tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83111294064219465662024-03-05T20:46:25.334-05:00Cloudy Day GrayKelly Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03132051583324859011noreply@blogger.comBlogger781125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311129406421946566.post-52390055358515056902018-03-30T06:00:00.000-04:002018-04-03T13:14:58.298-04:00but, I will write<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjXgLOUqH6_CiYZSG87wlpMtcQfLS5r605dLEBnGqa8PQ8PBt0vC2drqkstA8R1XzgCqTHqTeo7buZN4LWA4jrWXJLMcNcsnR66aeMimHjk89opb2rAge9X-mgvpf0TpQyUOromQakgiA/s1600/write1.jpg" />
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<br />
I haven't been writing.<br />
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Life had overwhelmed me to a point that I was not able to breathe. I couldn't express my breath through my words and onto this paper. when I was disappointed, when I cried, when I failed. I was not brave enough to write.<br />
<br />
So, I have not been writing.<br />
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Tasks and to-do lists filled each day. I needed to rush. I needed to go. I needed to hide from what I was actually feeling in my heart. I let fear take me to places that I felt obligated to go.<br />
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So, I did not write.<br />
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It was too hard to admit that the thing that I needed most, was the thing that nobody cares about. Everyone is a writer. Everyone is a photographer. Everyone posts countless words for others to read - we all have a voice. And mine felt lost.<br />
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So, I would not write.<br />
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And, in not writing, I have lost work. I have lost followers. I have lost my voice.<br />
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A couple of weeks ago, I stood in front of a group of second graders. They looked up at me with wide eyes when I told them that we have been given a gift. But that gift starts small, like a spark. It is up to each one of us to take care of that spark. To blow on it gently. To kindle it. To tend to it each day. We have the gift, all we have to do is feed it; add fuel to the flame.<br />
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My flames went out, but my spark is still within me. I am out of practice, I feel very rusty, I am still sad with disappointment. I don't know where this going or why I am here.<br />
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But, I will write.<br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5dBazuqroeyjQTfNggeV1KiJKvx7RpEx-WGz4YOfogW5fDiMDr4bF7FLgL7c5k6i-htr1cjTKpwlawiweUv3WScevOa09guL7qvLR6xgG9lBvQ_3Rh6G7Xum2vlcKMntG_Ixclh27Zew/s1600/write2.jpg" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJGjosdIGVre2uBsh_-UOiRdgQ5gpgemV8GROSHUr1sDAmnyn0Ffs_XIas1CthxcKxvXSCRgzm67cGtWiVqZsJOpRbONtoEc7S_uX_188WBoiQdiaPvDLABo-rCYFAyUMb3UwT-A4nLN4/s1600/write3.jpg" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWrNhJucD_zW-M1cqZzhHq5v34wQ09sJtK72DRRGHZza8qypZrGIk0lnDixsUdIgrJ9gpFgYVcVCtMJU3to1j5b8JdKPtKvWqK4MKF4FfYIk63g0rOX0WVeqk6_xfZ3jV9i3JBlTl3oDQ/s1600/write4.jpg" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUiTsQG4i9jlPU7kRHPaAmrUQM-OUJW0WAIqPUBBiEs6KDUDDjq0BjzgqmJmL8wlOcjgpUkJh4UXuTbxqlzLNSXXeGnSXZ4EbTQH0Co0q3KFldh4-wMgOA0bU-gZl4sVYXae0_f3H1AnQ/s1600/write5.jpg" />Cloudy Day Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02052617934624601981noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311129406421946566.post-59504921286746019952017-11-22T16:16:00.000-05:002017-11-29T16:39:46.649-05:00Unfinished Nutcracker Advent Calendar + Books<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPZi9J-fjngJQRqtaY6Hy4xHrv3mPDkait6X-dopXjoi9Naek4aG1ZWIeo43ctrYdadU3d9kY0o2CUjm7Lyn4m3pMDszJ0OqnQdblTd1D6T7ysqKabufXK2RCLvFFtM-mND7myaAFkr3o/s1600/advent1.jpg" />
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Advent is about slowing down, spending time together, and focusing on the love and anticipation of Christmas. So this year, I teamed up with <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/holidays/christmas-a1-550904.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Oriental Trading Company</a> to make a simple advent calendar out of unfinished wooden nutcrackers.<br />
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It is a simple project which only requires a little bit of paint, some ornament hooks, and <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/holidays/christmas-a1-550904.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">two boxes of nutcrackers</a>. One night while watching <i>The Santa Clause</i> as a family, I painted the numbers 1-24 on the chest of each nutcracker. Then, I set all 24 in a basket full of Christmas books, so that each day we can sit down together and indulge in a story, nuzzled by the cozy fire.</div>
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Slowing down opens up so many possibilities to savor and enjoy the excitement of the season.<br />
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<i>Although this post is sponsored by Oriental Trading Company, all ideas and opinions are my own. </i></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXTfQUdEJMuwhGVcI7bTCuR4JJcr2_YE0C4-hdL9Pf23TBUPyDUUo8rJnNGIZ0NkaMo70Mb_KREgZ8SWf8b3rs8vvXyVDrNsJgu5H0Gf60nUZfWPSxztWuZyCza59WfP39mV0RnuYy7g0/s1600/advent2.jpg" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSF5-8VvyBBD7SsD33PinqEO1-zbF4KniQRa9PqJuHT1Jhz4O_HJTVE4uGCEJ_4QsN82pA97zdB7WOcCgrJcAuvIluYudufpSB6iRZh41Q28WbO9XjiD01h5w7Iiy4Cbv1BQbiVXbT_Pc/s1600/advent3.jpg" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOqs5r7xzym-y_PEtXroP5mpCRC9FSELmUq9t5n5ERJMpeoBJ1QoXSzMhskUANeu_mKRsSF2u2HOGUigc_SXoFHrL4B0BXnyRc33UrwGpd6j9c_5i8iuFRpvD5kAC3mF1y4lr9MZwb-xI/s1600/advent4.jpg" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-xGT-TqGWf3Ccp7k8YFIq9Mnpw8mL22Lh5VPoghZsjlLlrBFdJpCU0RlpC42lldyeZVuQsNlNOIP6p6WqN8mrVoRdltGFzCd3fiARlqd9RSAQALU62V-12JzgRzs-_8BUj7WurSUSjgI/s1600/advent5.jpg" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpai_-CfrI7zqp9X1V7b4YOBscn1MyHRH5SjpC5zxFi7aqSWeYJA6RqRAY6z9jPliqCZ7s5OgHRMCeMSGEwJLkgVCroE7eHfQ1PcRnqOoXH5bad5m6fCllPU9clehMT_autgOgHlHP68w/s1600/advent6.jpg" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeR-BdCxwk-cb6jhlkDfEcWXimnLOwDqZlDYAwXkxdM0PtV4ejohtZexoYsWi6dxZvAhkj498dfLVoBR185liDRqGGg7OMyA-9O-AQQPgsHuvwEWB0HvzAg-9_pzc91PHhQ5M906zJBAM/s1600/advent7.jpg" />
Cloudy Day Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02052617934624601981noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311129406421946566.post-5276079170655503032017-11-15T11:00:00.000-05:002017-11-15T20:58:52.222-05:00A Day with Cuomo<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkLdWX5tkbAaEBq32JnqVjOohVAFpoT5n5d5RkJIkJz9lI31BdkILt5gYD1ejSPfP2nsvQ2D56ocIxmBQDNA7dDel6oIGYKIhDm_O_KJXeAVKps5_YVmoJHEPG7iAbmuZa-5TVepUuMEM/s1600/cuomopsa1.jpg" />
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A couple weeks ago, Matilda was invited to be in a Public Service Announcement with Governor Cuomo and a few other transplant kids. Every state has a different organ donation registration process, and we are thrilled that New York has updated to user friendly online system!<br />
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<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pBo4NbzDpGc?rel=0" frameborder="0" gesture="media" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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We had so much fun shooting with the Governor. He was smitten with Matilda and kept on singing to her. Every single time I peeked in on them, he was smiling from ear to ear. Having the opportunity to share in the joy of organ donation is always a beautiful thing. But watching all of the children participating in this PSA laugh, play, and be the kids they were born to be - all together in one room - was absolutely breathtaking. This group of young warriors are the future of organ donation!<br />
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I have three favors to ask of you:<br />
1. Start a conversation about organ donation. <br />
2. Share Matilda's story so that your friends and family can recognize the importance of thinking ahead. <br />
3. Go visit <a href="http://donatelife.ny.gov/" target="_blank">DonateLife.NY.gov</a> to register!<br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSiK1DBjFzgDlpbkfzV3ssjACulPLbT8QpmoZijkkEMHq6OaE0d0NoN4IBFGo1TukQjAmj-ip3Y_0P66rrxN5-Fl9DCthv5VbvXEPokGkszFJJd-XWsn8wwZzbjf-7NW0ZI852RnwIzb8/s1600/cuomopsa2.jpg" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZR8M62jWMT1lAQgRk468k3zZtosCOrhU-Uf8PiJjLBfRDPPH1kXo1viCDVOtMfjDXxtJdoZUU4vBH-BLZKXZO5-1_fXwfATtrFxTEQF1-FkLS-zKk4xM8FKlEeznteGmGd4OSgTLZv_o/s1600/cuomopsa3.jpg" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0m0TmYkS3rmcKQlMTHSDCABvw9sMzdV9fJH5GLD1SExEy8haAKCMnwYN3RqclRwflqeH0WFweT5xCy-V-E0Z3JbFYrO2tyJW1pw8QiSrmtBvz0xnZKv-DmW1CFJ1QpLJIB1pPIqBY9Qg/s1600/cuomopsa4.jpg" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNoJP6iNVrANFwNn3BfXS1oMOgqetaC2hjA0D1v-UllDdmb60-JCQv8iV5evZZEpDH0QMXMQ6vd0agB4zUUUAQHTxKzKe9lT7uCdLdnj74VOtrVPCcIlLM2NU5pmat69ZmurFwwlY6JuQ/s1600/cuomopsa5.jpg" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUg6ESjKSjSbYVdWhAxtHT-E617zKVKAlUeTOd2RWb2hojv731k9_zhqL6_XYrEcUjBS19lNKauMm_-JG1W1FMB8eApo8u-y8Wn3-8OCsZUFxXk8UYWFyP8VxsLV_5xYxVgZljm33-gzg/s1600/cuomopsa6.jpg" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="894" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL7QC7E_wgSw-pufeLPgm053Hy1ZbDVAgaoysWL0gplABVzcC22_9R5TdySkfn7tTG_fy4NwO6R2WUWFrq63LjEUdyfeW7BNqDzzqhuXpXnSOzRdBKoSewwdHtlJjM2HoZGeoZJtcxBVM/s1600/cuomopsa7.png" />Cloudy Day Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02052617934624601981noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311129406421946566.post-84249070052930498052017-11-15T00:00:00.000-05:002017-11-16T11:22:46.946-05:00Favorite Things Giveaway<img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiveUH-WfuP-rmk6fiYCFWnoZaWYPKtRn9Sh0bAxFpcn6P_llNfqXKt35_ZD_q21wE7R3irB9a6E_05pBGMIHKc0_BMtnHBM69XlL2BUHZDeWEBo_FcpYCzZdrU4GrYrE4S8G2L2wtrwBc/s1600/favethings1.jpg" />
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I am so excited to team up with a bunch of my friends on this favorite things giveaway! All thanks to Amy of <a href="http://www.delineateyourdwelling.com/" target="_blank">Delineate Your Dwelling</a> who has such a lovely blog!<br />
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Here are a few of my favorite things:</div>
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- Banner Letters from <a href="https://hiphip.co/" target="_blank">Hip Hip Party Goods</a><br />
- <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mattel-FDM54-Snappy-Dressers-Card/dp/B01N0H3A80" target="_blank">Snappy Dressers</a> Card Game<br />
- Petit Collage <a href="https://petitcollage.com/" target="_blank">City Scape Pop Out</a> (anyone can use the code cloudydaygray for 20% off)<br />
- <a href="https://hellomaypole.com/" target="_blank">Felt Balls</a> from Hello Maypole<br />
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Sign up with the rafflecopter below to win all of these goodies!<br />
<br />
<i>I love giving everyone the opportunity to win, so yesterday I reached out to <a href="http://petitcollage.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Petit Collage</a> and they are offering ALL OF YOU 20% off anything from their shop with the code cloudydaygray. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>In addition they are going to pay me $5 for each time someone uses it! I pledge to turn that money into a gift for a child in need. All <a href="http://petitcollage.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Petit Collage</a> products are eco-friendly and ethically made, and the wooden toys in particular will be loved for generations to come. </i><br />
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<br />
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="baf788312" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/baf788312/" id="rcwidget_y6cxnfar" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>
<strong>Ready to enter for a chance to win?</strong> Follow the instructions on the Rafflecopter and then enter my friend's giveaways BELOW!
