:54:00.002-07:002014-07-08T08:59:39.022-07:00on a mission to collect ordinary moments...<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>And To Be Thoughtfully Happy For 100 Days In A Row!</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://100happydays.com/"><img alt="http://100happydays.com/" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi04O9-Hn3A4QXnurGOOh5uGT-EhyphenhyphenVLrZYcmgo5EkwnRwf5uN4038Y1bh38gZ0hHT0tgqzgVCkBRh-62aiUvkT-bLLR4uO-jixUgoUGly7Ai8h34bu4faTfmb4wbdDyvdYJ1mdhuqMOLJM/s1600/IMG_4511.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
If you read my last post, you already know that the last twelves months have held the highest highs and lowest lows of my life... I'd be lying if I said I came through it well (or that I'm "through" it at all). The what-ifs and questions played on repeat like a skipping record in an abandoned house... And then one day an acquaintance posted on Facebook about taking the <a href="http://100happydays.com/">#100happydays</a> challenge. Intrigued, I read up and I instantly jumped on board (and a few other friends joined the challenge with me!).<br />
<br />
Not to be epic, but sadness and disparity aren't good for my soul. I
don't enjoy those emotions. I try my best to be upbeat and humorous.
It's just as easy to miserable, but far less healthy. <a href="http://100happydays.com/">#100happydays</a>
was, initially, strictly an opportunity to simply notice blessings...
but along the way, believe it or not, I slowly started to feel better
too. And it's not that I'm giving this challenge 100% of the credit for
my emotional recovery. But, I did need to start noticing my blessings
and what things, grand and small, that truly make me happy. So, every
single day for 100 days I posted a picture or two of what makes me
happy... And it turns out that between that and my daily <a href="http://sweetvanillabean.blogspot.com/2013/10/an-attitude-of-gratitude.html">gratitude journal</a>,
I am able to recognize and appreciate happiness again. Since, I have
decided to shoot for 365 days of happiness... A full year of thoughtful
attention to my greatest personal resource! Here are a few highlights
of happiness (in an no particular order b/c of editing challenges!):<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; 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/AVvXsEhjpMLNv-VCOp1bj_KSSvwnlL2g1quiX2YuswiBcl5DGxy3aVVXuuEJLfl4Bau4eUizWWYF4Blhl48DFQiJo4-_hsoUVvrc_OyQtNl4r5yJ8pqI2bkKtU9jt3h-wPtPJ7zEkmtQtnmjE9Y/s1600/IMG_4700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjpMLNv-VCOp1bj_KSSvwnlL2g1quiX2YuswiBcl5DGxy3aVVXuuEJLfl4Bau4eUizWWYF4Blhl48DFQiJo4-_hsoUVvrc_OyQtNl4r5yJ8pqI2bkKtU9jt3h-wPtPJ7zEkmtQtnmjE9Y/s1600/IMG_4700.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 11.2 | Dinner! So fresh & so clean, clean!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEgrIYoAXB5Lg21RfHeY3qAdLpkpF9HsTLAZS7wLZqH_sSHX1-jmJx0DvqhpZTiI2EWO0YKsw5n2sjS1GwS-gKqrFSiEC2rSfx82Uxsu6bVbWKLgFkW22fropotZ_UAKRjxqrBfVWKBp_0k/s1600/IMG_4601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrIYoAXB5Lg21RfHeY3qAdLpkpF9HsTLAZS7wLZqH_sSHX1-jmJx0DvqhpZTiI2EWO0YKsw5n2sjS1GwS-gKqrFSiEC2rSfx82Uxsu6bVbWKLgFkW22fropotZ_UAKRjxqrBfVWKBp_0k/s1600/IMG_4601.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 5.2 | Seeing her nose and ears flying in the wind,<br />
driving in the country... Pure happiness!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEgC2Ej5LMvX_-LYq1so2FdgmXkW8ZtMsTtqDxVH762eCvcjyQJmizeOiap9AxJAjkm6BVpzWUsq4edWmxque4H8gIB4Zj1G_J3lzln2ECMG-Tde1d2bo3NAcBylom4avDe6u32evJwsNXk/s1600/IMG_4602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC2Ej5LMvX_-LYq1so2FdgmXkW8ZtMsTtqDxVH762eCvcjyQJmizeOiap9AxJAjkm6BVpzWUsq4edWmxque4H8gIB4Zj1G_J3lzln2ECMG-Tde1d2bo3NAcBylom4avDe6u32evJwsNXk/s1600/IMG_4602.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 5.3 | Sunsets make me happy, and nostalgic!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEhUNEH_DCq9XpxDdE3lueGJ9dKKx_-YSmL7nYTGE414TEYsXXq1MWFhp-dAR9yG-SuO57RwZY4GQahQ2TD2eIjxBxQZfKEeS36kM9QPbtrwiW7rtxdmyhuRbMeuVtBIdxqnDxQIlwwM53c/s1600/IMG_4790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUNEH_DCq9XpxDdE3lueGJ9dKKx_-YSmL7nYTGE414TEYsXXq1MWFhp-dAR9yG-SuO57RwZY4GQahQ2TD2eIjxBxQZfKEeS36kM9QPbtrwiW7rtxdmyhuRbMeuVtBIdxqnDxQIlwwM53c/s1600/IMG_4790.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 15 | Nature!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEjS44nbI7Xnv-t9IOxbPXn0xnA7i9dIJPacj_ohW36cPkbjhKx2034XqzW5o10aoeux3O-GuOCL1XnPBx7j6wBymayQF76F804QkGwJ-frtcAtX0ufjcKcvkSq6zZ14ZnABXaMTQ9CK7JI/s1600/IMG_6205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS44nbI7Xnv-t9IOxbPXn0xnA7i9dIJPacj_ohW36cPkbjhKx2034XqzW5o10aoeux3O-GuOCL1XnPBx7j6wBymayQF76F804QkGwJ-frtcAtX0ufjcKcvkSq6zZ14ZnABXaMTQ9CK7JI/s1600/IMG_6205.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span data-reactid=".8.0.0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".8.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1"><span data-reactid=".8.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1.0">Day
77 | My very handsome, creative, kind nephew </span></span></span><br />
<span data-reactid=".8.0.0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".8.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1"><span data-reactid=".8.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1.0">Mason & I got some one
on one time this morning! It </span></span></span><br />
<span data-reactid=".8.0.0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".8.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1"><span data-reactid=".8.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1.0">included a tour of his backyard, a dance
party for two</span></span></span><br />
<span data-reactid=".8.0.0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".8.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1"><span data-reactid=".8.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1.0">to Happy, racing fast cars, playing golf in the kitchen,</span></span></span><br />
<span data-reactid=".8.0.0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".8.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1"><span data-reactid=".8.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1.0">swim lessons, chasing a squirrel and playing</span></span></span><br />
<span data-reactid=".8.0.0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".8.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1"><span data-reactid=".8.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1.0"> frisbee with Penny! Best
morning ever!! </span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; 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/AVvXsEhtX1ZDy2U4Lojg6jYHq_1pGtt4WK2OrlqzUQ0ZJerkfqmSCxPIssylIDLmqstu0PietiTowmnSDy2hP2uGPn2vhnRus7XYM88rdBnY6-KVuV0FHb0RtUTmWvXu8S4z1RZsrzXJtiDQjNY/s1600/IMG_4779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtX1ZDy2U4Lojg6jYHq_1pGtt4WK2OrlqzUQ0ZJerkfqmSCxPIssylIDLmqstu0PietiTowmnSDy2hP2uGPn2vhnRus7XYM88rdBnY6-KVuV0FHb0RtUTmWvXu8S4z1RZsrzXJtiDQjNY/s1600/IMG_4779.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 14 | Gratitude & happiness are interchangeable<br />
for these two! Literally, the two halves of my heart!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEj1GNX8leQZPQJpX-n3p_wWwPtyHXu6h-e4JQ19oSmf4-qFXb0x3fu57p9Kkp3K1qM2txtqF3wqMPrAKBoMC02iwHjL0vnatz_wIXspCZniiP48v5qA9pDdGNjFf5gRhpwVCFMAfBw_WUw/s1600/IMG_4984.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1GNX8leQZPQJpX-n3p_wWwPtyHXu6h-e4JQ19oSmf4-qFXb0x3fu57p9Kkp3K1qM2txtqF3wqMPrAKBoMC02iwHjL0vnatz_wIXspCZniiP48v5qA9pDdGNjFf5gRhpwVCFMAfBw_WUw/s1600/IMG_4984.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 26 | Spring break means sleeping in, furry<br />
snuggles, Red Box movies in bed while<br />
scrapbooking (subject: Penny) and coffee<br />
throughout the morning! Alllll kinds of happy<br />
happening!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEhK8p2im_4JKBQeON2otmw-TQYQzP9PL33NX3FQnY1m1SEwQAC7GYxh3zZdWL2CcVrW7mty3KC94Ft8gOhfHXy-UHZH7ABbEOaRyWQiZNtBiGk1AdP4XhKHaCpu2Y0b0mcK7nAXpu2JatM/s1600/IMG_4934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK8p2im_4JKBQeON2otmw-TQYQzP9PL33NX3FQnY1m1SEwQAC7GYxh3zZdWL2CcVrW7mty3KC94Ft8gOhfHXy-UHZH7ABbEOaRyWQiZNtBiGk1AdP4XhKHaCpu2Y0b0mcK7nAXpu2JatM/s1600/IMG_4934.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span data-reactid=".w.0.0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".w.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1"><span data-reactid=".w.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1.0">Day
23 | Playing Easter bunny & delivering 500 </span></span></span><br />
<span data-reactid=".w.0.0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".w.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1"><span data-reactid=".w.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1.0">eggs to the Children's
Home that my students stuffed</span></span></span><br />
<span data-reactid=".w.0.0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".w.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1"><span data-reactid=".w.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1.0"> with love & joy!! My heart is full! </span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEgXUC_8tHQ-AUL1-gIYm9sgVXL-85w75DLh_eOBu5s4_l9wrXoGXI44927HCrrp8RaWZN74dwrU5cUDaceVeIVGK8jBld1kUNPUdHzifPG3_5DBFE87rLtyICpkgb78GPekJbM8oZfSQy4/s1600/IMG_4906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXUC_8tHQ-AUL1-gIYm9sgVXL-85w75DLh_eOBu5s4_l9wrXoGXI44927HCrrp8RaWZN74dwrU5cUDaceVeIVGK8jBld1kUNPUdHzifPG3_5DBFE87rLtyICpkgb78GPekJbM8oZfSQy4/s1600/IMG_4906.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span data-reactid=".1a.0.0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".1a.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1"><span data-reactid=".1a.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1.0">Day 20 | Momma brought me a vase full flowers from </span></span></span><br />
<span data-reactid=".1a.0.0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".1a.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1"><span data-reactid=".1a.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1.0">her garden! And I get to keep the vase! </span></span></span><br />
<span data-reactid=".1a.0.0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".1a.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1"><span data-reactid=".1a.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1.0">My lucky, happy day!!</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEjePwhiJhldC9qJd_cqMjNjwMpncB6_lLbQgIVOEjQZ3WhmjMjkssZBaKrxJC_YKrUf-3goWg3mrMozEDmSFIlYbHb_l14LsMW1KNKQtTR4-DGVxYmqBr9NkNUBkeOD4icorpGq4OBC764/s1600/IMG_4890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjePwhiJhldC9qJd_cqMjNjwMpncB6_lLbQgIVOEjQZ3WhmjMjkssZBaKrxJC_YKrUf-3goWg3mrMozEDmSFIlYbHb_l14LsMW1KNKQtTR4-DGVxYmqBr9NkNUBkeOD4icorpGq4OBC764/s1600/IMG_4890.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span data-reactid=".1s.0.0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".1s.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1"><span data-reactid=".1s.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1.0">Day 18.1 | Longtime friends and mini college reunion</span></span></span><br />
<span data-reactid=".1s.0.0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".1s.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1"><span data-reactid=".1s.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1.0">yesterday! </span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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/AVvXsEiTfGsh4IKCgS4gO7MYYBY4PNNICl6EfB6ItZq-Vljb-0GaPNpf9ApMHgiHxOHRvTRT5Qav00JqhLKKt9UzNh2aumNIF7PgFrNyu7zoJBjcdXlXlawXWWA3FhDUA6pzagdXRuPhZ3AZK-g/s1600/IMG_4891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTfGsh4IKCgS4gO7MYYBY4PNNICl6EfB6ItZq-Vljb-0GaPNpf9ApMHgiHxOHRvTRT5Qav00JqhLKKt9UzNh2aumNIF7PgFrNyu7zoJBjcdXlXlawXWWA3FhDUA6pzagdXRuPhZ3AZK-g/s1600/IMG_4891.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span data-reactid=".1y.0.0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".1y.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1"><span data-reactid=".1y.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1.0">Day 18.2 | Babypalooza! Yesterday was a fun (tiring) </span></span></span><br />
<span data-reactid=".1y.0.0.0.0.0.0"><span data-reactid=".1y.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1"><span data-reactid=".1y.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.1.2:1.0">day with all our college friends! </span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In short, I highly recommend you take this challenge. Life is beautiful! Notice it! You can post photos to Facebook, Instagram or any other photo sharing social media outlet... and it's rewarding!<br />
<br />
Happily,<br />
Lindsay Lindsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00369028684969361006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-259108751921120720.post-80714560119725698642014-06-02T13:02:00.003-07:002014-06-02T13:03:09.353-07:00thank you & farewell...<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">This post is bitter sweet. As the Marriage Mechanic for this
blog, it has been a real joy to share my thoughts, advice, and experience on
relationship and marriage. It is always a passion of mine to help any relationship
that needs a jolt or wake-up call. No relationship is above any issue or
challenge. It really is all about knowing how to work through each challenge
which in turn makes the relationship that much stronger. So, thank you for
allowing me to share here.