Thank you so much for entering My Favorite Things giveaway! <strong>Don’t forget to stop by and visit my friends for more chances to WIN their awesome giveaways!!</strong>
<img alt="My Favorite Things " class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-17573" src="http://www.delineateyourdwelling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/My-Favorite-Things2.jpg" height="454" width="600" />
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<a href="https://lovelyindeed.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Lovely Indeed</a> | <a href="http://themerrythought.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Merrythought</a> | <a href="http://squirrellyminds.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Squirrelly Minds</a> | <a href="http://www.aliceandlois.com/favorite-things-giveaway/" target="_blank">Alice + Lois</a>
<a href="http://www.delineateyourdwelling.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Delineate Your Dwelling</a> | <a href="http://www.parscaeli.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Pars Caeli</a> | <a href="http://www.designimprovised.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Design Improvised</a>
<a href="http://idlehandsawake.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Idle Hands Awake</a> | <a href="https://luluthebaker.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Lulu the Baker</a> | <a href="http://www.cloudydaygray.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Cloudy Day Gray</a> | <a href="http://tellloveandparty.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Tell Love + Party </a>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieefDCZS4JaQjkVStlxm_QddqVnlNq-tHc07soquiQctiDxztV6ZIPu2OAsHcBhmAL5dzEgFPx6MIFrrTndou7oh11wbKXv0RCZWRC1fWB2IOFBTWzVzVPq6ySV0-xQf_p1LXthGHZY14/s1600/favething2.PNG" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9B0H8GAVrdrYLPw561S0wwrdimOEbrOIJRSdVjMl86MqPDdvS7yDgUEXaU75TGjv_wQHMZGhe2abnB2txKTKijGYVylQqbjBfgCBpaIHSfJtb3422HYeQAFmu1NTskNEXsZ8U21fq4t8/s1600/favethings3.jpg" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2uJ4jgsfeBJni7BLh70N0MEuX8-e_K3omHr4szpuoLHs6gcMsrVprkwrXPhO8YRj870JzqEeVgxgAsY0bB78lCBIpg5phT1nTT6LmsxFPsij6cf0sillfjsmbodrbhcgc_UV5b_W4bds/s1600/favethings4.jpg" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Vqz-JleneyfGTnGAafXvVhpw-gwkbVNUWXGXoaSBUbGJ7BkSGQk8tGL-jvnJ18ZyBq7rrsolew0w-PCgEdPb2c9jaqQfyEdojpwk7fX4L-lE_75Zwsfs5bJdFd7i5BrkXIffcs0gcqA/s1600/favethings5.jpg" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioxpmZBtuJi0qSoltGuqmcL0U1F-jTOn-gv9uxfYcmua5x2S2pHYrZDZMvRdS6grRYDTOtNr_eM2PI7w5AxtyICqqHHYeoEZWjVc5JGpJOfJBv00C-iYkHMl2tH9xr_YzhlaZStVOxgGs/s1600/favethings7.jpg" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqM1tPaZH9kxQ9DfsL8dB5jq7SH3LrfUDmaHd61qIufGGeIETo8SJ35_6Ib8uW6FgplxMNrDm4wkv-I9CDyPIUYZWfqPBhX8719-FYVatrcyX0Yne0bstlycIjzcbPLhm-LMrQBSMgCG0/s1600/favethinhgs6.jpg" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="908" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVkpxTrcqSprY84pQyfH__ONWoiQYimeAWf-BPXuDYL6oR9Q5uw_YU7gTkX20gIpc0l3Zp36Rjc6DP9lFW-oaeCKZC5MEk8FnhdNVzESocAz7_9taQlVI2AWglN9U52zJpyWtnICrEZeg/s1600/My+Favorite+Things-photo9.jpg" /></div>
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Cloudy Day Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02052617934624601981noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311129406421946566.post-15561475421492071162017-11-13T06:00:00.000-05:002017-11-16T16:16:54.869-05:00Hello and Goodbye with Alaska Airlines<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYFMj1KQkwVdvNLjZKBmPTrgSuHk65Mo5SFUx9RiYnJfqCihMXzS3QinAX-EMvpXYgVW1zvK-YfbuBiHV0aUVdlAhTOdoP4VfmKthoD8pUgEB8LLRY7E3uO2seC_ClABr5m7oZ4blA55I/s1600/Hello.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYFMj1KQkwVdvNLjZKBmPTrgSuHk65Mo5SFUx9RiYnJfqCihMXzS3QinAX-EMvpXYgVW1zvK-YfbuBiHV0aUVdlAhTOdoP4VfmKthoD8pUgEB8LLRY7E3uO2seC_ClABr5m7oZ4blA55I/s1600/Hello.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
November is a month centered around family and giving thanks. A month to remember what is important, to hold each other tight. <a href="https://www.alaskaair.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Alaska Airlines</a> understands that the adventure of travel often leads us home, which is why I am honored to partner with them for this very special post.<br />
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<b>Hello.</b><br />
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Five years ago we said hello to a new life, a new chance to grow closer as a family, a new chance to see the world. My daughter Matilda received a <a href="http://www.cloudydaygray.com/2014/11/to-moon-and-back.html" target="_blank">lifesaving liver transplant at six weeks old</a>. As the last five years have unraveled, we have transformed. At first life felt really complicated. Matilda had more doctor appointments than I have had in a lifetime and even more medications than that. We were isolated and 2,000 miles from family and friends.<br />
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But, our hearts were filled with abundant joy and thanksgiving.<br />
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As the years moved forward, life blossomed with <a href="http://www.cloudydaygray.com/2016/08/a-day-with-grandparents.html" target="_blank">visits from family</a>, <a href="http://www.cloudydaygray.com/2014/06/first-swing.html" target="_blank">playdates at the playground</a>, and finally<a href="http://www.cloudydaygray.com/2017/09/ready-for-school_5.html" target="_blank"> the start of school</a>. All milestones met with a hello to new possibilities and goodbye to anxious worry.<br />
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Five years post-transplant is a big deal, and we wanted to celebrate with a plane ride home.<br />
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<b>Goodbye.</b><br />
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A plane ride that would lead us into a world full of goodbyes. Not long after Matilda's transplant, my father was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's and it has been progressing quickly. He no longer recognizes the people around him. Routine tasks like using utensils or putting on clothes require assistance.<br />
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My dad is always happy to see me. Always compliments my smile. Always denies that I am his daughter.<br />
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<b>Hello.</b><br />
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As my mom flew to New York for Matilda's anticipated birth, she never could have guessed what her life would look like in five years. This last year, in particular, has been full of challenges, important decisions, and daily trials.<br />
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She needed me to come and say hello, to hug her tightly, and to participate in the decision to let the house she loves go and move somewhere more practical for my father's care. She needed to celebrate in the goodness of a healthy Matilda and play Legos in laughter with my son Parker.<br />
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<b>Goodbye.</b><br />
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This trip brought so much to light. It is time to say goodbye to holding back. Of not living the very best life. Goodbye to the fear of travel, goodbye to reluctance, goodbye to "maybe next year". We were abundantly blessed with the chance to watch our daughter grow. She is a reminder that we only have one life to enjoy. My father is a reminder that living in the moment counts more than the pictures we take or the memories we try to hold.<br />
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We only have one life to enjoy, to hold our families close. One life to say hello and goodbye.<br />
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<i>Enjoy this heartfelt video produced by <a href="http://www.thefernexposure.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fern Photography + Films</a> and just try not to tear up. </i><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/242118447?byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe>
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<i>This post was sponsored by <a href="https://www.alaskaair.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Alaska Airlines</a>. All ideas and experiences were my very own. And, speaking of experiences, I would love to add that although the staff at Alaska Airlines had no idea that our travel was in exchange for this post, we were treated better than I have ever experienced by an airline. Everyone from the ticket counter to the flight attendants smiled at the sight of my children, offered accommodations to help whenever they were needed, and genuinely showed continual kindness to everyone around us. There is no one I would rather fly with.</i>Cloudy Day Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02052617934624601981noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311129406421946566.post-6355735322165126862017-10-04T06:00:00.000-04:002017-10-04T06:00:20.748-04:00falling for fall<img border="0" data-original-height="1058" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDCooFs1vglACNI8P2setkVwpgTd3Ln8qnym2K4VSWsbcilrIAAL3huAq8nPPkbsPsjJlIseihooIzYLogG3nMWCUrvwkNJA8hyK9VRZILjDej7cqx6_8r8TaEEjj_FQTnRegisB-h4Mw/s1600/applefarm1.jpg" />
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It is fun when family traditions fall into place without any effort. Going to the apple farm has become something that we all look forward to every fall. There is playing on bounce houses, running through fields, and lots of laughter interspersed between the corn maze, searching for the perfect apples, talking about the fresh smell of leaves falling. This is what I hope my kids remember - this is the warmth I hope they feel as they fall for fall.<br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjARDiTjhpUokgDdMIi-IZ8fCTIwNGoz1oJVyqKTeRxM_8QRBCuf_AZC1CrcJovxF34m7515eKIBsCHQc1AyXAprF84-opY8FEFruai4sTStNeOsljbkeYktZasrmN4ZxQQS21l-zs2GFE/s1600/applefarm2.jpg" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi00OsCpfxmo_xeCT3HwWHluzjDT9TbqrYDPGR1TnpuKDPaphLE6nT-1zHYnIhh0hXass76NJjIM7wuJuqDmdoSnxQvtIIvQAaDpkke0MfXs8unFgpNH2wn5a4dRtIdJRRHZdPslTWZzM8/s1600/applefarm3.jpg" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaAntoCuI78GIoAwpg6qUvUKYI1Hwe0-FnVdMk9paTp75UA-Ix1CszHKdfNgD5TqTSXoLGmOYLqt2LYZTWM4MSRICxt-8vkXxsrkAHH4IMXKIyhMmbC-eaSV4SjKhZD2YyO9JNf7WXVbg/s1600/applefarm4.jpg" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKz7Ot-oxicWO4E4AD2jmGbia0rI3W_Ysi8UUrYjQKD22_j60NSLSlcz5yc8wWSVCDZX9y99qW111CMUbmpKex0zAovHIfnHYk0vmULB7PtjE3Y-Ho5LLePRioYblfbayyViDDkrOM61M/s1600/applefarm5.jpg" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiEnzn3RhEDaTKTT5Gtstigd15z4bni-_8YlB_pHUwwLoLAfulSRikpU8IY2sfnbO55MdYsoJRcI2Nzeapr2CwlH4e1epF2It1n9scWlCrI3QyqtAwqRUQcyQisp7NnJoV_qvVYj2KkXI/s1600/applefarm6.jpg" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQZ6oyhK6eFr1ky3VdliZ2Ayo_RXwswA7Q9Pj-JgoC4M7aIn1NACXSfMKiSbphb-a4RufpkDEzEwUM-HjXb9OgunctA3cK3j36iTenyWrOAxM0g-8URDAD4uggX839GqqTPRSAvb54R58/s1600/applefarm7.jpg" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiXgr2vfMUA2Zt9cgfBCL7e3AqrkSd-8FhN-ZMiYieMBYmJnZ7nl1AWPcWN-0OjB7kmi3Yc7PR9XvYuJDTwSOLolbs-O6VDu8Mn-toZ-cnyN-KWJ1xJKEZ65e0cj9pmHiLMf-pgZQlSn4/s1600/applefarm8.jpg" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim27g4QtZ9PPbJU3Nyxo4Q8ASatiLavX5vypPE7FzG2T8bnohIGPoJ7UNe0N4YwuMksh07llkhcphxRCK4IPKdyjYThbhAIHYZrIE-Slg6U_TZVjWuTkKmuyPYh250fUU7I9_WvxUl7A0/s1600/applefarm9.jpg" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiye5chPoszfKk_Xf5HTByLz9JTPQYVmdnmMCochT-HOU-1FqukgdTTDtKPlLojUanMg6l3ky44ROWXaUCYOrg_T5XUvQqknB3JhZUTxIxHcCZGbHR_hM4Q9ozC7hSsNtrn9fjqZZiVF7k/s1600/applefarm10.jpg" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgEK0qrt07oFi3CTCDBQ4nKJ865zUuYfnVOB99ZQWm83G8Mfr83-NPVS4PKVghv8tJ_CkIDM7TJ_9WfT6cxnNolcdZAGIrN4JPJOYiFUACErJHION-4elaGb5EeHfqmV6Smdr-zzJxjHA/s1600/applefarm11.jpg" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwjZYPFgqI-UIwS6ej6lLFVJ8i4nquZQzbWQEs4NU9SN35TP8lFQ40E9qqVR9e7MA17gmqJPZ_71oCZT3WCdc0eyEVaDjKPpAikp3nNWiIA3bMMdqQxS_hh1LTmH3pEGrvcQS8ZlCx8rI/s1600/applefarm12.jpg" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3UHWgHcKJ_BFff6p7-IKdCKguM8jbi-6VXUWdFQbEsSMxjapAc0iojLGOxqBrqH8fB-ZVSSvVnyBdvWkOmsYp3jUTPcDXFv5SP6KRCNQo4MiTr5eomtN2QfMl93uhiR36ASmwzo3aRvk/s1600/applefarm13.jpg" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkBNJ6vrS1J2OeIX93re7Ade99QEZ7G-pub-XVnvBLxh8ku0ihsVVj7juDzneo9B0t-JmP3lSuRth57xfZ5xZ4ZklBBKJm8RY8vFeBPiYa97EWvhBoBT4hyphenhyphenFKrWPiZfeDmEz4Auqolua0/s1600/applefarm14.jpg" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo5Op8JAMJ5HKAJrJJZE2upBKuCWiZldXzpmiEH8N5jbUrhdC87iMAjqqR324F_ddsXyApHK9KCLFs2RGVVZEZJnf5Ot3Ir1y6Su85bdCvbwND8a4kf0fYGFa2wtutkhcWqni5PNgcAT8/s1600/applefarm15.jpg" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixaRJLLPUgIjOmrQMDsrWUgkRVH3RnddTXFRJsNudodX30BiRRITezjM7IyBg3GRfblHvFjB0C3bwJoDy0GoxbHekkmJ_enm4MDG7zGa61FIWu_37ggQPNr-v-wJMkmfT-XAMu4ZiiH3s/s1600/applefarm16.jpg" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8BYZADn2aCfngr0Nkh9XjpFbnz_Zr1gEZEgqyfDfw313SY8bRT793PYmHpPnRsgNWQFlEU1q1zU9pfqAT9jOJxwh9-Qvzj_saeaUzjA_W08iLkFws0RyjBthVwVmp0jQLR_SHfc-gmNE/s1600/applefarm17.jpg" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvHGT9mCYhUqaLu_Qfs3vHNK_Hmz83kRWmhBSzMOHUV55qhqmqrxO7ON1ctP73Uy7QYiw3HphTFhBm60PPN8_juuuaJEK2LAAeVcsAj2lXOLY8I63hv7AFyF8oNkPmeAACFUGg6hYf4lU/s1600/applefarm18.jpg" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ADfmMkILLUgGTZoLIIVocqlQf6q85INakafmsQGThJxrmL_rGQl6N7yDWh0gRPPO4A9JA7JXsCxpeG3zerUU-pt9rS_VmyqprmL9VDx1RPiaZmd5RMqPz5lj7yk-hiQoUhFmagVYXe8/s1600/applefarm19.jpg" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDam96-tyDgrnMWdocRvf3HgPyhjxrMdqzpZatHlDCvLX3QSGPbg1Zj42t5QPzA3W_a-OvlDupoDkx31_EvnrKmbBW2l_IF57VvgpGOq-v6ulAReInpypzsD_PCfuERk7N0aTrxjEQcnQ/s1600/applefarm20.jpg" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFLTunBC-a1DtW5O04v1NgR5jsJbWS1C4uezJzaqM-EjnR6KgDOUT4UcUoYHuZmytZTgUIW9hJkzJyVs7EkJ4cqlbHX35ko56-QwnK2MxVlWOEWS0Y7604HIC7rtKBId8dhcbx_kUqh3g/s1600/applefarm21.jpg" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGWSDpILjS6sn9EOXEEPK1i2t9AZT2gfEIPeSdp9ZzCJfkjOcRF-Bi2PFhiyCSgpFS7OKo2rwCOh5HBCJj3fR1uEOV8rlTFXKTsrILbX-FJxvUd7NAHK5uQJepIsAGUD_pjxk4oxGZLak/s1600/applefarm22.jpg" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3NharLATh0Ipm2fdPglWU9cSsi42FBVAam-VMvxujYw-xxeCDTHWy8nkSdvG4l4S1HioaYQ_1Cx1fI81n0eYhHnrPLUQ-IMXGOtAqtRX4Aqz2xniYxGR9wMz6aEmtxCOc4NiYbhyphenhypheni0go/s1600/applefarm23.jpg" />Cloudy