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The reason why this post is bitter sweet is because it is my
last blog post. My professional career within the last few months has taken off
and personal time has been limited. I've needed to say "No!" more... and one that includes writing for this blog... It's been challenging
trying to keep up and stay consistent. So,
that’s the bitter part. Yuck, I hate bitter things (although I kind of like Sour
Patch candy!). </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The sweet part is my career as a Northern California
International Student Coordinator for Twinn Palms Homestay Services
has taken off, which was a job that was literally placed in my lap a few months
ago. There is great opportunity for me. For all of this, I grateful. My career path the last
15 years has been quite challenging and something I would not wish upon anyone. Not
even my worst enemy. Of course, I have no enemies, but I’m just sayin’. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">So, with this said, thanks for “listening” (rather, reading)
all my posts. I am glad that I got to influence a few and hopefully provided a
different relationship perspective than what you were used to or have heard/read
before. Please know that I am not giving up helping individuals or couples in
the area of relationship coaching. That’s like saying, “Give up breathing.” It's impossible!
You can never give up that which you were created to do. It just means that I
will not be writing for this blog.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I leave you all with one of my best quotes. “A happy
marriage is the union of two good forgivers.” This is a quote by the late Ruth
Graham Bell, wife of Billy Graham. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">And one last, parting thing to encourage you with as a send-off, it is: please, please, please learn how to forgive and know what it means to like in a true relationship!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Peace & Grace,
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
Rob Lane</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
<i>Marriage Mechanic</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i> </i>
</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHE6CO20UkxVbjiATDaUwpNN0RIG4biKs6YRO08NzaHSb54X5sDqow3sQHOFEIbHQ6xlq_0KEY1ExSDxKzXusfeWXDNXichuuVP2Sr2eC7-xkcYl0NBB0X4QRoV_MbTcNqlI7SBrVLWi4/s1600/www.themarriagelane.com.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHE6CO20UkxVbjiATDaUwpNN0RIG4biKs6YRO08NzaHSb54X5sDqow3sQHOFEIbHQ6xlq_0KEY1ExSDxKzXusfeWXDNXichuuVP2Sr2eC7-xkcYl0NBB0X4QRoV_MbTcNqlI7SBrVLWi4/s200/www.themarriagelane.com.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Rob is proud that his wife <a href="http://www.caralane.com/">Cara</a> plays an instrumental part
of what he does. They have a combined 20+
years helping individuals and couples with their relationships and marriages. Rob has a BA in Christian Education from
<a href="http://www.moody.edu/">Moody Bible Institute</a> in Chicago and holds a Master’s Degree in Psychology and
is an Online Psychology Professor for <a href="http://www.gcu.edu/">Grand Canyon University</a>. Rob is also certified marriage
counselors in the <a href="http://www.prepare-enrich.com/">PREPARE/ENRICH</a> program. He is a non-denominational ordained minister and officiates wedding ceremonies. Rob combines his experience and
education along with his unique approach that is sincerely relational,
empowering, hopeful, honest and compassionate. To learn more about Rob, <a href="http://themarriagelane.com/">The Marriage Lane</a> and his approach read <a href="http://sweetvanillabean.blogspot.com/2013/08/an-exciting-new-adventure_7.html">here</a>.</i></span></span>Lindsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00369028684969361006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-259108751921120720.post-65460112330230871042014-04-30T06:30:00.000-07:002014-04-30T06:30:00.145-07:00two words to stop saying...<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">My husband and I help couples
communicate more effectively through our relationship coaching company. I
also lead corporate training seminars to help organization's become
better at communication. One of the biggest discoveries that needs
to be recognized is that <i><b>little words matter</b></i>! Especially when we are trying
to ask for a behavior change.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">There is a need for all of us to
eliminate the two words ALWAYS and NEVER. These are called "qualifier"
words. The problem is using these two words will create permanence in
the very behavior you are wanting to stop. Now, if you want to create
permanence that’s a different issue. Please understand the difference.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Let me explain how this works. In
a personal setting, if a couple accused the other spouse of an action
they do not want to see any more like “She ALWAYS nags" or "He NEVER
helps out with the kids…” Why should that person change? You just
created permanence. Even if they tried a few times to change, they would
be accused of never or always. In a corporate setting, when your
supervisor says "You are ALWAYS late" or "You NEVER meet our clients
needs." Permanence was created again. Everyone involved will just be
frustrated. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">How can we change this? Marie Montessori was a
famous educator in the 1800's. She advised: "Tell the behavior you want
to see NOT the behavior you don't want to see." What is the thing that
you really do want to see from the other person? Find the time or few
times that the person actually did the behavior you wanted to see. Then
ask if they can create more of that behavior.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Here is the correction to our previous examples:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">"You've
helped with the kids on Friday night - how can I see more of that
behavior?" Or "I noticed you made it on time to work 3 times this month.
That is what I need to have happen everyday."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">People respond
much better when you see the things in them that they are doing right.
Seeing the strength in someone else will make them desire to "fix what's
wrong by focusing on what's right."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Remember, our little words can make a BIG difference.</b></span></span><br />
<div class="yiv9420477740MsoNormal" id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1389929218152_4674">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kindly, </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Cara Lane</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Communication Coach </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZ82ocwcbtdcVcNuecnccdn76TH6xhCrbFtp8F-GUP3jlMob9SDKxa4ZOP7Pwo22FzWdkGh4s5vo4vVb_MF7Wl9hSSHpw98q3Xw_fqdr2wvvtCGYnwd8bMy_-_g_DSdDg_yt6DFedHys/s1600/cara+lane.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZ82ocwcbtdcVcNuecnccdn76TH6xhCrbFtp8F-GUP3jlMob9SDKxa4ZOP7Pwo22FzWdkGh4s5vo4vVb_MF7Wl9hSSHpw98q3Xw_fqdr2wvvtCGYnwd8bMy_-_g_DSdDg_yt6DFedHys/s200/cara+lane.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a>Cara Lane can be summed up in two words = infectious enthusiasm.
Cara’s high energy, expressive style will be a joy to your learning on life.
She has won the hearts of people and has become known nationally as “America’s
Speaker Sweetheart.” She has also toured the world and has become an
internationally known motivational speaker and trainer. Cara Lane is the award
winning top trainer for the world’s leading seminar company. She's a leader
an ambassador for Weight Watchers. Cara has given over 10,000 hours of instruction
on communication training. Check her out at <a href="http://caralane.com/">here</a>!</span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Lindsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00369028684969361006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-259108751921120720.post-37836768321130848372014-04-28T09:35:00.002-07:002014-04-28T09:48:34.033-07:00honesty...<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]-->I have a confession: I’d rather be honest than not, but
honesty is scary… and I dislike hurting people more than I like honesty,
especially when being honest means facing peoples unpredictable and unexpected responses...
So what do you do when you’ve been avoiding honesty for so long that sorting out
how you really feel is like brushing a rat’s nest from you hair? I get quiet and
contemplative. I get still. I get real… and since I’m being honest, I can
honestly say the last six months of my life have been my darkest. You see, we
had two miscarriages three months apart.<br />
<br />
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If I’m honest, there is nothing in the world I wanted more
than to become a mother, to watch my husband become a father and to see my
parents become grandparents. I couldn’t contain the joy I was feeling at the
thought of this new adventure. It bubbled from my glowy skin and the bounce in
my step. These two pregnancies and babies were wanted with more zeal and
passion and love than anything I’ve ever wanted in my life. Contrast that to
their end… no heart beats… shattered dreams… hopelessness… and deep, dark,
isolating sadness.</div>
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<br /></div>
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If I’m being honest, I can tell you that today is one of the
hardest days I’ve had on this journey. For the fifth time this month I learned
of another pregnancy announcement for an October baby, the same month our
second baby was due. All the while, the fifteen people (yes, fifteen!) who were pregnant and
due within weeks of our first baby are now having their babies… My feeds on
social media are full of joyful news every day… and my heart wrestles with the
happiness I feel for their new babies or new pregnancies, and the sadness I
feel for our loss. And since I’m being so honest, it’s the worst juxtaposition
my heart has ever felt. It’s hard. And I wish I was in a different place…</div>
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<br /></div>
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If I’m being honest, I should mention what a trooper my
husband is. And how supportive my parents and friends are. If I’m
being honest, I’d share that these two losses were significantly harder than
the two years of what we called infertility thinking we weren't able to get pregnant. And if I’m being honest, I wish I
could fast forward through the next few months… though, I know the pain and the
work will be worth it (though how has yet to be revealed).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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If I’m being honest, I’d share that I am a changed person
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rebound, or how permanent the emotional damage will be. But honestly, I have a
strong desire to be okay… to feel whole and normal again… and to mend my broken
heart.</div>
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<br /></div>
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If I’m being honest, I’d say that I am scared to death to be
pregnant again, and the thought of another miscarriage takes my breath away. Honestly, though,
the thought of never being a parent is as equally void of air…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, while I’m being so honest I’ll share that my fragile
heart is desperately clinging to any shred of hope, to anything that resembles
distraction or happy news…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lindsay</div>
Lindsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00369028684969361006noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-259108751921120720.post-84163621389125827342014-04-01T09:18:00.003-07:002014-04-01T09:20:02.163-07:00how to show your love & why it matters...<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]--><span style="font-size: small;">After taking a 2 month “sabbatical”, I am glad to be back on
Sweet Vanilla Bean! So, let’s get right to it. My last four posts came from
something I wrote entitled "5 Ground Rules For a Better Marriage." Those 5
marital ground rules that can reinforce your marriage today include:</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">1) Never go to bed angry.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">2) Say “I’m sorry.” always!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">3) Go on a date at least twice a
month. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">4) Say “I love you” often!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">5) Hold hands in public.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">In my last post entitled how to make your words mean
something, I shared the importance of positive words towards your spouse. Life
giving words such as saying “I love you” often will cause you and your spouse
to appreciate each other rather than tear each other down. Your marriage
benefits from positive words and will change the course of your relationship
every time. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">One of the most important points from this post was, I
believe you won’t even get to the showing love if you never do the saying of
love. Ironically, the glaring difference between husband and wife is the
husband says, “Tell me you love me.” The wife says, “Show me you love me.” This
difference poses a conflict at times. On the other hand, if handled carefully
and intentionally you can use this difference for you and not against you. This
leads us to today’s post entitled, “How to Show Your Love Matters.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">One of the practical ways you can show your love matters is
to hold hands in public. Now, I understand that there might be some out there
that say, “Our marriage relationship is private so I don’t like to flaunt it publicly to others.” I respect anyone who holds to this conviction.
Conversely, to be clear, holding hands in public for example is much different
than making out in public. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">They say a simple touch goes a long ways. In a marriage
relationship, a simple touch goes far beyond any projected distance. In fact,
something like holding hands in public solidifies your relationship and has the
potential of breaking out of the marriage mundane. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Here are 3 quick tips on the importance of showing your love
matters:</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Love is a workout. This is not an endorsement for Olivia
Newton John’s classic, Let’s get physical. Rather, similar to working out in a
gym or jogging a few laps around the park 3 times a week, whenever you work
hard and consistently at something, eventually you will see results.
Demonstrating love is not a one-time thing. It is an on-going workout. When you
show your love towards your spouse beyond February 14th for example, you will
see the results you have always longed for.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Don’t give up in well doing. If your marriage relationship
is on the rocks right now, something like holding hands in public may be a
monumental task. Maybe for you, something like smiling at each other may be a
first step towards forgiveness and reconciliation. Either way, showing love to
each other is something that never ends. With this said, don’t give up even if
it’s a “small thing.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">The small things matter. Showing your love can take on all
kinds of forms. I suggest that whenever you do the small things, your marriage
relationship takes on a strong shelter. They say, “Dogs are not man’s best
friend; flowers are.” Try showing you love your wife by giving her flowers
without being in the doghouse and see the surprise on her face that will go a
long way! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Try out these 3 tips this week and see your marriage
relationship grow stronger than ever before. Showing your love is an on-going
priority. Work it into your everyday and see your marriage blossom into an
enjoyable relationship.<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 107%;"> </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 107%;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cheers,</span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Rob Lane</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i> </i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Marriage Mechanic</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i> </i>
</span></span>
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHE6CO20UkxVbjiATDaUwpNN0RIG4biKs6YRO08NzaHSb54X5sDqow3sQHOFEIbHQ6xlq_0KEY1ExSDxKzXusfeWXDNXichuuVP2Sr2eC7-xkcYl0NBB0X4QRoV_MbTcNqlI7SBrVLWi4/s1600/www.themarriagelane.com.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHE6CO20UkxVbjiATDaUwpNN0RIG4biKs6YRO08NzaHSb54X5sDqow3sQHOFEIbHQ6xlq_0KEY1ExSDxKzXusfeWXDNXichuuVP2Sr2eC7-xkcYl0NBB0X4QRoV_MbTcNqlI7SBrVLWi4/s200/www.themarriagelane.com.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Rob is proud that his wife <a href="http://www.caralane.com/">Cara</a> plays an instrumental part
of what he does. They have a combined 20+
years helping individuals and couples with their relationships and marriages. Rob has a BA in Christian Education from
<a href="http://www.moody.edu/">Moody Bible Institute</a> in Chicago and holds a Master’s Degree in Psychology and
is an Online Psychology Professor for <a href="http://www.gcu.edu/">Grand Canyon University</a>. Rob is also certified marriage
counselors in the <a href="http://www.prepare-enrich.com/">PREPARE/ENRICH</a> program. He is a non-denominational ordained minister and officiates wedding ceremonies. Rob combines his experience and
education along with his unique approach that is sincerely relational,
empowering, hopeful, honest and compassionate. To learn more about Rob, <a href="http://themarriagelane.com/">The Marriage Lane</a> and his approach read <a href="http://sweetvanillabean.blogspot.com/2013/08/an-exciting-new-adventure_7.html">here</a>.</i></span></span>Lindsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00369028684969361006noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-259108751921120720.post-9532499490738804332014-03-26T11:48:00.004-07:002014-03-26T11:52:56.183-07:00are you a "divergent" strengths finder...?<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Like many of you, I read
the book the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Divergent-Veronica-Roth/dp/0062024035/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1395859861&sr=8-2&keywords=divergent">Divergent</a> and then saw the movie. It seems like a fictional
portrayal of the future OR could it be a reality of our present day? I
have to question if we are already living in factions?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />It all came
together for me while I was traveling for my job in Australia. I was
actually reading the book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Divergent-Veronica-Roth/dp/0062024035/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1395859861&sr=8-2&keywords=divergent">Divergent</a>, while walking in an airport. I
quickly realized that I was bumping into people and getting annoying
looks. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />In American culture, we drive forward on the right hand side
of the street. Subsequently, people walk on the same side as they drive.
I looked up and realized the frustration on the faces of some Aussie's
when I walked on the wrong side of the hall. I felt like Tris when she
tried to become "dauntless" by changing her behaviors. So, I quickly moved
to the other side acting like that was my norm.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />My foreign exchange
student from China is raised with the cultural expectation to study and
appreciate knowledge. She is devastated with any grade less than an A.
She confessed to me that she loves American education because her
Chinese culture is too much pressure for many teens her age.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />See, we
are conditioned to act and communicate within our cultural norms.
Factions could be considered like different stereotypes, personality
labels or underling expectations. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />This is why I love <a href="http://www.amazon.com/StrengthsFinder-2-0-Tom-Rath/dp/159562015X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1395859824&sr=8-1&keywords=Gallop+Strength+Finders">Gallop Strength Finders</a>! No one is just like you! The possibility of your Top 5
Strengths having the same order as someone else are 1 in 33 million!!
Here is your opportunity...You can choose to be a "divergent" communicator
and thinker. We do not have to get locked into one way of seeing people
in the world. Be thankful for living out your strengths where "divergent"
thinking is allowed and honored. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />You can appreciate the differences
of others strengths. This just might be the beginning of true peace.
Dare to be different and walk in your unique talents and strengths. <br /><br />Strongly yours,<i> </i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Cara Lane</i></span></span><br />
<div class="yiv9420477740MsoNormal" id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1389929218152_4674">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Communication Coach </span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZ82ocwcbtdcVcNuecnccdn76TH6xhCrbFtp8F-GUP3jlMob9SDKxa4ZOP7Pwo22FzWdkGh4s5vo4vVb_MF7Wl9hSSHpw98q3Xw_fqdr2wvvtCGYnwd8bMy_-_g_DSdDg_yt6DFedHys/s1600/cara+lane.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZ82ocwcbtdcVcNuecnccdn76TH6xhCrbFtp8F-GUP3jlMob9SDKxa4ZOP7Pwo22FzWdkGh4s5vo4vVb_MF7Wl9hSSHpw98q3Xw_fqdr2wvvtCGYnwd8bMy_-_g_DSdDg_yt6DFedHys/s200/cara+lane.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a>Cara Lane can be summed up in two words = infectious enthusiasm.
Cara’s high energy, expressive style will be a joy to your learning on life.
She has won the hearts of people and has become known nationally as “America’s
Speaker Sweetheart.” She has also toured the world and has become an
internationally known motivational speaker and trainer. Cara Lane is the award
winning top trainer for the world’s leading seminar company. She's a leader
an ambassador for Weight Watchers. Cara has given over 10,000 hours of instruction
on communication training. Check her out at <a href="http://caralane.com/">here</a>!</span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Lindsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00369028684969361006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-259108751921120720.post-35762916118159418722014-01-22T14:36:00.003-08:002014-01-22T14:36:23.339-08:00how to make your words mean something...<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Several
weeks ago, I wrote a post<span> </span>entitled, 5 Ground
Rules For a Better Marriage. Those 5 marital ground rules that can reinforce
your marriage today include:<span></span>
</span></span><br />
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</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">1) Never go to bed
angry. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">2) Say “I’m sorry.”
always! </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">3) Go on a date at
least twice a month. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">4) Say “I love you”
often! </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">5) Hold hands in public.
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Believe
it or not, the words you say mean more than you may even realize.
Unfortunately, in every marriage relationship and over time it’s easy to take
each other for granted. To combat this subtle decline, telling each other
important words such as “I love you” will always provide the strength your
marriage needs.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Let’s face it, the words we hear
around us are generally negative. Even the words we are guilty of saying often
come out negative. The truth is it takes work and discipline to say nice,
complementary words. The reality is our spouses are the ones who should be on
the receiving end of good and uplifting words from us. So why should you say I
love you to your spouse on a regular basis? Here are 3 tips why these words
will help your marriage in the long run.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Saying I Love You creates a positive
environment. We all know we don’t have to go very far and hear negative words.