Day Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02052617934624601981noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311129406421946566.post-18192184849433839232017-10-02T08:00:00.000-04:002017-10-02T08:00:05.595-04:00first quilt made easy with the Cricut Maker!<img border="0" data-original-height="1133" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB3GWsuiqTgiTAQ26-Vgk7VQ0jf8K6PfU63eriC-qUmXVy55-N9ineET07NlqvI_HjLGQtK6YmLNJIlO09TcpqL_m6KnSzAbAi7yrNv4AM2HlTXA3_cPc1-M0gOCZBlcqAr0STF9sUbME/s1600/cricutmakerquilt1.jpg" />
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I have always been so impressed with quilters and amazed at how efficient they make it look. I am not very good at long-term projects. The follow through kills my excitement every single time. I am much more inclined to get excited about an idea, bust out the project, and feel satisfied if lots of planning isn't involved. It is just the kind of crafter I am!<br />
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But, when the Cricut Maker came out, I felt so inspired to try and take my first quilt. If it really did speed up the process and take all the guess work out of patterns, then I should be able to make one in one sitting, yes?! That was my goal and guess what?! I made it happen!<br />
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My only disappointment is that I didn't video the whole process. There were some funny moments, between me and the sewing machine, but, by the end of the day, I felt like I had obtained a new set of skills! AND, I have this adorable baby quilt to show for it.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="992" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglsXt-A4EK4tS5YveZaE9GpL_rZJPk_rfNB1kFAi51wjPaFVvYkSAZxOfW-aWNEkEUu_-3lx0V6uM1gjLqdSrQF3EjbjsCqZgQgQPYwAjvgNFltChxZVQWgstlwOvjgvzACUSEiFkWZMU/s1600/cricutmakerquilt2.jpg" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Uc70Z3sR7vSb-eQI8JLW2q8KjNYec7SX-OOo6_9ZWRjNmO1NtxDItxtuBPiE9MOOQSPvnVAJxnYb5PqkIGQejTMA08ZVzhe7VvWA-SbLpAX6qZ-uIpCVLWfnsIT2sy6gSIeqkifDMwk/s1600/cricutmakerquilt3.jpg" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcEw0wOYWHc4XN3LB6NxCexE-6lj5U0Pn10o2rJeG92QIaxF2OCCuP-Y9xJpbLdMHVLc-OW1nzjDQ1W9AQJXl_FuPEqfgo-oYbI9I-m2avLhtNxQk3FYbJUjyiRYBWo8pYiWkjHVs8KGk/s1600/cricutmakerquilt4.jpg" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9_yftdQnZEcJoZNU9NwjSkvUQtUfPuEPlD42Im1pi2STsUTO6WK-SOAR3x8DYXbnwtpg8U3OT5mV8IITMWVsd3UYzNa575NuYlc3gZLXThG271hlb8EzT7zvYzNH0ef-0wl4EQvyhW6c/s1600/cricutmakerquilt5.jpg" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgryY_kz1aOuSkcpK24rDGsY35VUA6EjjYuEYQeSc5eAzYM4QcppYJd_GuS-tJAwGUA_DkR1O1bN51Fqk-r2ZhnGBCjpjY7gj20IIIr-lbj5DtYCazCgp7OiFxt9_XXmi6mN_RjAZAnmGk/s1600/cricutmakerquilt6.jpg" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH__c07UQ_ugASZvGQS5VWWlKapJNTb-TVvRTVjEHr_RQ93O6XfY99q8lCKe389IY-pr8dO02BNg9-jxJEMpipVYaz2erH1lhqYDcuZPSlBp5NoZRW-hk5MnjXdp6r9bxXHV7bzoQC1io/s1600/cricutmakerquilt7.jpg" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvDq888tKgC5ZMSO0XhuQjS5Fh0X1x3KXRICfz0ZVlwIfcYAE8pvXSEfOQzKThqRvHudVgX71iaWD13DfP0HoiEJhvKuDMkh_DWJZ-hXXVls3-RuOghVx42TL1RbfqD1Dut69RY_EmBlE/s1600/cricutmakerquilt8.jpg" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzGJ0Zj3uiH0rnwP_Dz1Bp0k_fMvRnMh6J9Hzan2ogRT2S5kNReJM0GTpo8tDUNN08y8fbR5W0APPJDOAKwNTrwZUS4wsuXWvSMdkYtiwXosjmgl02IAH_1bMIx2UxtobYcnyXTBR9TmA/s1600/cricutmakerquilt9.jpg" />
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Want to check out the other <a href="https://design.cricut.com/#/design/new/projects?category=Free%20for%20Cricut%20Maker" rel="noopener" target="_blank">49 FREE projects</a> included with your Cricut Maker?! Click the pictures below to see how some of my blog buddies created these projects with their Maker!
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<span style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.inlinkz.com/new/view.php?id=739058" rel="nofollow" title="click to view in an external page.">An InLinkz Link-up</a></span></div>
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Want to make these projects but don't have a Maker yet? Enter through the widget below to not only win the new <a href="https://shop.cricut.com/en_us/machines/cricut-maker.html" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Cricut Maker</a> but also the <a href="https://www.hsn.com/shop/cricut-crafts-and-sewing/ct-3360" rel="noopener" target="_blank">HSN bundle</a> being released tonight at midnight!
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Cloudy Day Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02052617934624601981noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311129406421946566.post-801825527328673932017-09-29T06:00:00.000-04:002017-10-02T22:41:58.311-04:00get foxy with Cricut's EasyPress!<img border="0" data-original-height="1126" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnVGn7WAG_YpDQOBulsLEabDFAsMI_ZBB-dOSZvqIdijrYWCmwiVvVbkj9JsD6a2XmAWeYyVNWu-qdixmJOOOFJTQgjdwngWTiyKnxl1QDz_H9e2sa_xJZfWEWN_Fhaq-SEb9u2FCVwDw/s1600/foxpurse1.jpg" />
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Everywhere we go, Matilda asks if she can carry my bag. So, I knew just what I wanted to make for this partnership with Cricut reviewing the new <a href="https://goo.gl/Sq4kFq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">EasyPress</a> - a cute fox bag that Matilda could call her own.<br />
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For this project, I used one of my old purses (one that was just the right size for my 5 year old Matilda). I adjusted a few different images in Design Space - if you want to use what I created, just go ahead and click <a href="https://design.cricut.com/#/design/70052234" target="_blank">this link</a>. The face is cut out of Cricut <a href="https://shop.cricut.com/en_us/cutting-materials/other/faux-leather/faux-suede-rustic-sampler-12x12.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">faux suede in red</a> and the eyes, nose, and inside of the ears were done in <a href="https://shop.cricut.com/en_us/cutting-materials/iron-on-vinyl/foil-iron-on-3214.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">a metallic rose iron-on</a>. </div>
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I have tried the <a href="https://goo.gl/Sq4kFq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">EasyPress</a> on shirts, and it was markedly better than using an iron. I love that the surface is large enough to fit most designs, and the timer is really handy. I have also noticed that the iron-on material seems so hold better than before.</div>
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For this review, I wanted to try something a little bit more complicated than a t-shirt. I first added the metallic rose iron-on to the faux suede material - neither of which I had worked with before. I went with the temp of 270 and held for 40 seconds. It worked perfectly!</div>
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For the eyes and nose pieces that I put directly onto my leather purse, I made the bag as flat as possible by bending the part I was using outward. Then I used the same setting as before, checked to see if it was ready, and held for 20 more seconds. That did the trick!</div>
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Iron-on is one of my favorite materials to use with the Cricut, which makes this product extra appealing to me! Not to mention, I really appreciate the safety features. The <a href="https://goo.gl/Sq4kFq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">EasyPress</a> has a thick base that keeps heat away from other surfaces, or little hands. <b>And</b>, it turns off automatically if it is not being used.</div>
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<i>This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine.</i><br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHLQoye4p003wNk3t1LM6pegKFCBfpkA7agx1vNoP7h87wulCfipPFOBoNO8RCqrQG3b9Fl2nWYv4Zr8eqS8yIPzjOWvMTActTZYuWT7ql-qW09TcBCgTmnjQBw_lQCVVnF7Gtbu1hSW4/s1600/foxpurse2.jpg" />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCmHpz0E2rIuZVzSTR8tnSGrT5RgUPG1Hm4uHgRvPDMkvW6NTf9J8DHuc5BgoxqETKqjQyGhaxcfL8-1Rzefu9hkF5wR6Tq3aSJJ-1aUterZUFAtkFVerY-OlPAIGbgqFl9_WBU12wdlc/s1600/foxpurse9.jpg" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoHyABbFrQ8fbgyb_TdHDgWbFrQw2bltL_1_vwnqs1WmMRKo5b3ENGcF8EvyuSEAmZ64RWfhUvE9DnyV6H0j1jAOpnO3vjbNEU35PGu6fd1jxRYHm5VEyoh_Tr3fTvXD16IYxLLT_RYVI/s1600/foxpurse10.jpg" />
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<!-- TapInfluence Comment Widget - Do Not Edit or Remove --><br />
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<script src="https://influencers.tapinfluence.com/assets/cogs/core-v4.js" type="text/javascript"></script> <script>var ts=document.getElementById('ti-pixel-tracker'); var axel = Math.random() + ""; var num = axel * 1000000000000000000; var ti=document.createElement("img"); ti.style.display="none"; ti.src="https://tracking.tapinfluence.com/trk/h67ul/lrIYL/p.png?p=84gNt" + String.fromCharCode(38) + "i=5DH5l" + String.fromCharCode(38) + "ord="+ num + String.fromCharCode(38) + "s=" + encodeURIComponent(document.referrer); ts.parentNode.replaceChild(ti,ts); JSON.stringify({"program_id":"550f1522-721d-11e7-af1b-22000a66c666","post_id":"4fb313d8-7bbb-11e7-98d6-22000a7d00a4"});</script><!-- End Widget -->Cloudy Day Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02052617934624601981noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311129406421946566.post-13230520683552007802017-09-25T06:00:00.000-04:002017-10-03T17:00:20.639-04:00horsing around 5th birthday party<img border="0" data-original-height="1022" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5a3e40_lnKRWXg7yHo8DNqu78YNhP9koyHImfuO7XNOMompLsTn_7giG889vZU5U2ghq4yHKuOa7jtFI3PrupgqJbiczGgJmlQgbrGFK_vARskdsp-83n0o1NOkFl1eBmMflPr4e1IbU/s1600/horsebirthdayparty1.jpg" />
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While visiting family in West Virginia this summer, Matilda got to ride a horse for the first time. To say that she loved it is a complete understatement. Ever since, she has been obsessed with all things horse. So, a horse-themed birthday party was obviously in order. I made the horse poster (and another one without her name just in case you wanted to use it, too). I ordered it as an engineer print from my local copy shop for about $7. But, the horse piñata was by far Matilda's favorite thing!<br />
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Matilda is more than I could have asked for. She is a dream. Everything that comes out of her mouth is pure joy! She lives life to the fullest and works hard to do her best. She makes sure to give me extra hugs and kisses, cleans up when I ask, and tries everything on her plate without complaint.</div>
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As much as I would like to bottle her up right now, I love watching her grow and can't wait to see who she becomes. Watching her, as a healthy five year old, take on life is the best gift I could ever ask for.</div>