Sheesh, just turn on your local news! The sad reality is we don’t even have to
turn on the 6:00 news to find negative words. Whether it’s at work, at school,
driving down the freeway or in our neighborhood, negative words are not that
hard to come by. This is why saying I Love You often is so important in your
marriage. Words that matter like I Love You creates the positive environment
your marriage always needs.<span> </span><span> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Saying I Love You can provide the
spark your marriage needs today. Is your marriage not exciting anymore? Do you
feel the love has lost its luster? Does your relationship feel more like
college roommates versus a strong married couple? Well, believe it or not, the
reason is because your words for and towards each other are either completely
neglected or simply lacking. You may have to begin doing something more
fruitful today; that is, saying I Love You. Try telling your spouse you love
her/him five times a day for one week and watch your feelings for your spouse
change. Watch your relationship grow stronger, both for your spouse and you!<span> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Saying I Love You are words that
matter. I believe what keeps us from saying I Love You is that little voice in
our heads that says something like, “Does he really mean he loves me when he
says I love you?” Or “Why does she always say I love you at the worst times
like in the middle of a fight?” Our role in a marriage relationship is to
always say I Love You, no matter what. When both spouses are saying this on a
regular basis, you would be amazed the words that come out of your mouth and
his or hers. Words matter and are so important to the strength of your
marriage.<span> </span><span> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Try out these 3 tips this week and
see your marriage relationship grow stronger than ever before. <i>It is true that actions speak louder than
words but I believe you won’t even get to the showing if you never do the
saying</i>. Truly, you can never go wrong telling you love each other on a
regular basis. Trust me, saying these words regularly is an important marital
ground rule to stick by. You will not regret it! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cheers,</span></span><br />
<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
Rob Lane</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
<i>Marriage Mechanic</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i> </i>
</span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHE6CO20UkxVbjiATDaUwpNN0RIG4biKs6YRO08NzaHSb54X5sDqow3sQHOFEIbHQ6xlq_0KEY1ExSDxKzXusfeWXDNXichuuVP2Sr2eC7-xkcYl0NBB0X4QRoV_MbTcNqlI7SBrVLWi4/s1600/www.themarriagelane.com.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHE6CO20UkxVbjiATDaUwpNN0RIG4biKs6YRO08NzaHSb54X5sDqow3sQHOFEIbHQ6xlq_0KEY1ExSDxKzXusfeWXDNXichuuVP2Sr2eC7-xkcYl0NBB0X4QRoV_MbTcNqlI7SBrVLWi4/s200/www.themarriagelane.com.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Rob is proud that his wife <a href="http://www.caralane.com/">Cara</a> plays an instrumental part
of what he does. They have a combined 20+
years helping individuals and couples with their relationships and marriages. Rob has a BA in Christian Education from
<a href="http://www.moody.edu/">Moody Bible Institute</a> in Chicago and holds a Master’s Degree in Psychology and
is an Online Psychology Professor for <a href="http://www.gcu.edu/">Grand Canyon University</a>. Rob is also certified marriage
counselors in the <a href="http://www.prepare-enrich.com/">PREPARE/ENRICH</a> program. He is a non-denominational ordained minister and officiates wedding ceremonies. Rob combines his experience and
education along with his unique approach that is sincerely relational,
empowering, hopeful, honest and compassionate. To learn more about Rob, <a href="http://themarriagelane.com/">The Marriage Lane</a> and his approach read <a href="http://sweetvanillabean.blogspot.com/2013/08/an-exciting-new-adventure_7.html">here</a>.</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">*Lead photo created using the app A Beautiful Mess, available for sale <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/a-beautiful-mess/id603092599?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D2">here</a> in the iTunes app store! Thanks ABM app for the creative tool!</span></span></div>
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Lindsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00369028684969361006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-259108751921120720.post-6003019311896051412014-01-16T19:33:00.003-08:002014-01-16T19:33:52.870-08:00the need for "no" & how to say it...My favorite quote by Benjamin Franklin is: <i>”A problem well-stated
is a problem half solved.” </i><br />
<div class="yiv9420477740MsoNormal" id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1389929218152_4654">
So let’s identify the problem of why we don’t say no. What
are the reasons?</div>
<ul>
<li>We might not want to disappoint someone – BUT then
we get disappointed in ourselves.</li>
<li>We think it’s easier to go along with what the
other person wants in the moment – YET in the long run we realize we just made
it harder on ourselves. </li>
<li>We feel guilty saying no – BUT living with the
guilt is worse.</li>
<li>We get scared that someone might not find us as
valuable – BUT we have to remember our own value.</li>
<li>The other person might say no to you, since you
said no to them – YET at least there would be truthfulness.</li>
</ul>
<div class="yiv9420477740MsoNormal" id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1389929218152_4679">
There is a simple formula to help you say no. I call it the
R.U.N. technique. Run and say no! (:</div>
<div class="yiv9420477740MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="yiv9420477740MsoNormal">
<u><b>R</b>estate the Request </u>– Say “I understand” or “I heard”
or “I believe” and then simply repeat the exact same words they just used. People
have a positive bias towards someone that they believe actually listened to
them.</div>
<div class="yiv9420477740MsoNormal" id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1389929218152_4678">
</div>
<div class="yiv9420477740MsoNormal" id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1389929218152_4678">
<u><b>U</b>nderstand my Circumstance</u> – Ask the person to
understand that your circumstance will not allow you to say yes. Be firm. Be
fair. Be Real. This is NOT a place for
excuses. </div>
<div class="yiv9420477740MsoNormal" id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1389929218152_4678">
</div>
<div class="yiv9420477740MsoNormal" id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1389929218152_4677">
<b><u>N</u></b><u>otice
the Positive </u>– Tell them how much you appreciate them thinking of you to
ask. Do not let them corner you into saying yes.</div>
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</div>
<div class="yiv9420477740MsoNormal" id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1389929218152_4674">
With that said, we must learn how to say no. Have you ever
heard this? Even the best juggler will drop all the balls if there is one too
many! Boundaries are needed. People respect you more when you are able to say
no. There is nothing worse than someone saying yes but they don’t follow through.
Saying NO is liberating. Try it on for size!</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Kindly, </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Cara Lane</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Communication Coach </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZ82ocwcbtdcVcNuecnccdn76TH6xhCrbFtp8F-GUP3jlMob9SDKxa4ZOP7Pwo22FzWdkGh4s5vo4vVb_MF7Wl9hSSHpw98q3Xw_fqdr2wvvtCGYnwd8bMy_-_g_DSdDg_yt6DFedHys/s1600/cara+lane.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZ82ocwcbtdcVcNuecnccdn76TH6xhCrbFtp8F-GUP3jlMob9SDKxa4ZOP7Pwo22FzWdkGh4s5vo4vVb_MF7Wl9hSSHpw98q3Xw_fqdr2wvvtCGYnwd8bMy_-_g_DSdDg_yt6DFedHys/s200/cara+lane.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a>Cara Lane can be summed up in two words = infectious enthusiasm.
Cara’s high energy, expressive style will be a joy to your learning on life.
She has won the hearts of people and has become known nationally as “America’s
Speaker Sweetheart.” She has also toured the world and has become an
internationally known motivational speaker and trainer. Cara Lane is the award
winning top trainer for the world’s leading seminar company. She's a leader
an ambassador for Weight Watchers. Cara has given over 10,000 hours of instruction
on communication training. Check her out at <a href="http://caralane.com/">here</a>!</span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Lindsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00369028684969361006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-259108751921120720.post-10988964159882425392014-01-10T08:08:00.001-08:002014-01-10T08:08:09.094-08:00it's not too late to make a resolution...<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]--><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">It's Not Too Late To Make A Good Resolution For 2014:</span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">Dating your spouse never
ends!</span></i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Happy New Year! Each time the New Year is about to cross over, we think,
“Where the heck did the year go?” What we are really saying is, “I hope this
year will be better than last year.” The beauty of this evaluation is it
provides a clean slate and gives us the opportunity to do even better the next
year. What a better way to kick off 2014 with resolutions that help make your
marriage better than last year. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A few weeks ago, I did a MMM post called 5 Marital Ground Rules for a
Better Marriage. The 3rd ground rule I presented was, <i>Go on a date at least twice a month</i>. This may sound totally cliché
but the truth is dating your spouse should never end. Marriages that have this
marital rule (and stick to it!) are marriages that last because it keeps their
relationship solid and growing. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I know for many it can be difficult to schedule even a few dates a month.
It is easy to allow life to get in the way of <i>your</i> marriage. Work, kids, extracurricular activities, and just
everyday life slowly tend to get in the way of the marriage which makes it a
challenge to create time for dates. Nevertheless, the truth is dating your
spouse <u>always</u> breaks the monotony and mundane of life. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Since dating your spouse is vitally important to the health and longevity
of your marriage, why not make it one of your resolutions this year? Here are 3
tips to help you make this resolution a reality.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1)<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><b>Schedule the date and stick to it</b>. I suggest
you put your date on the calendar and DO NOT RESCHEDULE IT. The truth is we do
things in our life that we feel are worth doing. Going on dates is worthwhile
and important. When you and your spouse agree that dates are important to your
marriage relationship, then scheduling and sticking to it does not become
burdensome.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2)<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><b>Communicate and remind. </b>If you have
children, invest in a baby sitter to help make your dates sacred. Also, your
kids are never too young or too old to hear you tell them, “Monday night is our
date night and we are excited about it.” Getting your kids to understand this
“rule” communicates and reminds them that your marriage relationship is
extremely important to you and them.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3)<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><b>You don’t have to overdo it</b>. Your date
nights <i>can</i> be a formal dinner or a
limo drive through Napa Valley but they don’t have to be. Money should never be
an issue for your date nights. If money is tight spending a few hours together
at a park or on a walk can certainly qualify for a date day/night. Doing
something is what is most important. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Let’s be real… marriage takes work to make it work. Dating each other is
an important aspect of marriage health and longevity. What a better way to kick
off 2014-<i> Go on a date at least twice a
month. </i>Implementing these 3 tips into your relationship today will turn this
resolution into a reality. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
Cheers,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
Rob Lane</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
<i>Marriage Mechanic</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i> </i>
</span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHE6CO20UkxVbjiATDaUwpNN0RIG4biKs6YRO08NzaHSb54X5sDqow3sQHOFEIbHQ6xlq_0KEY1ExSDxKzXusfeWXDNXichuuVP2Sr2eC7-xkcYl0NBB0X4QRoV_MbTcNqlI7SBrVLWi4/s1600/www.themarriagelane.com.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHE6CO20UkxVbjiATDaUwpNN0RIG4biKs6YRO08NzaHSb54X5sDqow3sQHOFEIbHQ6xlq_0KEY1ExSDxKzXusfeWXDNXichuuVP2Sr2eC7-xkcYl0NBB0X4QRoV_MbTcNqlI7SBrVLWi4/s200/www.themarriagelane.com.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Rob is proud that his wife <a href="http://www.caralane.com/">Cara</a> plays an instrumental part
of what he does. They have a combined 20+
years helping individuals and couples with their relationships and marriages. Rob has a BA in Christian Education from
<a href="http://www.moody.edu/">Moody Bible Institute</a> in Chicago and holds a Master’s Degree in Psychology and
is an Online Psychology Professor for <a href="http://www.gcu.edu/">Grand Canyon University</a>. Rob is also certified marriage
counselors in the <a href="http://www.prepare-enrich.com/">PREPARE/ENRICH</a> program. He is a non-denominational ordained minister and officiates wedding ceremonies. Rob combines his experience and
education along with his unique approach that is sincerely relational,
empowering, hopeful, honest and compassionate. To learn more about Rob, <a href="http://themarriagelane.com/">The Marriage Lane</a> and his approach read <a href="http://sweetvanillabean.blogspot.com/2013/08/an-exciting-new-adventure_7.html">here</a>.</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">*Lead photo created using the app A Beautiful Mess, available for sale <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/a-beautiful-mess/id603092599?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D2">here</a> in the iTunes app store! Thanks ABM app for the creative tool!</span></span></div>
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Lindsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00369028684969361006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-259108751921120720.post-49355269901326428412014-01-08T19:07:00.001-08:002014-01-08T19:07:05.396-08:00new year, renewed motivation...<style>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Everyone likes something new! A new house. A new car. A new love. A new
piece of furniture. So why not embrace a new year. This is your chance to enjoy
your new life again. You can look at every new year as a reminder to put the
past behind and move forward into your goals and dreams. So what if we looked
at the new year as a chance to have renewed motivation!</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Commitments are heightened because of the new perspective...</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Remember when your love relationship was new? There was no end to your
love. You truly thought you could and would be that loving way forever. I
remember telling my soon-to-be husband that I would give him backrubs every
night for the rest of his life. That is the kind of commitment you have when
your relationship is new. The sad truth is…I stopped giving the nightly back
rubs only a few months into our marriage. My husband often reminds me of my
previous verbal commitment with the hopes that I will keep my word. At least,
the aim was set high so now a few back-rubs a month are appreciated. Back-rubs
might not have been a part of our routine without our “new perspective.” Just
think, a half executed commitment is, at least, better than nothing. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You deserve something new...</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Often times we apologize for having something new. When someone asks if
we bought new clothes, we immediately say no. False humility only intimates
others and makes them feel uncomfortable. Tell the person that it is new with a
smile. Appreciate them for thinking of you. Everyone deserves to have NEW in
their life. If you embrace the new part, then others will as well. You will inspire
others to want a new perspective for themselves as well.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Let the “new” become your life-changer...</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Many Americans have a hard time losing weight. I became a Weight
Watcher leader in 2006. Today I am still a Weight Watcher leader. With
commitment and hard work my “new” perspective on weight loss became my routine, my way of life. Routines become
who you are!</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Embracing a new year is a great truth to live by!!</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Kindly, </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Cara Lane</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Communication Coach </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZ82ocwcbtdcVcNuecnccdn76TH6xhCrbFtp8F-GUP3jlMob9SDKxa4ZOP7Pwo22FzWdkGh4s5vo4vVb_MF7Wl9hSSHpw98q3Xw_fqdr2wvvtCGYnwd8bMy_-_g_DSdDg_yt6DFedHys/s1600/cara+lane.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZ82ocwcbtdcVcNuecnccdn76TH6xhCrbFtp8F-GUP3jlMob9SDKxa4ZOP7Pwo22FzWdkGh4s5vo4vVb_MF7Wl9hSSHpw98q3Xw_fqdr2wvvtCGYnwd8bMy_-_g_DSdDg_yt6DFedHys/s200/cara+lane.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a>Cara Lane can be summed up in two words = infectious enthusiasm.
Cara’s high energy, expressive style will be a joy to your learning on life.
She has won the hearts of people and has become known nationally as “America’s
Speaker Sweetheart.” She has also toured the world and has become an
internationally known motivational speaker and trainer. Cara Lane is the award
winning top trainer for the world’s leading seminar company. She's a leader
an ambassador for Weight Watchers. Cara has given over 10,000 hours of instruction
on communication training.</span></span></div>
</div>
Lindsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00369028684969361006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-259108751921120720.post-37114900782135831642014-01-06T08:18:00.000-08:002014-01-06T08:18:13.861-08:00friend makin' mondays...<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1389021691441_5049">
<strong id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1389021691441_5082"></strong><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">1. <strong id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1389021691441_5081">What has been your happiest moment in 2014 so far?</strong>
</span></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1389021691441_5049">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The last few months have seen, for me, some of the lowest lows of my life. But last Friday we celebrated my Grandmother's 82nd birthday as a family with dinner at a Mexican restaurant, then pie and board games at my house. It was so fun playing board games with my family, everyone getting along, watching my Aunt laugh so hard during the game that tears rolled down her cheeks and celebrating my Grandma! It was certainly a rare but necessary high for me.</span></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1389021691441_5049">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1389021691441_5051">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">2. <strong id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1389021691441_5080">Share the last compliment you received.</strong> </span></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1389021691441_5051">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">My husband told me I was, "Looking good!" It means the world that he thinks I'm the bees knees, especially since my self-esteem is low these days. He's the only one I want to impress, so it means the world that I still tickle his fancy! </span></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1389021691441_5051">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1389021691441_5052">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">3. <strong id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1389021691441_5079">What is one thing that you plan to accomplish in the next week?</strong> </span></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1389021691441_5052">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Laundry! Laundry is just that thing I put off because I dread it... and getting so behind only begets more dread. So, I need to address that situation stat! Also, I'd like to take some afternoon walks with my pup. Over Christmas break I focused on inside projects, and my fair share of moping. It's time for a new, fresh start.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1389021691441_5053">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">4. <strong id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1389021691441_5078">What is your favorite TV show(s)?</strong> Scandal, Sister Wives, Masters of Sex, The Walking Dead and I CANNOT WAIT for Girls to be back!</span></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1389021691441_5053">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1389021691441_5055">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">5. <strong id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1389021691441_5054">If you could go anywhere in the world free for the next two weeks, where you go?</strong>
</span></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1389021691441_5055">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Probably somewhere I wouldn't have to think too much, like Hawaii. Sand, sun and cocktails! Hello!!! </span></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1389021691441_5055">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1389021691441_5057">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">6. <strong id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1389021691441_5056">Describe a significant event in your life that caused you to change your values system.</strong> </span></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1389021691441_5057">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">When I started working with high-risk youth, I came face-to-face with struggle and suffering. It made me more empathic and caring, and I am deeply grateful for those lessons in compassion. I worked through the sadness and grief I felt for them, and became a better, more caring, more passionate professional aimed on helping them succeed! </span></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1389021691441_5057">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1389021691441_5058">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">7. <strong id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1389021691441_5077">What made you decide to live where you currently live?</strong>
</span></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1389021691441_5058">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I had a terrible relationship in college, and refused to be reminded of it everyday. So I moved home after graduation, away from that old boyfriend (and my new, better boyfriend at the time... who eventually became my husband!), where I was safe and loved and could pursue a career. And I never left.</span></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1389021691441_5058">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1389021691441_5076">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">8. <strong id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1389021691441_5075">What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about GOD?</strong> </span></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1389021691441_5076">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Heaven. I have a vested interest in Him and Heaven. Lots of people I'm excited to see someday...</span></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1389021691441_5076">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1389021691441_5067">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">9. <strong id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1389021691441_5074">If you could have a long conversation with someone famous (and alive now) who would you choose?</strong> </span></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1389021691441_5067">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I really can't think of anyone profound... so maybe the lead singer of my husband's favorite band (I love the band too!)? Maybe my hubby could tag along? I think that'd make him happy, and that would make me happy!</span></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1389021691441_5067">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1389021691441_5068">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">10. <strong id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1389021691441_5073">List three things that you’re thankful for today. </strong></span></span></div>
<ul id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1389021691441_5065">
<li id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1389021691441_5069"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">My health! Precious and futile, I am so grateful to be healthy!</span></span></li>
<li id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1389021691441_5066"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">My family! I am so deeply, deeply blessed by my people!</span></span></li>
<li id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1389021691441_5064"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">My hobbies. Keeps my hands and mind busy and focused, and fills my cup!</span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Now you!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Love,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lindsay </span></span>Lindsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00369028684969361006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-259108751921120720.post-50702810146809583732013-12-25T06:30:00.000-08:002013-12-25T06:30:00.970-08:00merry christmas...<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">From the whole team at Sweet Vanilla Bean, thank you for following our blog, reading our posts and being the best audience! We are beyond grateful for you!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Enjoy your families, friends, food, gifts, and the spirit of the season!</span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #990000;">M</span><span style="color: #274e13;">e</span><span style="color: #990000;">R</span><span style="color: #274e13;">r</span><span style="color: #990000;">Y</span> <span style="color: #274e13;">C</span><span style="color: #990000;">h</span><span style="color: #274e13;">R</span><span style="color: #990000;">i</span><span style="color: #274e13;">S</span><span style="color: #990000;">t</span><span style="color: #274e13;">M</span><span style="color: #990000;">a</span><span style="color: #274e13;">S</span><span style="color: #990000;">!</span></span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Love,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lindsay, Rob & Cara </span></span>Lindsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00369028684969361006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-259108751921120720.post-53746568332321555312013-12-24T06:30:00.000-08:002013-12-24T06:30:00.480-08:00come backs to deal with put-downs...<div class="thread-body" id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1387869669834_8101">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Let’s face it! Any seasonal gathering includes negative
relatives who put us down publicly or in private. Sometimes a few
well-rehearsed responses make a BIG difference.
I have personally started using these five techniques in my own life. It
will make a huge difference in the way others treat you. You can empower
yourself to not let negativity win.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><br />
<div class="yiv0656396011MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1387869669834_8264">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1.<span>
</span><u id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1387869669834_8263">Always use “I” statements</u>: Using “I”
statements during confrontational come-backs is a must! The minute you slip in
the word “you” the other person will become defensive and act blameless. Your
negative cohort can’t argue with your thoughts. Here are some remarkable
responses that work. “I see it differently…” “I understand that we think our
own unique thoughts…” “I love that we can discuss this openly and still love
one another…” “I appreciate your diverse thoughts…” “I have a lot to think about because of your
opinion…”</span></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="yiv0656396011MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1387869669834_8266">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2.<span>
</span><u id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1387869669834_8265">Give them only two options</u>: Letting
someone know that what they say it hurtful helps them understand your
boundaries. “I heard that as an insult…was it intended that way?” They only
have two options. They can either take back their insult or admit they are
trying to hurt you. This simple power phrase will give you the satisfaction
that you have put them in their place. At least you know the truth. It they
agree that they are trying to hurt you then respond with disappointment or
indifference. Ultimately, you have forced the other person to have to accept
their comment.</span></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="yiv0656396011MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1387869669834_8267">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3.<span>
</span><u>Have an attitude of Gratitude</u>: Always
have the last word no matter what insult they hurl your way. Just say “thank
you.” It defuses the comment and they are more likely to quit knowing it is not
getting under your skin. Sincerely thank them for trying to make you a better
person. </span></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="yiv0656396011MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1387869669834_8268">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">4.<span>
</span><u>Agree with them</u>: Ironically, you can agree with the fact that
they have the right to say what they want. You can say, “You might be right.”
They hear the fact that they are “right” but you know your focus is on the
“might.” You can also say that is right for them and not right for you. Turn
the rest of the family for help. You can simply say, “Who agrees with Aunt
Verna?” This way the focus gets off of you. </span></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="yiv0656396011MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1387869669834_8271">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">5.<span>
</span><u>Change the subject</u>: Secretly, think of
other topics that can change the subject. Here are some ideas: weather, travel,
food, hobbies, hometown happenings, animals, work issues and kids events. Even
if you are confronted about trying to change that subject – admit it. This
shows that you are controlling the conversation. It demonstrates that boundaries
are being set. </span></span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div class="yiv0656396011MsoNormal" id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1387869669834_8269">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I believe in your ability to make these “Come-backs” to “Put-downs”
a permanent solution to your everyday communication. You are now empowered to
have a positive outcome to negativity.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Positively Yours, </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Cara Lane</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Communication Coach </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZ82ocwcbtdcVcNuecnccdn76TH6xhCrbFtp8F-GUP3jlMob9SDKxa4ZOP7Pwo22FzWdkGh4s5vo4vVb_MF7Wl9hSSHpw98q3Xw_fqdr2wvvtCGYnwd8bMy_-_g_DSdDg_yt6DFedHys/s1600/cara+lane.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZ82ocwcbtdcVcNuecnccdn76TH6xhCrbFtp8F-GUP3jlMob9SDKxa4ZOP7Pwo22FzWdkGh4s5vo4vVb_MF7Wl9hSSHpw98q3Xw_fqdr2wvvtCGYnwd8bMy_-_g_DSdDg_yt6DFedHys/s200/cara+lane.jpg" width="200" /></a>Cara Lane can be summed up in two words = infectious enthusiasm.