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She, on the other hand, has requested her own horse.<br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLEYJpDEp0HPHAh4vimdLYxr6pAEhqBmypqobl0eLI6blzsZQS2VBTi_efu6YXSfys92JNRtMVHl5gjmZUvlKTuCMCSepthHyA6oCtmsQS6BZ429uY3tid9vL7wXR4CXQS5isI69HR1LA/s1600/horsebirthdayparty2.jpg" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwvByV0-pkToOEzsLqCiTO3F_ksvSL95kcUiPctXWfl4rIA1ipDJwqU3FnZ7AFyN_lm_os6jL4MweEppmUsJCRIm6dfRftRGGu5_RAllQPB1Aq70hOnLAjxeuenJIlhY9iEpZrJMoCy8c/s1600/horsebirthdayparty3.jpg" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1087" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjenVPE2I6fusWBcr8aTzzkbk0wKpddLrVds-Rc7aR_COQYylns_ifthluwLq8lGWW9S3hYYsstmEHV-JbJ94QwzgBIF_SUwqv2qln0yBpQUa8X7BfPku8lM_EjwAXZTQnLAB4L2CZnSp0/s1600/horsebirthdayparty4.jpg" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1093" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidfjIPWUVZwbcn_O_sl4RNBbzAZDVjF5QaYQ4zFZU-9vHVoSIwbaU6NB4C1hMCRMhpK_ynzq_FvTWXH4Ua-elvRnsZCVbvWMv5Hfz86YbRkMIIM9i_vrfV-QxRKI3VZyGPaPlQVEGqWHs/s1600/horsebirthdayparty5.jpg" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMdmhjt-ygNr5xZ4JjmgMYqrXvmun8skjgZQrlHelqUuBBrvp1SupaZP_hcYhQu-faOaTbUcJPMigSHuBIekcdoC7e9-ocsIcT11tJuSp0ogkdYF4JLDSr2MTz671afrv1sZq0tU9iCQY/s1600/horsebirthdayparty6.jpg" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLT3wbWrg4Jq8xYbkxdt-7SyCuPSSmQ3FoMBIndC4kbwnbE3KJhqOFx9hEExHAfK_q70YA4zogAlhAi21KiJR9aXuC5ueIT3LDQtD-ilB06ZYpUEUkXvfvy62kqfsgh0f_T_b5BB4cqq8/s1600/horsebirthdayparty7.jpg" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5d4iJ1FFTGlmx5h1degVG3MtPPp9sgU6YZuXAfs9WVxr_YU485c9cCJ_6IL4hhaT3IBU8lDDccW9Dgjlz9BqgSBpHTkIIT88h7G47lYcbO5-IQFyKZJUFWroNrYBpjgoJwBAD3-ekVNc/s1600/horsebirthdayparty8.jpg" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1094" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4XhiHter1shKHRgDXFkwPUhwTRmMuzbReIpRT7tzL4b6cXcM8TqBEKdVl8AgWTsBDztWO_Pp1XjOHhN7fWl5wzjNcoPVTZaCNP6BTSHCWVh50Q5i5OaDKQ40_Tsw1Xh_WIYWtuRh6tfk/s1600/horsebirthdayparty9.jpg" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1072" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVsb-cgBQFv3LXNKRvai8kFAx4NXxq0Zb1N6r2twX6fzZd84CTUfEe1YeNKXiNSqRv9aPBitAiORj1NREPkTIuFvgOy2E2nEJMshWoHaa-piLsNPVm0TSODDSOwwIBXkrP4ieCyqren_M/s1600/horsebirthdayparty10.jpg" />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhppLmF5MZCZGklTIcOaHSfY7eg_0SH8D8GOWCCYSwx3mY-T0oBgJmQNvQTdcWs9SLqYHLtYux3lprg9UwjKlgkiOc8zEyZZOp60niPCZoIulL1hmxOvnh7_-ismNnXVl5q0CQVieazYC8/s1600/horsebirthdayparty11.jpg" /></div>
Cloudy Day Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02052617934624601981noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311129406421946566.post-34647027781408867802017-09-15T06:00:00.000-04:002017-09-18T10:44:27.764-04:00Easy Fall Felt Garland with the Cricut Maker<img border="“0”" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9LBZ4LanpH27KPOAOfIdw9WJmmIf3AF_sRfRMcJF0UPr5AwHGJvRw33nP_oGFaU5F-g-qA1jX08oZluDZhY8og1EWnSsdrZxFyqH_yaHz22QB8qiUorkHBf1LzNV9M1h_1aSvgFpWw24/s1600/fallmakergarland1.jpg" width="“650”" />
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I could not be happier that I partnered with Cricut to play around with their new machine, the <a href="https://goo.gl/hAHkCk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Maker</a>! In my <a href="http://www.cloudydaygray.com/2017/08/cricut-maker-review-animal-mask-diy.html" target="_blank">last post</a> for them, you saw how easy it was to make <a href="http://www.cloudydaygray.com/2017/08/cricut-maker-review-animal-mask-diy.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">playful animal masks</a>, in this post I wanted to show you a cute fall felt garland!<br />
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With help from the <a href="https://goo.gl/hAHkCk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Maker</a>, this project took hardly any time and gets compliments from all of my visitors. Here is how you can make your own:</div>
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<b>Supplies:</b> <a href="https://goo.gl/hAHkCk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cricut Maker</a> with rotary blade, sheets of felt in a variety of colors, pink fabric mat, sewing machine, and thread.</div>
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<b>Procedure:</b></div>
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<b>1.</b> Follow <a href="https://design.cricut.com/#/design/67854172" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this link</a> to access the images I used to make this project or search for leaves in the Circuit Design Space and pick your own.<br />
<b>2.</b> Adjust the size of the leaves to suit your needs. If you are using my images, they are already sized.<br />
<b>3.</b> Lay felt (I used bright colors, but you could use more traditional fall colors if that is your jam) onto the pink fabric mat. Ready your <a href="https://goo.gl/hAHkCk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Maker</a> with the rotary blade and press go!<br />
<b>4.</b> Now, sit down with your favorite magazine and let the <a href="https://goo.gl/hAHkCk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Maker</a> do its thing. As each mat is completed, be sure to carefully remove the felt leaves from the mat. If you tug too fast the felt will stretch or break. I got my felt for 10 cents per sheet, so it's not like it is the sturdiest of fabrics.<br />
<b>5.</b> Once all of your leaves have been cut, stack them in the order you want them displayed. I tried to make my random but also evenly spaced (I didn't put the same color next to each other).<br />
<b>6.</b> Ready your sewing machine.<br />
<b>7.</b> Pull out 6 or so inches of thread, then begin sewing down the middle of your first leaf. Go ahead and back stitch just a little at the beginning and end of each leaf. Once you reach the end, gently pull the leaf along with about 6 inches of thread and repeat until all of the leaves are strung together.<br />
<b>8.</b> Hang on your wall, mantel, or down the center of your table.<br />
<b><i>Tip</i>:</b> When storing garlands like this, I wrap them around a piece of cardboard and tape the end piece down.<br />
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<i>This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine.</i></div>
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<img border="“0”" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9JCGupwVVE6mlmTO9FK4cRSKFiURneXcdTZfLjn2-0j_4t-OxXFBQ9kcNBBEvLCL3-wBOAF1qSsyH14Oc07vs8bB6T_UrVo3ZL74snzkVeYOrgZwxOsTYQJ2qphfwZkwmO_UWegMT9hQ/s1600/fallmakergarland7.jpg" width="“650”" />
<img border="“0”" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkSVRlU6vjYCqVJwqht1hhuR_8ta5u5dtCASxQSaeyl9Yv6iBwObYiWLapR3cm4PqICqvK34SVGnEoDsQKLHy-1SJFlBqF_d8oy30sIiu7lal_p-ovtLZLJPPCFfzseyARagNft1pxRn4/s1600/fallmakergarland8.jpg" width="“650”" />
<img border="“0”" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhv-QHAME0WqSEE6p0H1IFWjkj4WiRc73URI49GojQTbrvTyqKy_UUysHRE5mS7F75HQgBZVmjWVq6WrtLESe1DgUxiEMgA1zVCvnLCRtl93Z517xpEVEAo9TiQBpJBovB0Mi2kn7S6lw/s1600/fallmakergarland9.jpg" width="“650”" />
<p>This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine.</p><!-- TapInfluence Comment Widget - Do Not Edit or Remove --><div id="ti-pixel-tracker"></div><script type="text/javascript" src="https://influencers.tapinfluence.com/assets/cogs/core-v4.js"></script> <script>var ts=document.getElementById('ti-pixel-tracker'); var axel = Math.random() + ""; var num = axel * 1000000000000000000; var ti=document.createElement("img"); ti.style.display="none"; ti.src="https://tracking.tapinfluence.com/trk/h67ul/lrIYL/p.png?p=rOQSA" + String.fromCharCode(38) + "i=5DH5l" + String.fromCharCode(38) + "ord="+ num + String.fromCharCode(38) + "s=" + encodeURIComponent(document.referrer); ts.parentNode.replaceChild(ti,ts); JSON.stringify({"program_id":"550f1522-721d-11e7-af1b-22000a66c666","post_id":"4f993738-7bbb-11e7-98d6-22000a7d00a4"});</script><!-- End Widget -->Cloudy Day Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02052617934624601981noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311129406421946566.post-43423925195064069902017-09-12T06:00:00.000-04:002017-11-15T10:25:33.867-05:00Ready for School<img border="“0”" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8tNoDYWT8qKN9THpbfbd6XGs3J-1MbUHPEqiOln739jlL4ozigl49a_0uTPB-sZ-5osKUMHubkjqwmziQlKh6GmZ0f1M3mic2ZDgWvHYMxHrlysZ_tf1xASBTe3lT0xAIPt2wjAP1KXU/s1024/readyforschool1.png" width="650" />
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Today is such a beautiful day. It is the first day of school for my daughter Matilda. Although exciting for many families, the start of a school year is normal. But, for Matilda, going from a hospital bed on life support for 72 days to a healthy child with a backpack ready to enter her childhood is anything but normal. It is a celebration.<br />
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You see, Matilda was diagnosed with acute liver failure at nine days old and the odds of bringing her home were not in our favor. She fluttered back and forth between worlds before receiving the beautiful gift of a liver transplant at six weeks old. Then, because the transplant left her immune system compromised, we kept her isolated, protected from outside germs that could hinder her recovery for many years.<br />
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While learning about post transplant care, I remember staring back at her doctors in disbelief as they described what life five years post-transplant could be like. They told me that five years marked a milestone that would allow me to exhale. At that point, Matilda’s body would be much less likely to reject her liver. While she would still have to take a strict regimen of medications, we would be able to worry less about outside germs and she could live a more normal life.<br />
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As the transplant team told me this, I tried to imagine what it would feel like sending her to school and was filled with worry and riddled with anxiety. I imagined all the snotty noses, the hands neglected of soap, the medically untrained staff. So much could go wrong. But, here we are on Matilda’s first day of school.<br />
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Last night we packed her bag. Together we sat on the staircase taking turns finding just the right spot for all of her supplies. In the morning, we made cinnamon rolls and talked about meeting new friends. The walk to school was full of excitement and anticipation. Hand-in-hand we went through the schedule together - one more time. I would see her right after school and we would have a snack together at the park before heading home. Then, in an instant, she called for a friend and was off running down the hall. Tears of joy filled my eyes as she stopped, turned around, and shouted, "See ya Mom!"<br />
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Here I am. And, there she is, running down the hall. I am not thinking about germs. I am thinking about the memories she will build in these hallways. The projects she will bring home with pride. The first book she will successfully read. Matilda is here because she was given a second chance at life. A family made the heroic choice to donate life and as a result Matilda is here and she is happy. She was given the gift of experiencing Kindergarten just like any other kid. To grow, to learn, and to thrive.<br />
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My tears are not for mourning a childhood passing too quickly. My tears are in thanks for the opportunity to witness a childhood at all. My tears are filled with relief. She has come so far, and this feels so right. This is Matilda standing tall against all odds. This is her thank you note. This is her victory lap!<br />
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<img border="“0”" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-JHL7f2rVY-zpQFtc0aTQpRjGx6Y52plTfgIBx4fxKWJspqHlRWmIxrZVcE2eypyd6wZpHG0PVVfHeOvhyphenhyphen4FTNIWKFkV6UH73BNxwbUaa28kPaqz0DIb0O_QbE5JDibMqsVdqNpNJjt8/s768/readyforschool2.png" width="650" />
<img border="“0”" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSue-Egi-9acs-J436KuQOJRCfEr9PHgMaZ0BxZnY1W6Ewdzf7eVN_MBh_DdgpiZcLF5VoUxyzuKT2NLUctgNW0CWFgyh7PWKxnUbmsUav8i037gSb55E3uBHjVZGhFU5Jc8SL7zS6yKE/s768/readyforschool3.png" width="650" />
<img border="“0”" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAJWM50ffiL2uH2unMFqT8qnAehuOq5WWZmNsv5y8phzhp1H3Y5_KBipIDABSfNOLPxnPw9P9q_Cujj0r2-Hy9axj7_7pM1RHUlYA8Gsr5mzC73YRv2dZSuS_EhtDg0nmaxsqCN5Niyag/s768/readyforschool4.png" width="650" />