Cara’s high energy, expressive style will be a joy to your learning on life.
She has won the hearts of people and has become known nationally as “America’s
Speaker Sweetheart.” She has also toured the world and has become an
internationally known motivational speaker and trainer. Cara Lane is the award
winning top trainer for the world’s leading seminar company. She's a leader
an ambassador for Weight Watchers. Cara has given over 10,000 hours of instruction
on communication training.</span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Lindsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00369028684969361006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-259108751921120720.post-35066311329968845302013-12-23T23:34:00.004-08:002014-01-10T08:07:27.911-08:00making "i'm sorrys" work...<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As a follow
up to my MMM post a few weeks ago called 5 Marital Ground Rules for a Better
Marriage, the 2<sup>nd</sup> ground rule was, “Say I’m sorry, always.” The
truth is, <i>I’m sorry</i> is one of the best conflict busters which are two words that can
quickly end the spark before it turns into a wild fire. Saying these words is
an important marital ground rule that will maintain a healthy level of love and
respect in your marriage--something every couple desires.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But what
happens when <i>I’m sorry</i> simply doesn’t work? What if your spouse wasn’t “really” apologetic in
the first place? And what if there is a negative pattern of saying I’m Sorry,
then a few days/weeks of a “better” marriage and back to the negative behavior?
What happens when the apology or lack of apology makes it worse?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Well, what these
questions show are the kind of challenges marriage does really present
sometimes on a daily basis. Are there answers to these questions or practical
advice to these challenges? As a follow up to this marital ground rule, here
are 3 tips on making <i>I’m Sorry</i> work for you and your marriage relationship.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="ListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><b>Admit it, admit it, admit it!</b> Something my wife and I remind our
kids on a regular basis is to say, “I did it and I am sorry!” Both our sons
realize the best way to quickly resolve an argument or fight among themselves
is to just simply admit it and apologize. In my strong opinion, the best way to
make <i>I’m Sorry</i>
work for you and your marriage is to move past the stubbornness; admit it,
apologize and watch your relationship grow. </span></span></div>
<div class="ListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0.75in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="ListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><b>Empathize is the best way to
thrive!</b> You all
have heard, “If only you were in my shoes.” One of the best antidotes to
apologizing is empathy. When you
take yourself out of the scenario and try and understand your spouse and <i>their</i> perspective, you will be amazed how
much easier it is to apologize. The best apology is to not try and debate who
started it but to rather understand each other. </span></span></div>
<div class="ListParagraph">
<br /></div>
<div class="ListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><b>Hire a Marriage Coach!</b> More often than not, a lack of
clear direction can keep arguments and fights going. We all have a blame
indicator within us that reads, “He/she did it, NOT me.” Why don’t we apologize
in the first place? Well, we think, “Why say sorry for something <i>they</i> started?” In repetitive situations
like this, you need a coach to help you create a good game plan to win, not
lose. A Marriage Coach is one who doesn’t play referee but one who plays the
supporter role as an outside, 3<sup>rd</sup> party person to help guide you
along. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="ListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Truly, marriages that know how to apologize and accept the
apology are relationships that grow and are contagious. Marriages that don’t
know how to say I’m sorry are relationships that live in ruts. The next time
you find yourself in a situation to apologize, try not to do the normal thing
of holding a grudge or seek revenge. Rather, admit it, empathize or hire a
Marriage Coach if necessary. You and your marriage will be better for it! </span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
Cheers,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
Rob Lane</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
<i>Marriage Mechanic</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i> </i>
</span></span>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHE6CO20UkxVbjiATDaUwpNN0RIG4biKs6YRO08NzaHSb54X5sDqow3sQHOFEIbHQ6xlq_0KEY1ExSDxKzXusfeWXDNXichuuVP2Sr2eC7-xkcYl0NBB0X4QRoV_MbTcNqlI7SBrVLWi4/s1600/www.themarriagelane.com.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHE6CO20UkxVbjiATDaUwpNN0RIG4biKs6YRO08NzaHSb54X5sDqow3sQHOFEIbHQ6xlq_0KEY1ExSDxKzXusfeWXDNXichuuVP2Sr2eC7-xkcYl0NBB0X4QRoV_MbTcNqlI7SBrVLWi4/s200/www.themarriagelane.com.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Rob is proud that his wife <a href="http://www.caralane.com/">Cara</a> plays an instrumental part
of what he does. They have a combined 20+
years helping individuals and couples with their relationships and marriages. Rob has a BA in Christian Education from
<a href="http://www.moody.edu/">Moody Bible Institute</a> in Chicago and holds a Master’s Degree in Psychology and
is an Online Psychology Professor for <a href="http://www.gcu.edu/">Grand Canyon University</a>. Rob is also certified marriage
counselors in the <a href="http://www.prepare-enrich.com/">PREPARE/ENRICH</a> program. He is a non-denominational ordained minister and officiates wedding ceremonies. Rob combines his experience and
education along with his unique approach that is sincerely relational,
empowering, hopeful, honest and compassionate. To learn more about Rob, <a href="http://themarriagelane.com/">The Marriage Lane</a> and his approach read <a href="http://sweetvanillabean.blogspot.com/2013/08/an-exciting-new-adventure_7.html">here</a>.</i></span></span><br />
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</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">*Lead photo created using the app A Beautiful Mess, available for sale <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/a-beautiful-mess/id603092599?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D2">here</a> in the iTunes app store! Thanks ABM app for the creative tool!</span></span></span></div>
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Lindsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00369028684969361006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-259108751921120720.post-18016149627621110242013-12-21T21:33:00.000-08:002013-12-21T21:38:38.689-08:00five ways to respond to unwanted presents...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjudbBGk9xbxrFBbk3PaE2hZwvlEa_UTvJ0Qg6WW3vnDyAFByusIJQ_yCdsvmd3IIkU3mWJEpoQ-JMxPdzJ9KaBcE1Dw4tlCRDa0vPf0RbqK41Ow5ZcbILPi6SmIFQ1c9d4bTEsztMbQAM/s1600/www.sweetvanillabean.blogspot.com+5+ways+to+respond+to+unwanted+gifts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjudbBGk9xbxrFBbk3PaE2hZwvlEa_UTvJ0Qg6WW3vnDyAFByusIJQ_yCdsvmd3IIkU3mWJEpoQ-JMxPdzJ9KaBcE1Dw4tlCRDa0vPf0RbqK41Ow5ZcbILPi6SmIFQ1c9d4bTEsztMbQAM/s320/www.sweetvanillabean.blogspot.com+5+ways+to+respond+to+unwanted+gifts.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Remember, people buy gifts because they love and appreciate
us. It’s important to make them feel good about their decision even if you feel
uncomfortable. Often times we find ourselves in awkward moments when we have to
open a gift that we do not like. You have to hide your disappointment, embarrassment
or speechlessness. </span></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">With these five tricks you will be able to sail through any
unwelcomed gift with ease. Take away the awkwardness of opening gifts you don’t
like by having one of these responses. Use these tips with the same tone and
tempo as if you liked the present. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1.
<u id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1387689187421_2155">Automatically hug, handshake or high-five the
person</u> – Say thank you then truly invade their personal space. Act like
your football team just got a touchdown and you are looking for a physical
connection to that play. It’s now awkward for both parties involved – which is
good. It’s a deflection!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2.
<u>Immediately start asking questions or making
comments about the gift</u> – Say Thank You then ask questions. This is a key
phrase: “This gift is unbelievable.” Read the label on the box. This buys you
time. Start going through the trusted who, what, where, when and how questions.
Here are some examples: Who told you about this product, What are all the
features, Where do you find gifts like this, When did you find the time to buy
this and How does it make them feel that they invested time and energy in
getting you that gift. A well place question diverts the uncertainty of the
present. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3.
<u>Instantly Compliment the Thought</u> – The minute
you open a present excitingly thank them for thinking through such an interesting
gift. Ask them where they came up with that idea to get you that present. Remind
them that your favorite thing about them is their thoughtfulness. Use a big
expression like, “Oh my goodness!!!!! How thoughtful of you!!!! I love how you
think though every present you give!!!”</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">4.
<u>Give yourself time to think</u> – Nicely
excuse yourself! Quickly find an excuse to leave the room. Some excuses are:
using the restroom, getting another trash bag for the used wrapping paper, suddenly
feeling thirsty or pretending you heard something outside. My son uses this
technique and taught it to me. It works because you can come back with a well-rehearsed
gratitude line for the present you had just received. Hopefully the need for
approval by the gift giver is not as strong as before.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">5.
<u>Pretend the right way!</u>- What if the
person <b>point-blank</b> asks you if you
like it???? Tell them “YES, and here’s why: because it will remind me of you.” Take
the focus off the question by telling them how much you appreciate the
reminder. This is now NOT a lie. You truly like the present because of what it
represents. It’s not about yourself but the reminder this present will serve.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We have all heard the quote, “It is better to give then to
receive.” The giver wants to feel good about the gift they just gave you. As a
communication coach I know your gift giving and receiving will be better because
of your creative new responses.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Merry Christmas!</span></span><br />
</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Kindly, </span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cara Lane</span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></i><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Communication Coach </span></span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZ82ocwcbtdcVcNuecnccdn76TH6xhCrbFtp8F-GUP3jlMob9SDKxa4ZOP7Pwo22FzWdkGh4s5vo4vVb_MF7Wl9hSSHpw98q3Xw_fqdr2wvvtCGYnwd8bMy_-_g_DSdDg_yt6DFedHys/s1600/cara+lane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZ82ocwcbtdcVcNuecnccdn76TH6xhCrbFtp8F-GUP3jlMob9SDKxa4ZOP7Pwo22FzWdkGh4s5vo4vVb_MF7Wl9hSSHpw98q3Xw_fqdr2wvvtCGYnwd8bMy_-_g_DSdDg_yt6DFedHys/s200/cara+lane.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cara Lane can be summed up in two words = infectious enthusiasm.
Cara’s high energy, expressive style will be a joy to your learning on life.
She has won the hearts of people and has become known nationally as “America’s
Speaker Sweetheart.” She has also toured the world and has become an
internationally known motivational speaker and trainer. Cara Lane is the award
winning top trainer for the world’s leading seminar company. She's a leader
an ambassador for Weight Watchers. Cara has given over 10,000 hours of instruction
on communication training.</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">*Lead photo created using the app A Beautiful Mess, available for sale <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/a-beautiful-mess/id603092599?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D2">here</a> in the iTunes app store! Thanks ABM app for the creative tool!</span></span></div>
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Lindsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00369028684969361006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-259108751921120720.post-74837131482175601042013-12-18T06:30:00.000-08:002013-12-21T21:40:20.293-08:00take the donkey out of ass(ertive)...<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1386084397987_9579" style="line-height: 26px; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiDvsyGipfOE2SW_vynpz7NkGDXEjKbj43gta0Iw5L7wX4110WnJP2HVfQ1liio35SEYTT1hlpkh4cdJghR7xcZ-JpstqOqXVjUFJV5vOYnsXV7JQJfcRcpCfSLrmkfWYAQol2I7eG-t0/s1600/www.sweetvanillabean.blogspot.com+donkey+assertive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiDvsyGipfOE2SW_vynpz7NkGDXEjKbj43gta0Iw5L7wX4110WnJP2HVfQ1liio35SEYTT1hlpkh4cdJghR7xcZ-JpstqOqXVjUFJV5vOYnsXV7JQJfcRcpCfSLrmkfWYAQol2I7eG-t0/s320/www.sweetvanillabean.blogspot.com+donkey+assertive.jpg" width="213" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b> Take The Donkey Out Of Assertive: </b></span></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1386084397987_9581" style="line-height: 26px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>You don't have to be a jerk to get what you want!</i></span></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1386084397987_9582" style="line-height: 26px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1386084397987_9583" style="line-height: 26px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When
you think of assertiveness do you have a positive or negative image?
It's funny how assertiveness sometimes gets a bad rap, because in
reality it's a positive communication tool. The problem is many people
use assertiveness as an excuse to be an aggressive jerk. </span></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1386084397987_9586" style="line-height: 26px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1386084397987_9587" style="line-height: 26px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>There are 3 truths about assertiveness to apply to your life:</b></span></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1386084397987_9588" style="line-height: 26px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Assertiveness Truth # 1: Everyone Wins With Assertiveness!!!</b></span></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1386084397987_9589" style="line-height: 26px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Passive people have a "I Lose - You Win" mentality. Over time, that becomes a habit of self defeat and regret.</span></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1386084397987_9590" style="line-height: 26px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Aggressive
people have a "I Win - You Lose" mentality. Quickly, this becomes a way
of life and this person establishes a reputation as consistent pain in
the "ass." </span></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1386084397987_9591" style="line-height: 26px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Passive/Aggressive
people actually have a "Get Revenge - Sabotage" mentality. This leads
to a secret life of inconsistency and they deny having a negative
intent when they are caught. With the passive/aggressive person everyone
loses! </span></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1386084397987_9592" style="line-height: 26px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Good
news! With assertiveness the mentality is "Everyone Wins." You can even
use this language in heated conversations, "Hey, we can both win here."
Instantly, both parties involved have mutual respect and understanding.</span></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1386084397987_9593" style="line-height: 26px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1386084397987_9595" style="line-height: 26px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Assertiveness Truth #2:</b> <b>Emotional Stability Begins With Assertiveness</b></span></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1386084397987_9596" style="line-height: 26px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There
are times when we feel out of control emotionally. Being able to
express your wants, needs and emotions is essential. Assertiveness is
believed to be the beginning of peace within oneself. If you can be
honest with yourself then you can be honest with your emotions. </span></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1386084397987_9597" style="line-height: 26px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Your
internal dialogue needs to be positive. How quickly we can be too
aggressive with her own opinions of ourselves. We can also become too
passive with ourselves which leads to apathy. Taking an assertive
approach with yourself will stabilize your emotional well-being. </span></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1386084397987_9598" style="line-height: 26px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1386084397987_9599" style="line-height: 26px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Assertiveness Truth #3: Remember Assertiveness Is A Privilege</b></span></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1386084397987_9600" style="line-height: 26px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It's
an honor to live... in a place - on this earth - at this time - that
what you say is allowed, respected and even repeated. Imagine if your
right was taken away to express your thoughts, feelings and beliefs. It
has happened to so many throughout history and now. </span></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1386084397987_9601" style="line-height: 26px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So why not exercise your right to say what you want to say without fear or intimidation. </span></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1386084397987_9602" style="line-height: 26px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Assertiveness
is standing up for your personal rights. Assertiveness offers the
expression of thoughts, feelings and beliefs honestly, openly and
directly. This can be done without violating other people's rights.</span></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1386084397987_9603" style="line-height: 26px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1386084397987_9604" style="line-height: 26px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">All
in all, assertiveness is a truth to live by. As a communication coach, I
am dedicated to helping people of all ages express themselves
assertively. The key to lasting relationships in any dynamic is being
assertive. Remember no jerks allowed in assertiveness! </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Assertively, </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Cara Lane</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Communication Coach </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZ82ocwcbtdcVcNuecnccdn76TH6xhCrbFtp8F-GUP3jlMob9SDKxa4ZOP7Pwo22FzWdkGh4s5vo4vVb_MF7Wl9hSSHpw98q3Xw_fqdr2wvvtCGYnwd8bMy_-_g_DSdDg_yt6DFedHys/s1600/cara+lane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZ82ocwcbtdcVcNuecnccdn76TH6xhCrbFtp8F-GUP3jlMob9SDKxa4ZOP7Pwo22FzWdkGh4s5vo4vVb_MF7Wl9hSSHpw98q3Xw_fqdr2wvvtCGYnwd8bMy_-_g_DSdDg_yt6DFedHys/s200/cara+lane.jpg" width="200" /></a>Cara Lane can be summed up in two words = infectious enthusiasm.
Cara’s high energy, expressive style will be a joy to your learning on life.
She has won the hearts of people and has become known nationally as “America’s
Speaker Sweetheart.” She has also toured the world and has become an
internationally known motivational speaker and trainer. Cara Lane is the award
winning top trainer for the world’s leading seminar company. She's a leader
an ambassador for Weight Watchers. Cara has given over 10,000 hours of instruction
on communication training.</span></span></div>
Lindsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00369028684969361006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-259108751921120720.post-41459933554197486252013-12-17T18:43:00.004-08:002013-12-21T21:53:04.095-08:00going to bed angry...<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b></b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUGMsb3psMSo-hbB3kX1RbaKzOlOiPCUVeBch5FpeNRo_oMAAFfWFe4601PW2irW4GF5xG3-7_z8fKepyYpVXPfvyNY7PQB4S_qRMAtNyuRK3oj4TBy33ijeqY7yw-3lB69gjkLYly0so/s1600/www.sweetvanillabean.blogspot.com+going+to+bed+angry.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUGMsb3psMSo-hbB3kX1RbaKzOlOiPCUVeBch5FpeNRo_oMAAFfWFe4601PW2irW4GF5xG3-7_z8fKepyYpVXPfvyNY7PQB4S_qRMAtNyuRK3oj4TBy33ijeqY7yw-3lB69gjkLYly0so/s320/www.sweetvanillabean.blogspot.com+going+to+bed+angry.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Going to Bed Angry</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>3 Key Tips On How To Really Not Go To Bed Angry</i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Last week, I did a Marriage Mechanic post on the importance of marital ground rules. I made a list of 5 rules that I believe lays a good marriage foundation. I was ecstatic to see some comments and interaction from the post. I welcome all comments and/or questions since we can all learn from each other about this mysterious thing we call marriage… so keep those comments/questions coming. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">After seeing these comments I thought it would be helpful to do this week’s MMM post on that first rule: Never go to bed angry. Based on the comments that were posted, even the ones that were thought about but not posted, I have titled this week’s post as three tips on how to really not go to bed angry with each other. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />First, as a review of marital ground rule # 1, never go to bed angry, I explained that sometimes, marital fights drag on into the next day; even into the next week. It is my strong opinion that unresolved fights are never a good thing and can slowly eat away at your marriage relationship foundation. Thus, setting a ground rule like never go to be angry with each other is one of the best principles for your marriage longevity.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />But let’s be realistic, right? Does this mean that you stay up all night trying to resolve your differences or disagreement(s) when you have to get up for work the next day? What do you do when your spouse just doesn’t let it go and keeps the fight going? Or what happens when your spouse crosses the line and belittles or verbally disrespects you? Isn’t it a good thing to take a “time out” from a lingering disagreement or communication battle rather than trying to work it out before you hit the pillow? Some say, the fight gets worse when a time out is not implemented in moments like this.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />These are all good questions when it comes to this important marital rule or never go to bed angry. Well, here are my 3 tips on how to really not go to bed angry with each other.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /> • Make an agreement to resolve it the next day. Let’s be honest, when it comes to our disagreements with our spouse, we must admit that what keeps those fights going is our stubbornness. What are we so headstrong about in these moments? The desire to be right! Fights that linger into day 2 or day 5 is the strong desire to be right. The truth is neither of you are right when the wrong decision is made to keep it going. And when it’s all said and done anyways, we forget how the fight even started in the first place. Sometimes, it is better to “sleep on it” but you both must agree to resolve it the next day. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /> • Make respect win. It is never cool getting hurt by the one who we love the most. Unfortunately, this seems to happen all too easily in a marriage relationship. I mean, we would never let verbal disrespect happen at work or allow it to ruin a potential money making deal. Yet at home, respect and love tends to take a back seat. It is important to understand that marital fights are a part of the relationship but the true test of marital longevity is to know how to work through it. The best way to win any marital dispute is to make respect win over and over again; respect for each other and respect for the sacredness of your marriage. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /> • Make a love truce. In every marital argument, love must still supersede and reign supreme. Even if you can’t resolve a fight before you go to bed, love for each other must be the core foundation in the relationship. Making a love truce means you still love each other despite the tension. Also, making a love truce means that you agree that resolve is the end result of the love that keeps you together. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Marriage is not easy but then again who ever said it was. The good news is that marriage can get easier as you continue to work through your differences and implement the appropriate know how into your relationship on an on-going basis. There will be those cloudy days you put your head on the pillow at night frustrated to no end with your spouse. But knowing that the sun will rise in the morning will bring an opportunity for learning and growth. </span></span><br />
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Cheers,</span></span><br />
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Rob Lane</span></span><br />
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<i>Marriage Mechanic</i></span></span>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHE6CO20UkxVbjiATDaUwpNN0RIG4biKs6YRO08NzaHSb54X5sDqow3sQHOFEIbHQ6xlq_0KEY1ExSDxKzXusfeWXDNXichuuVP2Sr2eC7-xkcYl0NBB0X4QRoV_MbTcNqlI7SBrVLWi4/s1600/www.themarriagelane.com.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHE6CO20UkxVbjiATDaUwpNN0RIG4biKs6YRO08NzaHSb54X5sDqow3sQHOFEIbHQ6xlq_0KEY1ExSDxKzXusfeWXDNXichuuVP2Sr2eC7-xkcYl0NBB0X4QRoV_MbTcNqlI7SBrVLWi4/s200/www.themarriagelane.com.jpg" width="133" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Rob is proud that his wife <a href="http://www.caralane.com/">Cara</a> plays an instrumental part