<img border="“0”" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVEEPeAUtupLX4WyUFrJFp2G63SS6rFUOO2w8Kr_wfflKEaCRz9PVdX1Bh_MwJwnkR_Dza3vTtHATQqLgK2rlkZ-lPdDpZDoxuhMn9bjGn-dILQUX5vMrlJxFMM9azmG1sl55WRHUWPzE/s768/readyforschool5.png" width="650" />
<img border="“0”" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgksQMdohngZ71RlaUL_bHZ32PwY5vTnHNuFEFC75m0vEvKXoYBGWARcTAOxRpIfhjKKxGXHxHG-xNCds4oWhVymMTqSYgBK1UwFVhB2fCygumgr3y1ZC8bjrJaRWCbGQtq-OYCP6wYPw0/s768/readyforschool6.png" width="650" />
<img border="“0”" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTuqhVaitK4Xy3N0Mnb0ngeJgIHV3zi8AoV3GZcMuXYXdz8Id8Aj4PJDXOdbrWtQkcutacBzHsb1QP8cVUsFFlrFBh-EUt07QPNiCHqyvL-3m7qzEl60eDrtujA7IjFpXmQH22L9G82ZQ/s768/readyforschool7.png" width="650" />
<img border="“0”" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7owFhaBhVdCm1wcABVUe01YMRrMvNUUcyNgE7jWH6t9V85M-9Ja6G8WJWGZLeVrxP-AImwHoIcugbFfaz4R51tE1Q7vVbJrSmmzIJrtKw3kmFM1Vmu85jccpBdgm8hhZGZXEG-Ui15o4/s768/readyforschool8.png" width="650" />
<img border="“0”" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJrNdQxW2GyDoU1XYXXPyJo9kXEbdJGS4_V65DO7lxd-tSqUdvRjdrMe3zPHBCG9cmU0PBdoMCTQtGKb5M_v1sdKVYhGduStUK9I1YQNkwAJ9yK74hNHUR0hXgM7z_1pirOAjunmlKvpA/s768/readyforschool9.png" width="650" />Tyler Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08215188977400200158noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311129406421946566.post-75018701407484446362017-09-11T06:00:00.000-04:002017-09-18T12:36:18.554-04:00diy hair bows<img border="“0”" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgazv7JSiPEwc0T2lo_xiIhWeYJRf-fpZDLOknA4E3J0u5ym9LfdSi-HVCGFuSS99z1PY4Xr6849zj_e2SfL6AmwY1_v61aaNQmmBoatpGRikd8l5UFHwS5kmxHtwzHk3b-WTsQjc80urM/s1600/diyhairbows1.jpg" width="“650”" />
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Getting Matilda's hair done before school feels like a challenge this year. We learned over the summer that a pony tail doesn't really hold up. Braids are cute, but take some time and may require unwanted/accidental tugging. And I don't know why, but I have the hardest time making an even part when doing pigtails.<br />
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So, Matilda's go-to request has been a bow or as she calls them "bow bow". Now, there are a lot of cute bows out there to purchase, but I figured I could whip a few up myself with the Cricut Maker.<br />
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I found <a href="https://design.cricut.com/#/design/new/projects/project-detail/596bb545b5b00b05de763c90?category=All%20Categories&keywords=bow" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this child bow tie pattern</a> and simply hid the longer neck part before pressing go. This gave me all the parts I needed for a simple and adorable bow. Then, once it was sewn and assembled, I hot glued an alligator hair clip to the back.<br />
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Matilda loves them, and Parker has already requested a bow tie for himself. Well worth the time and effort!<br />
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This is not sponsored. I just really do love and use my Cricut Maker often. In fact, I was thinking about sharing more practical everyday uses of both Cricut (Air and Maker) - so let me know on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/cloudydaygray" target="_blank">Facebook</a> or <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cloudydaygray/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> if you are interested.
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<img border="“0”" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVaBycpdjC3IKaFYFI19CjiBUJgUhJZDucpy3fBLjgB4axIUFBNRkDgzlP1W2LedarFd8XUF7TNGJHjtr5THNZ6xGLpkFXBvXOuyPF-JKrdhoBn_erwCYVMhat1JID6LPUsES4qOePrFk/s1600/diyhairbows2.jpg" width="“650”" />
<img border="“0”" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8PIBCF4mm5U4YIFdYhRMJjYbcGdhMpuqCabqV1JCQFp3jCxQvfZcf1JcT8j3AM9gI7F8-5kU8P_BS6U_6mpvSLHZPn0TbIMX2PfA7QZxeRye7T5wQ7I4SDu683-Wkra7z9mgcnkyB4uk/s1600/diyhairbows3.jpg" width="“650”" />
<img border="“0”" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyZaAJGpeA2zr1c-QX4gHTqHYXsoBYCqxtNZAAT1RIB8IibQStxESZvfmXmCGkm10tSSgY7zkBsbZBqBGIomXfu9mvElCGc2rHVAiiiB03KN7dKToVkMhBdTw6Huo_VccHbuKUbJgRvl4/s1600/diyhairbows4.jpg" width="“650”" />Cloudy Day Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02052617934624601981noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311129406421946566.post-21857186352048596222017-08-21T06:00:00.000-04:002017-09-04T23:47:04.757-04:00Cricut Maker Review + Animal Mask DIY<img border="“0”" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsvNN1Db2fUFTvTAzVXeFAOBfo3fJnWrNTVh9CS-Wwof1frSZtvV2UGFIvfjz-VcxPkx4nwj0Ryyrhia9Alp0u1ywI6dAFh0UHPNomxiEcC12HIN35xfOHLJiUWdTFojXaq67qBiRVEm4/s1600/1cricutmakeranimalmasks.png" width="“650”" />
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<i>This post is in partnership with Cricut and includes affiliate links. This means that Cricut not only gave me the Maker, but I can earn a little bit of money if you purchase something from Cricut after clicking through from this site. All opinions, of course, are my own!</i><br />
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I am sure that you have felt my excitement over the <a href="http://shareasale.com/u.cfm?d=434481&m=51766&u=969143&afftrack=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cricut Maker</a>. But I am sure you are also asking yourself, "Do I really need another Cricut machine?!" The truth is that it completely depends on what kind of crafter you are.<br />
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The Cricut Explore machines are still really valuable and will continue to be relevant for all paper crafting needs. In fact, it cuts hundreds of different materials including cardstock, vinyl, iron-on, glittery paper, polished foils, and bonded fabric. So, <b>most</b> of your regular crafting needs.<br />
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<b>But</b>, if you are a sewer of any kind, like working with fabric, or have dreams of cutting thicker matierials like balsa wood, basswood, matboard, chipboard, or even heavy leather, then <a href="http://shareasale.com/u.cfm?d=434481&m=51766&u=969143&afftrack=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the Maker</a> is a dream come true.<br />
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For me personally, the Maker has opened up loads of possibilities. I know how to sew, but patterns have always been very difficult and intimidating to me. Now, the <a href="http://shareasale.com/u.cfm?d=434481&m=51766&u=969143&afftrack=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cricut Maker</a> can take care of that part and leave me with the satisfaction of creating something that will last a lifetime.<br />
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Plus, let's talk about FELT! These masks (all found in Design Space) have been in my projects list for more than a year. In fact, I tried to make the bunny once around Easter. I cut all of the pieces out of paper and used them as templates to hand-cut the felt. Sure, a paper mask would be fun for a little bit, but for play items like this, I always envisioned them in felt. Long story short, the eyes looked weird, the ears uneven, and it was not worth the time I put in.<br />
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Within minutes of turning on my <a href="http://shareasale.com/u.cfm?d=434481&m=51766&u=969143&afftrack=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cricut Maker</a> (Cricut sent me the Maker to play around with and review before the official release date), I slid in some gray felt, and watched it cut through my cheap, flimsy felt like butter. Within five minutes, I had all the pieces needed to create three masks and was giddy with excitement.<br />
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So, if you think about the Maker as an investment, these masks are a good example. Masks similar to these are sold online for around $20. Let's see how many masks I would need to make back my investment in the machine.<br />
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Maker = $399<br />
Mask cost = $1 per mask<br />
Mask value = $20<br />
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If I made 21 masks and either sold them or gave as gifts, then I would break even. That is one afternoon of work.<br />
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Think about your skills - how many quilts would it take, sets of mittens, felt play food, doll clothes, puppets, Christmas stockings, wooden puzzles, garlands, ornaments, signs, etc. would it take to make up the value of the Maker?<br />
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Here is how you can make the masks:<br />
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<b>1.</b> Look up "Party Animal Masks" in Design Space. This was originally intended to be made with cardstock and is free with Cricut Access.<br />
<b>2.</b> Adjust the image to fit your child's head.<br />
<b>3.</b> Use your <a href="http://shareasale.com/u.cfm?d=434481&m=51766&u=969143&afftrack=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Maker</a> to cut out each of the pieces on felt.<br />
<b>4.</b> Next, I layered each mask with their corresponding pieces to make sure everything fits and is in the right order.<br />
<b>5.</b> I then measured my kids' heads and cut elastic to fit from ear to ear. Making sure to stretch the elastic a bit while measuring. If it isn't snug, then it won't stay up during play.<br />
<b>6.</b> Last, I used a hot glue gun to adhere all of the pieces together! I placed each end of elastic about half an inch between two layers of the mask. You could also sew them together for an extra special touch.<br />
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This project took less than 30 minutes and was very simple, yet satisfying!<br />
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<img border="“0”" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="819" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhasOUOav63Q6MHejV85T0Gfrnp5CIVCE2kvRPpaLfxi7tzOiSArPY1Qjcy7cAPmmbgpaDi5Qi-bueHjfX8eQORWaGfMP9wL3RiZDk_9kXpjefPeeMwfYXL77zlw2yReIGvrGoHG8y48KA/s1600/2cricutmakeranimalmasks.png" width="“650”" />
<img border="“0”" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="819" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI5uyeDUDP3rCG_fuE0aJPvFUD50Cp5bezXuniRciOGw6mPxIQOq5D6qYoR0AEkBVv3zV0dreUr_qhiFjWr6PhyiPbtEyVaeuY8gGobOCH3Cr7BpaRWBpfc6rWwts_-L-m8TpYCfbjf4A/s1600/3cricutmakeranimalmasks.png" width="“650”" />
<img border="“0”" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="819" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTPrB0uZxJ-3GLVqYFpUP_u6Iolzuh8S-sJKA0X4J2shTndrPnMOlk5DoMmbKbUig20aAzU8slI0M4lkvpyk4RIftax4ZNoHimc0KkmDnZMhm_ktICQBno4qAm3Hnume2nXn_acUV6sCA/s1600/4cricutmakeranimalmasks.png" width="“650”" />
<img border="“0”" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="819" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjREHhfgT3_qt0A2XhzB4bSYESfZ-Nz4yHKBisMhvUWZdRCSI29swc-HAa9EVT1WibzWFnvQ1wokXokbIYrU-bkWYtGqXrAT9sWkccmA180RvCzrwG2lfSP0Az3yP859gsJKzQqwUmpJkA/s1600/5cricutmakeranimalmasks.png" width="“650”" />
<img border="“0”" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="819" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgedylm1ggMaqcuwa0dpl-ruLUJJZskFmUkvSd6fl9kfcfWDyKk2Cpxkm-w1M2BZ8O4rWxqYgCE3wuvw0v2UprjlaMOKkb_Ktx7UN8nKfHvcuDkcsnuL22pEhSfYDYbbMGQwrlvIuMLNmA/s1600/6cricutmakeranimalmasks.png" width="“650”" />
<img border="“0”" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="819" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyKdN8O-qoX-bHCNR8dnLWat2MOcvdM5xQY1xeZRSRS-9z7P3wuR3icDl5tErEJajH2PN-a0ihLPfiv4H9kh6-QL6VBUWrmJ65ytje1UbeYwDDSAvYriCVlBdeqXB6wHm34xGHrGiYQos/s1600/7cricutmakeranimalmasks.png" width="“650”" />
<img border="“0”" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="819" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4W75syAM4S7___mxjUDCGmLclK51L5JbMu2vYteJW3MEF-6ufOXhvBH0PjSms3K_8uw9rNjfA92k3myArBoCjNWfSmdpnO_y5JZJEq5nj9e8AOhyV_loYpSdGfX8fBiR3-TNx8Fd3m7w/s1600/8cricutmakeranimalmasks.png" width="“650”" />
<img border="“0”" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="819" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEeJQBiC8vonSPOzly3wNgeDqekTBrcpyEmytbLwCYruADbl_t_592YT7KFDvvFlwCir7OCQVdv6dxnf-kAG91_En3eHw_JFgaiHRDKwXY3DFXS4FJzvD2j4Id4QJLzzjj4nvSOBawPZI/s1600/9cricutmakeranimalmasks.png" width="“650”" />
<img border="“0”" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="819" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfq4oi-wRIc6WIb_JNQcxQrJqriIzttQKexyR-67hnC08vtLTh2s3mWk5bfrgENPN5tjtaRWh4P4UqYjMw_ZYopjNlQp1u1dn8dv5xAw3iliKM1RMnIAv3upUoDl_Njm-b3alZwDe7200/s1600/10cricutmakeranimalmasks.png" width="“650”" />
<img border="“0”" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="819" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig8hH02_21xmALgcCG6auE5WzzAb3t8Wy5STsacanvUsZQgBwqahzLYtHl8_UlBhJOl2149YZYTHxelcIcv01qPJpUjkqVVBLyRsvsZSO2ea2xardrcTXLOFw05Zw6d3oAm7guUMykKgs/s1600/11cricutmakeranimalmasks.png" width="“650”" /><br />
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<p>This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine.</p><!-- TapInfluence Comment Widget - Do Not Edit or Remove --><div id="ti-pixel-tracker"></div><script type="text/javascript" src="https://influencers.tapinfluence.com/assets/cogs/core-v4.js"></script> <script>var ts=document.getElementById('ti-pixel-tracker'); var axel = Math.random() + ""; var num = axel * 1000000000000000000; var ti=document.createElement("img"); ti.style.display="none"; ti.src="https://tracking.tapinfluence.com/trk/h67ul/lrIYL/p.png?p=PRmsm" + String.fromCharCode(38) + "i=5DH5l" + String.fromCharCode(38) + "ord="+ num + String.fromCharCode(38) + "s=" + encodeURIComponent(document.referrer); ts.parentNode.replaceChild(ti,ts); JSON.stringify({"program_id":"550f1522-721d-11e7-af1b-22000a66c666","post_id":"4f7c3a2a-7bbb-11e7-98d6-22000a7d00a4"});</script><!-- End Widget -->Cloudy Day Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02052617934624601981noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311129406421946566.post-74546167361883158182017-08-18T06:00:00.000-04:002017-08-18T13:21:22.100-04:00Embrace the Day with Parabo Press<img border="“0”" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvhVsmRs9WesWjZYN2JP_tElV5ShON4rlaYeZcBsLjFI-cJTWOdiO89cblpeqRJdrZuwTZ8dxsZpFr47CA28acK3eiiaBWOetUgJw5UuYSPCBVblJdPCHIEplxGrf1cr6eQMt-vASOddo/s1600/1embracethedayparabo.png" width="“650”" />
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One big lesson I want my children to hold throughout their lives is to embrace the day. Life can be unexpected, predictable, hard, kind, and, most of all, uncertain. When things go well, life should be embraced. When good fortune comes around, joy should be expressed. When sadness falls, it should be felt. And, when rain comes pouring down, puddles should be jumped in. I believe this with every bit of my soul.<br />
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This is how we survived Matilda's liver failure. The days were long, but we embraced the experience for what it was and filled her hospital room with pure love.<br />
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So when <a href="https://app.adjust.com/t79ivd" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Parabo Press</a> asked if I wanted to partner with them by creating a newsprint poster, I thought of news - good news! A reminder that no matter what the actual headlines are, we need to do our best, we need to embrace life, and we need to spread love.<br />
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Here is how you can have this poster, too:<br />
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<b>1.</b> Go ahead and <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIknyF5q0dPbeGmdoJmyUw0OpiE74sPSK_5ZH10TjgTU2tTKtto6fEllQEutS4OIBxKQ47KXqbhzf-u_6xQ3pcXje4OxiAl6WqgSw2GsEzHUIBy9EzROPyzPulQtgCIem2RuyRCILnzoA/s1600/cloudydaygray-embrace_the_day.png" target="_blank">download this image</a> (I painted the rainbow and then added digital text on top) or choose something more personal to print yourself.<br />
<b>2.</b> <a href="https://app.adjust.com/t79ivd" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Download the Parabo app</a>, select newsprint, and upload your image of choice!<br />
<b>3.</b> Use the code CLOUD at checkout to get your first newsprint free (a $20 value).<br />
<b>4.</b> Wait at your mailbox for the good news to arrive!<br />
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<i>Although I partnered with <a href="https://app.adjust.com/t79ivd" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Parabo Press</a> on this project, all opinions and ideas are my own.</i><br />
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<img border="“0”" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0nNQ6KG-94MG6c3S7lshUItZqYIG1J9CHaLIDQAz_a5LuDMqurb1nsDseqJqqP7p29FBoz0rlumsx4YY124rh4qYKauat3MlhXbMjdyHFt1NKK-UEXgYxBBVqMkM-zAZn0_DltPVBXWs/s1600/2embracethedayparabo.png" width="“650”" />
<img border="“0”" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif0KXVLxlavdAKXikwQ1vBgQefZJIAtyFYdCuICXROiUZz8frOSn93aocHyS76igKmZpPf7VyH2m_2q_iI_GW9mJiTBiuuOUI8ca34bbnOxr_4axm08mEWVbn_VP5bWpuqtdifwpXH6ro/s1600/3embracethedayparabo.png" width="“650”" />
<img border="“0”" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnz1HXbgaxec0YZjuv2U_I-kc47XOdGBeseZENGtaBga87hhpVV_SOO7DHFtAWRQjfcDQv7usQDDMwFZbLdF-azUWAVc331k2fWjq20IBX8Gzg65hNnlUAXUusT7ycQZ3eWqHps6ri9oM/s1600/4embracethedayparabo.png" width="“650”" />
<img border="“0”" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSMIyhgoXR-ipZCxVcFE0XX5h8VqFgP5JIPNK9ViSBH8H1ByTkb4dRvu_I39sk-YrJCkm9ffwVkzIyh9o-rlmQ4nurXbQnVxcI-7ppuLRJe4euexELwrQZ113mziQjBoMvEBlvjiMDUd8/s1600/5embracethedayparabo.png" width="“650”" />
<img border="“0”" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHQmgpChIWR0YTf4jsj5pZHGNqqJUApgwmT66CNmN5t9HG3_4M5OalHfHvgRthGit9MyZbGnK1nKuHimsgTIiVVmDsQXCMVp01tmHF0IgWYBvUB577uVGkJahk-pyRAHTlT1LQxJH37Qs/s1600/6embracethedayparabo.png" width="“650”" />
<img border="“0”" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwfXlulyUuLmbpOkrNsRoUzUPDX1AR3hzd9v2mZbGCmGhQAnLwrt5yqfA4_0_nvg_p96-2i8bgMuY3MHfO-byy-0_Q66naJ-rI86LkyYH_ySSzEN7Zt5TXJuHIuTUCCSz-c-j3vI1Msk/s1600/7embracethedayparabo.png" width="“650”" />
<img border="“0”" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHCV5x4ETqLbRFwHGhVkHuYXmLan4qfm4h3DGWGecsphz9PAdhdBgHn1ytmjpfdH3wA1uS50isZUPKzVnKtsumTejPA1NaLLRbppGtTnRtZgD8JiOp3a_-7A5glylfRbkFGSYEgW6vNsI/s1600/8embracethedayparabo.png" width="“650”" />Cloudy Day Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02052617934624601981noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311129406421946566.post-2330179259183449332017-08-16T06:00:00.000-04:002017-08-18T08:27:36.330-04:00Pretzel Shirt with Cricut<img border="“0”" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaMtxjsJ4xeXPrF8CQ9JIEw4ihv9vH2u_4CjvTjZB3gRDR_e-iM2HvzgEwvahMiNAgAqPzul-yooPNVDie5rBoiBSiTQsgXZX9E45K4yAIZDHU5_iydhY8XdVfe34ejqDhD7-lwlvQIiM/s1600/1brightpadreview.png" width="“650”" />
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<i>Cricut sent me the Bright Pad to play around with and let you know what I thought. Although this is part of a partnership between Cricut and myself, all opinions/ideas are my own. </i><br />
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I love making shirts for my kids more than anything else. Especially now that Matilda is heading to the girls' department. I have never liked the tight stretchy shirt fabric and capped sleeves for girls. I didn't like it on myself either. So, I bought Matilda a bunch of shirts from the boys' section at Walmart for less than $3 each. Now, that is a back to school win!<br />
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Here is how you can make one, too:<br />
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<b>1.</b> <a href="https://design.cricut.com/#/design/66608090" target="_blank">Follow this link</a>, or look up the image with the keyword "pretzel".<br />
<b>2.</b> Adjust the image to fit the size of your shirt. Mine was 7.5" wide and 6" tall. I also hid the underlying image - only cutting the top layer with the holes.<br />
<b>3.</b> Use your <a href="https://shop.cricut.com/en_us/machines/cricut-explore-one.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cricut Explore</a>, <a href="https://shop.cricut.com/en_us/machines/cricut-explore-air-2.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Air</a>, or <a href="https://shop.cricut.com/en_us/machines/cricut-maker.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Maker</a> to cut out the pretzel on iron-on material.<br />
<b>4.</b> Next, I used my handy <a href="https://shop.cricut.com/en_us/essentials/brightpad.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BrightPad</a> (<i>which I was given to review by <a href="https://home.cricut.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cricut</a></i>) to weed the unwanted materials away from the iron-on.<br />
<b>5.</b> Once you have the material ready, iron it onto any color shirt, as directed.<br />
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Matilda loves her new shirt, and Parker has already requested one for himself. My hope is that as Matilda starts full time school in Kindergarten this year, when she is worried, feeling sick, or unsure of what to do next, she will be able to look down at her shirt and feel my love. Look down and remember the day we had in the summer jumping around the playroom, taking turns picking out the salt pieces with the ease of the <a href="https://shop.cricut.com/en_us/essentials/brightpad.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BrightPad</a>. Which, by the way, is one fun tool! It really does make weeding so much easier by identifying every single little line cut by the Cricut. It is so durable that I don't need to worry about the kids handling it or using the sharp tools on it. Not to mention, Matilda loves to practice tracing her name with it, as do I for hand lettering. I would totally recommend it!<br />
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<img border="“0”" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="819" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib1dfMv1oXKRP92oyDn3fDLYQjoITwni6xALe-q8SRplJXR5NI41wUNs4_HXYWur-q4aTd0s4fcrHn8U7hgquk4pbNDaieo3Gm7y0zF493COCfyyc0MPc6zXLe4K50kyHg4UDLCJJagzs/s1600/2brightpadreview.png" width="“650”" />
<img border="“0”" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="819" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZlGWM7TVE5Z51d2x6PNuN7-DLHhpNWMAfjd9UIuKKiVZDs-hBi7n0LUMx-kzuLxOnfpI_vY0g00FqxoHm1FxtDsGkXeDTVu0nG6xaYBBVVRsIiqFwJYemo81kM920gYnt732KFQ4fg_U/s1600/3brightpadreview.png" width="“650”" />
<img border="“0”" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="819" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdSJqbduH5DKHrylzCr1xtvOdaQiS12Ko-7LcLCzRwBs8sPALqxu0nn2I0djkyfq9AJmWHu3sMQkMkMS6-wQHWIM7h1ykELqDixUv7K3aBD2noPPdnhcW4gnODq5FpPb_GlNlc3K6tWng/s1600/4brightpadreview.png" width="“650”" />
<img border="“0”" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiclgjGKEIfdN7TlZ-my8rPkkMLl5TgCAORbc-0rSwSr8QaL6qIu9PEwrRfUGEmLwaKm6s6e8jPaw-2kawAKfYdrE-d0f-nVuBC29tpAXkKQHMPQhZV4hXCeYO62ASrf1ESWb23slgvnEc/s1600/5brightpadreview.png" width="“650”" />
<img border="“0”" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="819" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhThQRvlWxOn0OwVRfzmsYHLM80IKSEkTwq4dLUWa7HafVajBaPaI3QmAznMpFaGBjGLXercN1S5cdkRNfWltPw2kGJvR8Z2SRs9cM0ADKOv_hI5UTNA0XaiyTlTB27cHMVb2rHfiCF2bA/s1600/6brightpadreview.png" width="“650”" />
<img border="“0”" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="819" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg-KsmzDa_QHi4MlHTlh_4EJGeAOq_6IMuVvqezufvF3II8Gn3lZIr5vnT4GlxneKRvJtkOJs-iTe8I9UB4cuCO9pMb9u6RlzPDw66QlE_-7mco07fHsyYNNGW-a3QJOwI-2tohkkrMZo/s1600/7brightpadreview.png" width="“650”" />
<img border="“0”" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCOMeNFE1YXgW5JsWQLCFCrnvG5qRfAVTf5XJcYGi4rkUASpWBzAFU3QtgPHnyT32kne7k4wCyZ_UR_7H8MY5kAFdaN4crfXVUa9WJMFqKRpHD5x3rxE6cbgcgwoStySqS6OQOq_3egpg/s1600/8brightpadreview.png" width="“650”" />
<img border="“0”" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="819" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBgMYn3sB_0EZYlCWxyiX-0smgwCWlLKtEe91HbmVrIJpJKLvgPqJ1IVKn6GAI4GMHtLG93p-XCxRyXLQ6EX-FrPC5vw7O-bdWxj4juyR-8yDeFtbLi3AwWmjdJYOIPhgcABU0iS9LxS4/s1600/9brightpadreview.png" width="“650”" />
<img border="“0”" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="819" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9KdlvCv63dleHi3IHMiYQCX2jht0usnMgq1t1xay0YuGggmD9-fH9glb1TWPjULotJjn5_ge_G5Er7zO63ZvKyd1_WMSoEnPI_KuCTkPTuI_C6LvuNPEJtxz__6V13NSTG12YIveVRD8/s1600/10brightpadreview.png" width="“650”" />Cloudy Day Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02052617934624601981noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311129406421946566.post-67351051754069836742017-06-26T06:00:00.000-04:002017-06-26T11:24:10.253-04:004th of July with Oriental Trading Company<img border="“0”" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5BTEVZH_qsjAhgBr-pDhzTKHPMOOxSbCW6M3ZrQhLNmMWuCeQ9LFV5L1lTcc113v5MXxhhNjpKO3plD2jSjjAM5ryfAcVsedidR-iWyO9xodnFs2_VQ-23pddDyucCTtSC71wea1tsKw/s1600/flags1.png" width="“650”" />