of what he does. They have a combined 20+
years helping individuals and couples with their relationships and marriages. Rob has a BA in Christian Education from
<a href="http://www.moody.edu/">Moody Bible Institute</a> in Chicago and holds a Master’s Degree in Psychology and
is an Online Psychology Professor for <a href="http://www.gcu.edu/">Grand Canyon University</a>. Rob is also certified marriage
counselors in the <a href="http://www.prepare-enrich.com/">PREPARE/ENRICH</a> program. He is a non-denominational ordained minister and officiates wedding ceremonies. Rob combines his experience and
education along with his unique approach that is sincerely relational,
empowering, hopeful, honest and compassionate. To learn more about Rob, <a href="http://themarriagelane.com/">The Marriage Lane</a> and his approach read <a href="http://sweetvanillabean.blogspot.com/2013/08/an-exciting-new-adventure_7.html">here</a>.</i><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Lead photo created using the app A Beautiful Mess, available for sale <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/a-beautiful-mess/id603092599?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D2">here</a> in the iTunes app store! Thanks ABM app for the creative tool!</span></span></span></div>
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Lindsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00369028684969361006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-259108751921120720.post-54933996869687031302013-12-13T06:30:00.000-08:002013-12-13T06:30:04.538-08:00reason vs. purpose vs. meaning...You know how people say, "Everything happens for a reason." And it's meant to ease your hurt/pain/fears/grief/sadness, and that's commendable that people want to help. But it leaves me thinking that it was on purpose... like losing something, or being hurt by someone was suppose to happen. And that's not okay with me, because sometimes bad things happen to great people, no matter how nice they are or how often they do the right thing or take the high road. I try to always do the right thing. I try to leave people a little better than before they met me. I try to, at the very least, do no harm. And the world still sprouts hurt and pain and loss... So, rather, I try to find the meaning in everything that happens, because even in tragedies and sadness there are lessons and blessings. Maybe that's just my way of trying to make sense of life, but like that saying goes, "life is 10% of what happens to you, and 90% how you react to it."<br />
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Happy Friday!<br />
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Love,<br />
LindsayLindsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00369028684969361006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-259108751921120720.post-79587543882269607752013-12-11T06:30:00.000-08:002013-12-21T21:35:00.276-08:00allow me to introduce you to cara...<div class="yiv9332301615MsoNormal" id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1386727171621_2839">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It was only a few short months ago that this blog partnered with Rob Lane, the Marriage Mechanic, and he created a language and relationship reaching thousands of people with hopes to improve their marriages! We hear you! We see you! And we know we're reaching you! Thank you for you unbelievably love and support! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Now, I am thrilled to be adding to our team, and I am bursting at the seams to tell you about Rob's wifey, Cara Lane, my friend, someone who inspires me, and leaves me in awe, frankly! She is passionate about communication and empowering women! Sooo... our little blog is growing by one and Cara's got big plans for this new journey! I'm honored that her passion and voice
will be heard here! And I'm hoping we can all benefit from Cara's awesomeness! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So... let me introduce you to your Communication Coach, Cara Lane & her plan for Women's Wednesdays (WW):</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9YP5NshBEEbuuV5g0XVvD6GPFLYQNbyNAj91k0ciGO9NnJOH8_AVaVK-zWgSErFb9nIEzearHD4HGs5_MZq_jpoM3Cvia1sc5DqKPnpRK6wbx5xUi9-JBNRUkLwb2nUpp1Jl6f1zUQ7A/s1600/cara+lane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9YP5NshBEEbuuV5g0XVvD6GPFLYQNbyNAj91k0ciGO9NnJOH8_AVaVK-zWgSErFb9nIEzearHD4HGs5_MZq_jpoM3Cvia1sc5DqKPnpRK6wbx5xUi9-JBNRUkLwb2nUpp1Jl6f1zUQ7A/s320/cara+lane.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Who is Cara Lane? </span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Cara Lane can be summed up in two words = infectious enthusiasm.
Cara’s high energy, expressive style will be a joy to your learning on life.
She has won the hearts of people and has become known nationally as “America’s
Speaker Sweetheart.” She has also toured the world and has become an
internationally known motivational speaker and trainer. Cara Lane is the award
winning top trainer for the world’s leading seminar company. She's a leader
an ambassador for Weight Watchers. Cara has given over 10,000 hours of instruction
on communication training.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Cara Lane has a long history of loving communication. She will amaze
you with her insight for teaching the fundamentals of great communicators. And she sees the incredible benefits of putting good skills into practice which leads
to greater success. </span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In Cara’s words...</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I love using the power of positive words to make a
difference in people’s lives. I especially enjoy directing my efforts into
women’s conferences and seminars because there is a need. Women need to believe
they make a difference in their everyday life. Women expect mutual support from
one another. Women want to get along and see the results of maintained
relationships. It is a joy to let women know that their self-esteem is not
based on what they do but who they are.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Cara the Communication Coach… Communication works for those
who work at it. I believe that all relationships need great communication to
survive and thrive. My husband is a relationship coach and a phycology
professor. Together we bring this dynamic duo of communication and relationship
together to help others succeed in connection. I love to teach people practical
life changing tips to help them communicate better. The way you communicate
with yourself and others is essential to your life’s success and fulfillment. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I want readers, listeners and viewers to see, hear and watch
a woman who has dedicated her life to helping others communicate with passion
and purpose. My posts will serve as a solution to communication problems and
issues. Each follower will in essence form a relationship with their own awareness
of life. Awareness is the first step towards change. My prayer is that your
life will be changed for the better because to these posts.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Where you can find me:</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">www.themarriagelane.com </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">www.caralane.com</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Looking forward to my first post next Wednesday! Tune in & let me know what you think!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Enthusiastically,</span></span><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Cara Lane</span></span></i><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Communication Coach </span></span></div>
Lindsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00369028684969361006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-259108751921120720.post-6548657028390305072013-12-09T09:25:00.002-08:002013-12-09T09:25:12.060-08:00creating a good marital foundation...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8KOCbaBprZUcppm94SrEwmoraWnuwNBAoisvU1ldd2j8_LUndmE92yBiCSijBjgkv2haCxLKFDtlgGUJQnZhZ3SMAIXP0VjaLdMJpg4b7iFMgTY3Ic4kB5SH8I2HPu6HhXO_KhC5wjlM/s1600/www.sweetvanillabean.blogspot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8KOCbaBprZUcppm94SrEwmoraWnuwNBAoisvU1ldd2j8_LUndmE92yBiCSijBjgkv2haCxLKFDtlgGUJQnZhZ3SMAIXP0VjaLdMJpg4b7iFMgTY3Ic4kB5SH8I2HPu6HhXO_KhC5wjlM/s320/www.sweetvanillabean.blogspot.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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</xml><![endif]--><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Marriage is one of the most rewarding
relationships... but can also be the most challenging relationship on the planet.
This paradox for many married relationships creates a confusing conflict which
many don’t know how to deal with or work through. </span></span></span>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">I have
found, not only in my own marriage, but also from the many marriages I have
coached throughout the years that implementing some ground rules helps
immensely. Couples that do not have ground rules posses a marriage set up to
fail because the foundation is shaky and fragile. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">So, what are
ground rules? </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">Ground rules are healthy
boundaries that help your marriage out of potential ruts. They are
agreements that encourage truces and eliminate “free flowing”
irresponsibility. From the onset, this sounds more like a negative thing than a
positive one. However, implementing and integrating marital ground rules can
be one of the healthiest things you will ever do for the sake of your marriage's
success. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Why are marital ground rules important? They bring healthy marital structure to the longevity of your marriage as
well as prevent marital fights from growing and developing into bad habits. And
when should marital ground rules be implemented into your marriage? How about TODAY!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Here are 5 marital ground rules that can
reinforce your marriage today:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1)<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><b>Never go to
bed angry</b>. Sometimes, marital fights
drag on into the next day; even into the next week. Obviously, unresolved
fights are never a good thing and can slowly eat away at the foundation.
Setting a ground rule like never go to be angry with each other is one of the
best principles for your marriage longevity. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">2)<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><b>Say “I’m sorry.” always</b>! I’m sorry is one of
the best conflict busters; two words that can quickly end the spark before it
turns into a wild fire. Saying these words is an important marital ground rule
that will maintain a healthy level of love and respect in your marriage--something every couple desires. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">3)<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><b>Go on a date
at least twice a month. </b>This is not
just a cliché. Dating your spouse never ends! Marriages that have this marital
rule (and stick to it!) are marriages that last because they are built upon
solid rock. It is easy for life to get in the way of your marriage. Dating your
spouse always breaks the monotony and mundane of life. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">4)<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><b>Say “I love you” often</b>! Words mean more than we realize. Unfortunately, over time it’s easy to take each other for granted.
You can never go wrong telling you love each other on a regular basis. Saying
these words on a regularly is an important marital ground rule to stick by.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">5)<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><b>Hold hands
in public</b>. This may sound a little
odd to be a marital ground rule but like # 3, it is so easy to take each other
for granted. Not just holding hands but doing so in public tells you <i>and others</i> that your spouse is the most
important person in your life. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">These ground rules, in my opinion, are a
few of the most important ones you can implement or reinforce if you are already
doing some of them. You should add other rules that will work for
your marriage too! Using ground rules in your marriage relationship is
one of the most important things you can do in and for your marriage success!</span> <b> </b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Cheers,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Rob Lane</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>Marriage Mechanic</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHE6CO20UkxVbjiATDaUwpNN0RIG4biKs6YRO08NzaHSb54X5sDqow3sQHOFEIbHQ6xlq_0KEY1ExSDxKzXusfeWXDNXichuuVP2Sr2eC7-xkcYl0NBB0X4QRoV_MbTcNqlI7SBrVLWi4/s1600/www.themarriagelane.com.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHE6CO20UkxVbjiATDaUwpNN0RIG4biKs6YRO08NzaHSb54X5sDqow3sQHOFEIbHQ6xlq_0KEY1ExSDxKzXusfeWXDNXichuuVP2Sr2eC7-xkcYl0NBB0X4QRoV_MbTcNqlI7SBrVLWi4/s200/www.themarriagelane.com.jpg" width="133" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Rob is proud that his wife <a href="http://www.caralane.com/">Cara</a> plays an instrumental part
of what he does. They have a combined 20+
years helping individuals and couples with their relationships and marriages. Rob has a BA in Christian Education from
<a href="http://www.moody.edu/">Moody Bible Institute</a> in Chicago and holds a Master’s Degree in Psychology and
is an Online Psychology Professor for <a href="http://www.gcu.edu/">Grand Canyon University</a>. Rob is also certified marriage
counselors in the <a href="http://www.prepare-enrich.com/">PREPARE/ENRICH</a> program. He is a non-denominational ordained minister and officiates wedding ceremonies. Rob combines his experience and
education along with his unique approach that is sincerely relational,
empowering, hopeful, honest and compassionate. To learn more about Rob, <a href="http://themarriagelane.com/">The Marriage Lane</a> and his approach read <a href="http://sweetvanillabean.blogspot.com/2013/08/an-exciting-new-adventure_7.html">here</a>.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">*Lead photo created using the app A Beautiful Mess, available for sale <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/a-beautiful-mess/id603092599?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D2">here</a> in the iTunes app store! Thanks ABM app for the creative tool!</span></span></div>
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Lindsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00369028684969361006noreply@blogger.com4