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You know I love to celebrate the every day, and holidays are no exception. These are the memories that our children will carry with them into adulthood. The little town we live in doesn't have a Fourth of July parade or a big fireworks display, but that doesn't stop us from showing our national spirit. This year, I am partnering with <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/party-supplies/party-themes/patriotic-a1-554606.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Oriental Trading Company</a> on the idea that more is more!<br />
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You really can never have too many flags on the 4th of July, so I ordered a ton! They have so many <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/party-supplies/party-themes/patriotic-a1-554606.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">sizes and price points</a>, so you can go big or small according to your budget. Here is how you can make your own sweet flag photo backdrop:<br />
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<b>Step 1:</b> Gather your flags and remove the sticks.<br />
<b>Step 2:</b> Use poster sticky tac to hang them on a wall.<br />
<b>Step 3:</b> Keep adding and overlapping your flags.<br />
<b>Step 4:</b> Take adorable photos of your kids in front of the finished product!<br />
<b>Bonus points:</b> Gather all your kids' friends and march around the block in your own parade - that is exactly what we plan to do, so stay tuned for that!<br />
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Thank you <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/party-supplies/party-themes/patriotic-a1-554606.fltr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Oriental Trading Company</a> for partnering with us to make this 4th of July one to remember!<br />
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P.S. Go and see what we did <a href="http://www.cloudydaygray.com/2016/07/diy-american-flag.html" target="_blank">last year for another flag DIY</a> and a bike parade! AND, the post I did when Matilda had the <a href="http://www.cloudydaygray.com/2013/07/the-fourth.html" target="_blank">most squishy cheeks ever</a>!<br />
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<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KoYY0AcXwvs?rel=0&showinfo=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<img border="“0”" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO1d8c4RONAl9AoVwVqmQLEkm4X4Tof5hUbtLswrbOOcGJONbbZvosidRYqstQTU0ODGHk7Umn5DwENe9cTs4rNbQNRCH8A5_rsPGYxg9OTi1xklCRxJYA9nVOl57vUpztQG0p8o9KH2w/s1600/flags2.png" width="“650”" />
<img border="“0”" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEievdN2xDDZ6mXlmcHcuFPDQh0TW1lA8fG3rKGWubcB6IsGV_d0jLuweMefoO8Kk-YPhVdSx6qNNSsOj64b9qNtenxZWzaTPH3-pCe31z-WwZNQN1BbePAf2Gh1-LqaOsIeJe1U41HiS98/s1600/flags3.png" width="“650”" />
<img border="“0”" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaftJcxvqDABkcVjmjahl71PWK_lPAUvugMsJa60xbLfmoQATL6AIx8nY_sfaaWN6oEfsw-GeeUefPhUc4qkluRIqTaic2EPCs1SxSHSBpLe080S0VENOx-M6QB1np9R4M5FkNC9nrIlQ/s1600/flags4.png" width="“650”" />
<img border="“0”" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6mvTdr44f2f6KNgsMigDtGc3ezvKxl6GBcKjIqPLwQt9KWombbqZVWenKWkf-onfKgwhwy06KBSzTEn_J5H7BvohMQigSjcNI2wy84E-sNxQABKMSsz9d69goU1dBcDnZHilL1hM9kq0/s1600/flags5.png" width="“650”" />
<img border="“0”" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhedZCnqnW_GbolHLLAzYuRBShE6kRfTIHJsyQ83t4cTma-EM0b4mH9Z1BdD2K0_hTl8SvAOLbSo7tE2AyCtum5egLxj00oywOGBeEpIS_iqqZM9_y36SO_wbY47msP8wCWFf6HZvBXljQ/s1600/flags6.png" width="“650”" />Cloudy Day Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02052617934624601981noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311129406421946566.post-18905538836253127822017-06-21T06:00:00.000-04:002017-06-21T13:48:21.306-04:00Matilda's Commercial for Live On NY<img border="“0”" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWNpvA7UTrSCBH13OHG4Ep2UYiHSUXVyXTfAxGU6cKTzPxbtMnITcm4y7iKQmmf7XjFtftivjEE90Ym6iNYHymyxuBFdiTJuCvKzo2S4Wd_iNx58ONl5pcJzC6bKk_qvyBGWHn3-D4hmU/s1600/MightyMatilda1.png" width="“650”" />
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Today is such an exciting day! I <b>finally</b> get to share with all of you the most adorable commercial I have ever seen. <b>And</b>, it just so happens to feature my Matilda, our Matilda, Mighty Matilda. I encourage all of you to share it with anyone and everyone!
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The commercial is based off of the <a href="http://www.cloudydaygray.com/2016/04/long-live-matilda.html" target="_blank">ad campaign</a> Matilda participated in last year, in which she graced NYC with her adorableness!<br />
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Matilda has the most beautiful light about her. She draws people in and leaves them with a glowing smile. This commercial captures her joy for life in the most beautiful way. She is a gift and I am so proud that her story can inspire others to donate life. Long Live Matilda!<br />
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<img border="“0”" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMvTqmVhqWZOpLfs2ysdrqaJKrBaxcZm4lgo0nRtYaoEjhGC5BeLV-A8XjFWhEmXl04PgDKDxAxtpk9hYLyF3p7Cui67rPJJdW_zufAIfZ_olpSL9cSvBdhyphenhyphenAnjteH13lpfqXfmGoLSW4/s1600/mightymatilda2.png" width="“650”" />
<img border="“0”" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmL7mwixUPb3PIan-qWBWpF7NFbbCEamNmua9qKZhGnK6GfC_73qN-_AehqY3RURlcgmE9KKODjdrOI-dmdmaePJn7oX24QepIsnncsysoxwGC4-6IVhTAO4nU0utw7P1knT8aU6sW5t8/s1600/mightymatilda3.png" width="“650”" />
<img border="“0”" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6MmvY2H60PLwgYlkIfF7vijToGcWqAPmtOw0eBS_pVXUFDwGijYwhA7Mer-9qxhdLXHveJ-yjRMwAFaIchyphenhyphenHYfBIYwlRIyY2JzHuhdtphoMqKuKUfS-5Yrsk3HffiXKYXUzpySVeBTcs/s1600/mightymatilda4.png" width="“650”" />Cloudy Day Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02052617934624601981noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311129406421946566.post-9136260094595951272017-05-08T06:00:00.000-04:002017-05-16T13:34:02.039-04:00medical update and fun news<img border="“0”" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxEPW7H6lqNL6Tfw9u4xSQ5EtNqw7IKsN5bKD7iOgl8oNCpq71jPqdQviHNY06bzo9AWBS1hWEl2vVhqrrmPw5ZW-avHZHWrcnygl-e0mEH_C5wZREswlz6sy7VrvP05PY9tETnA9ES04/s1600/matildaupdate1.png" width="“650”" />
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Our last visit in NYC was so much fun and full of adventure! We met with the transplant team, ran into so many people in the halls, and hugged a ton of amazing nurses who cared for Matilda in the PICU.<br />
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Best of all, they judged Matilda to be as great as ever! She is a witty, rambunctious, outgoing, and healthy four-year-old! Tears of joy all around for this remarkable young lady!<br />
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I also wanted to let you guys in on a bit of a secret! The week before Matilda's NYC visit, a film crew came to our house along with <a href="http://www.longliveny.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">LiveOn NY</a> to capture a day in the life of Matilda for a commercial that will <a href="http://www.cloudydaygray.com/2016/04/long-live-matilda.html" rel="" target="_blank">bring her poster to life</a>!<br />
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I have seen it, and it is so good! I wish I could show everyone! But, I am waiting for the big thumbs up from <a href="http://www.longliveny.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">LiveOn NY</a> before I spill the beans.<br />
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Thank you for all your well wishes, prayers, encouraging words, and happy thoughts for Matilda!<br />
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<img border="“0”" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9S58FADLA1mP_wW4qdOQk_dOoY2Do0Se_JpaaDFe5ywI-t1j07cJ6YsRYkHU_h3WlduXY5ndQCKYMMnBinYc-fQ9VKBDTXmNoV4kcSZ7vfXggRAnC3hvHaQwPaNpfSQqzHfDNwdaRC4c/s1600/matildaupdate2.png" width="“650”" />
<img border="“0”" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVcvqyO3Qql9wxZFoQz4vww2K_qxJanZrOiK9fCTHSdDqmmT0ls8FZHHuQhjn8UxS8JHL5UoiIcdS3iCJ8EysVllgpHBzVjVlwEnQb_zaOseHwhn0dtiZnHy-XCfEpUuRZnWubhn5vv_U/s1600/matildaupdate3.png" width="“650”" />
<img border="“0”" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQlIB2zEk5qOwhcjDARrMjIoqdYnlIQ3OPRBhhh47_e4wNhjUfZ-LbTPMzei8ABIOjY1-VVs0Ofu71KUOQnkaY1ktsK8_dsm6M1nVUWqEn4EAllUaztR7mkc1ssFzdQ5zmbDJF7zGKyWg/s1600/matildaupdate4.png" width="“650”" />
<img border="“0”" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSwF2bwO2HnvyhUEdhaJiHLqiQmlqGzuQdChTaXl7xuAuDwehHdFKWR_yMG5NO-2aoXykwO25oeTWSvPOLQuGaEu-KhoZ9DDmXhUWXLHQLrrJJrSEWF0ZUhV_ztydjfEgQxG-6FVXCazI/s1600/matildaupdate5.png" width="“650”" />
<img border="“0”" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Q0yvt8kjDYvVLWHsQiNN2onJqumH-JBqigiJ4BXBk50JJxounAL6Kqdx-iA6QWfBnVeHN-M6ABfQMefZN2f6IXOrdQ79GncmSxlYmwKuPvmw5s5h3DInPGz353NX9wQpF1EGVhYcol0/s1600/matildaupdate6.png" width="“650”" />Cloudy Day Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02052617934624601981noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311129406421946566.post-39236744266723270672017-05-01T06:00:00.000-04:002017-05-16T13:29:25.264-04:00studio diy cloud clutch<img border="“0”" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgInicwdKDQaMg_Xv6GYB3mRB0qlPb7XBAtycH6onmi0BjOc-wOUfagHgzC_iQcgb51SCyjkk0ZwRDLplTDUEOtO9nqZrVIQQncQJnO1d0FwpEiT75cJY0b56ZQHHpExW9pLrSUPEWOgVI/s1600/cloudclutch1.png" width="“650”" />
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My friend of a friend <a href="http://studiodiy.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kelly of Studio DIY</a> sent me her April <a href="https://shop.studiodiy.com/subscribe/cant-clutch-this" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">clutch </a>because it fit so perfectly with my cloudy day theme! Kelly is such an amazing person - she is a cancer survivor, business owner, and new mother!<br />
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So, in honor of the cloud clutch, I thought I would share with you why I named my blog <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BTsewVUhdpN/?taken-by=cloudydaygray" target="_blank">Cloudy Day Gray</a> to begin with!<br />
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1. The <a href="https://www.pantone.com/color-finder/428-C" target="_blank">PANTONE color - Cloudy Day Gray</a> has always been a favorite of mine. Even as a kid, one of my favorite crayons was called Cloudy Day.<br />
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2. We all have cloudy days. What we do with those cloudy days defines who we are. The 72 day hospital stay with <a href="http://www.cloudydaygray.com/2016/04/long-live-matilda.html" target="_blank">Matilda while she waited, received, and recovered from a liver transplant</a> was certainly a cloudy time, but times like that bring perspective to a sunny life.<br />
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3. I have always liked clouds and rainbows. When I studied photography in high school, I did a project about clouds and have boxes full of pictures of clouds. As a child, I would lay in my yard and watch them for hours. And, as an adult, actual cloudy days are my favorite.<br />
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4. Finding a name for a new blog that is available on all relative social platforms can be a bit of a challenge. Cloudy Day Gray was free and it had a nice ring!<br />
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So, there you have it!<br />
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Although <a href="http://studiodiy.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Studio DIY</a> gifted the clutch to me, there were no strings attached - the words, opinions, and post are my own.<br />
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<img border="“0”" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvHm4TcBDIr0sDlPD_IOgeZ9C8PX1gWLEt2g1m2bVKXJKIdL_HhG5IhEuoDXy9XRMllr8C862T5AxgvFCkIbwO131SH2ZqAsv0IUQLuLCWXkNLIMdDULc0dtVoHl1ID2Co0kiEHQYteEs/s1600/cloudclutch2.png" width="“650”" />
<img border="“0”" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq9D79oLyhWMYdEp3F4-Wz2BA8OZhNo55E2gx_MWPM16idyZJp_jUn_jGoaMBTy3AojhGmaJKz_MkBOGieSZVlRz0ZQ8hS6uYwQ_qjXbkJ4LdbWbuoBHwfrorLKIQ9t-X-fBjkGDp_ri0/s1600/cloudclutch3.png" width="“650”" />
<img border="“0”" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE57zaJXNjf4ysaNpqcKv3pyk-eJvM2ItoS-B0i5-QA_uIuivbikVVIuMM7hNT8-jSTxNUqeI-Fyi4fqqE-dUCLqvMorOD7xDVHWolHAQ6pboHIffs5ebzJV0tJJDd_QzLZN-wUrca5E0/s1600/cloudclutch4.png" width="“650”" />
<img border="“0”" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiACNrT6Is5Cl2APaE87v23wnYfy7wMQfq5WuPV6EIniTgHz08qKm27KKpAIofA7cStARgejQtRIVAyIMUHHKgUBVn4C33CXM8J7xOicgko0Xssee47pP28efw7d76NhTIg9I49zgMDBA0/s1600/cloudclutch5.png" width="“650”" />
<img border="“0”" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkDTR2mF-XuEJI2wZf7vSLXOz8YcbJtU-qtpCZZUpxCuOVNhzHtvJ6oiHHgqo6USARFidooe_snFREQxSz9i3iWod7yUBHobug3MzSjan5p2rCqOMziV_CfHhv2mebYul_5mRwj5gIr2c/s1600/cloudclutch6.png" width="“650”" />
<img border="“0”" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixD0IQGOBBP2NDkRBfHWWHlxZuYNnq7hzcHO7Ksl9mBQBdmStKSJcLZ5RxjrGQASjsoIHt62TjsBNOox-dxcgrQAOtqboHm7OE3CDuvjuv0G_JnWGMVBPga7f8lzPWHM3cyeOGKb8a_EE/s1600/cloudclutch7.png" width="“650”" />
<img border="“0”" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU_eDP4oG6GPkeMqPOXu-g0lA3MTRUtlM88v2S-mvgmRD4mfhy-khHHwMuNmqmdRmfUTvqh-Hw1BpaUBaI814FFeWM6DRyXnQPcB12JdzmaeMLA5n5rpzvInJtxcX-NIk23jUbaHcCNOI/s1600/cloudclutch8.png" width="“650”" />
<img border="“0”" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinUl8B1wD-cYCLgl9c164HyS87u8lLwKZeuk9t2LyqbonI8iWkaVdV5Ggj2Sf73BvY5Ww-vqRU0B7SN3wa6cUfdDAZQ13VdpqNCRT7MlXg_emqGc8hyphenhyphenFktIZ37oOnJ5wseMKcWwX52kgM/s1600/cloudclutch9.png" width="“650”" />Cloudy Day Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02052617934624601981noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311129406421946566.post-60697990616776263882017-04-27T06:00:00.001-04:002017-04-27T15:52:38.993-04:00letting go and saving lives<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have a special post from a childhood friend today. One month ago today, she said goodbye to her mother. A mother who was dedicated, loving, and faithful. A mother who left this world far too early. Yet, in the midst of shock and grief, Helen was kind enough to reach out so that she could share her journey from the other side of organ donation.</span></i><br />
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<img border="“0”" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlvN0VQmUwaWJwssShuxZeiLaGvEFn_9kh0j1ZgZQU1zTkzrM5a2SU0h03KgCyKGqF3m2AO8CyRbm4-QML-N2-F9KBHoSIoFj9Z5cUOzB2a1PUEViyy9C9uoVmwuywm13cfhYTVfVRp78/s1600/savinglives1.jpg" width="“650”" />
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On March 29, 2017, Christine Adele Jackson was supposed to turn 60. Instead, my four siblings and I were seated around a cramped table in a funeral home planning her services. As I write this almost three weeks out from her accident, the shock has not worn off and the tasks of wrapping up the administrative aspects of her life have really just begun. It may seem early to reflect, but my mother was an organ donor and April is National Donate Life Month. Through this entire ordeal, I kept thinking of Kelly and little Matilda and how much organ donation has affected hundreds of lives linked to one bitty girl. Until her death, my mother’s life had meant life for us five kids, but now it potentially means life for five more people and maybe enhanced quality of life for dozens of others.<br />
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Vibrant and energetic, mom ran circles around her friends and family. She was part of three different church groups, a women’s hiking club, she volunteered for Special Olympics, taught summer school, taught homebound students, and worked as a special education teacher. She hiked more mountains than me, kayaked more rivers, and loved more deeply than anyone I know. I always thought that mom’s <i>soul</i> purpose in life was to have children and love the heck out of them. Then my niece, Skylar, was born, and I realized that mom had five kids to increase her chances of having as many grandkids as possible. She understood kids, got right on their level, and could play with them unexhausted for hours on end. She was brilliant.
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On March 26, 2017, I answered the phone even though it was an unknown number to a breathless woman telling me that mom had been in a horseback riding accident and she was in the ER. My fiancé and I began packing our bags and making phone calls as we waited to find out if it was just a concussion or something worse. My older brother and his girlfriend were traveling in the Philippines, my sister was living in southern California, my other brothers and I were three hours away. A nursing friend called me from the hospital and told us to come now. It’s weird how you can know the worst yet remain hopeful. The nurses and doctors were very honest with us, but that didn’t stop me from staying up all night talking and pleading with her to stay.
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My fiancé and I just moved to Ennis, MT (mom’s Happy Place), with the intention that she would retire and come live with us. We had decided to have kids and she would be the best free childcare a person could ever ask for. We hadn’t told her about the potential for more grandkids yet, but she was ecstatic that we had moved. My mother was a devout Catholic and her faith and family were the two most important things in her life. I remember quipping to my brother, “The real trick will be to convince her to stay on earth when she has the chance to be with Jesus.” We laughed a little but I honestly worried that maybe if I had told her that she might have more grandkids, somehow, she might have decided to stay, as if this were her choice. In the end, biology and God won. Her bleed was too big, the swelling too significant, the ventriculostomy inadequate. We watched as they performed all the tests to determine brain death, nodded our heads as they described each test and what they were looking for, and held our breath as each reflex failed. The doctor just shook his head and said, “I’m sorry but this is diagnostic for brain death. This is the time and date of death.”
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As the doctor left the room, I stopped him and asked if she was an organ donor. He hesitated. This is the part of organ donation that gets tricky. Doctors and nurses are instructed to NOT bring up organ donation. If a family brings it up, nurses are instructed to say something like, “I will let the doctor know you inquired” and note in the chart that family initiated the organ donation conversation. They do this to keep people that aren’t specifically trained for these situations from saying the wrong thing and confusing grieving families. Organ donation teams are notified every time a person dies in the hospital, but rarely do those calls amount to anything. The criteria for meeting donation eligibility are incredibly strict, especially in terms of whole organ donation. They don’t want to get people’s hopes up or start unnecessary family arguments. Donation teams are trained to know the legal aspects of the states they are in and how to communicate with families that are in the middle of chaotic, emotional, and traumatic events. The doctor knew I was a nurse, so he told me that mom had opted in on her driver’s license and that the organ donation team had been notified.
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The “team” was an exuberant nurse named Dan and a quiet, soft-spoken social worker named Valerie. They took my brothers and I in a room and just let us cry and talk about mom. I kept catching myself trying to play nurse and daughter all at once. I was surprised that mom was an organ donor. She had told me she believed that someday God would return to earth and raise the physical bodies of all who believed and restore them to be with him in heaven. She wanted to be buried. The team listened. They never corrected me or reprimanded me. If someone in Montana registers to be an organ donor, that wish is legally binding. In the end, the team didn’t have to correct our fears or educate us because, despite our initial surprise, we weren’t surprised at all. Mom believed in the sanctity of life and demonstrated that through endless generosity.
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What I want people to know the most about this process is how incredibly kind the donation team was and how incredibly gently the nurses took care of mom’s body while they found matches for her lungs, heart, liver, and kidneys. The process added four more days in the hospital. While those extra days were stressful, it meant more time for family and friends to come visit mom and say goodbye. Everyone was welcomed. When Skylar tucked a picture she had drawn for her grandmother in the blankets of the bed, they worked around it, always leaving it tucked in the sheets or up under her pillow. They fed us, gave us hugs, and let us cry in their arms. They listened as we told stories of our goofy little mother. And every step of the way they kept us updated on the plan and informed us of what they were doing and why it was important. They provided mom with a quilt to keep her body warm and hide the lines, drains, and tubes coming from her. The donation service paid for everything after the official declaration of death and even wrote us a letter reminding us that if we received any bills from the hospital during that time to please notify them and not worry about paying.
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We were still able to have an open casket at her rosary service and luckily the dress my sister and I unanimously chose (she had looked radiant in it at my sister’s wedding) covered her incisions perfectly. Although I did not want an open casket and was out voted by my siblings, I was thankful for the opportunity to see her one last time without the ventilator tubes in her mouth.
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The donation team said they would keep in touch with us. All they could tell me at the time of organ recovery was that her lungs were going to a 30-year-old woman with cystic fibrosis and they were able to successfully recover her heart, liver, lungs, kidneys, long bones, corneas, and tissues. We also received notice that two people successfully received her corneas. They told me that if our family wants to connect with the recipients that all communication starts off anonymously until both parties agree to reveal their identities. I want to know who these people are, but most importantly I want them to know who mom was. I’m scared that maybe their surgeries didn’t go well. I’m scared that this was their last hope. But I’m remaining hopeful that mom’s heart is still beating for someone else, that a part of her is still alive. Her willingness to donate life has given me the chance to have her light still shining on earth a little longer. Organ donation is about giving hope as much as it is about giving life. After all, what is LIFE if it is not HOPE?
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<img border="“0”" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPnYMVZLqoKprtzATOULWnMftt20BVtKKjj547m0kQdn0LwiEVEml0SudKtq0lElPr-Cv9Y5_4iIc0Jb6QsXX18IgTJCIcyLWS9Wz8VLyG5L95KcABerxmVA36NRI9_QTvq3rS4wouJMQ/s1600/savinglives2.jpg" width="“650”" />
<img border="“0”" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDBhb_EWEQsuU0UoQuKBHe_4YKyt4XWK36tsWCDw3WtDgcfo4UCBaw6cAGWg7b1ZS-dijSTQPx65QNAwrOcI7VMGBjMmizSSYMfA4Jkcc29tIs6oGfGipK_K7Jyv_x5ymkAcuA0YaIRn4/s1600/savinglives3.jpg" width="“650”" />
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thank you Helen for sharing your beautiful words with us. Your mother will be missed, but she is also living on in such a special and unique way.</span></i>Tyler Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08215188977400200158noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311129406421946566.post-61437383049642063932017-04-24T06:00:00.000-04:002017-04-26T10:57:19.104-04:00rejoice and remember<img border="“0”" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhUM1dvJIx_VlSn1jgrLpPfEGsSkkBp2mjj2JMO4NMStJrFSVmRyApTybcoMardrNf1DIb6dqx1jZTYxJDbKDXDPbK1fdPaGsVGhfEg1mJjiNwTAo7PSYUfllJbxcY9mev6WmpJOoUslE/s1600/rejoiceandremember1.png" width="“650”" />
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We all have cloudy days, but I believe it is what we do with those cloudy days that defines who we are. My daughter Matilda is here because of the same selfless choice that your loved ones made. A choice they made, not for themselves, but for Matilda.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thank you.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thank you for allowing me to watch my daughter grow. She was 9 days old when she was put on life support. Her liver was failing and her only chance was a transplant. A transplant she got at six weeks old. And look at her now.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">She is so full of life, she loves to ride her bike, has more energy than the rest of us combined, and goes to preschool just like any other kid.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There isn't a day that goes by without me thinking of her donor, of his family, of the loss they experienced, which has grown into this beautiful love.</span></i></div>
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I was fortunate enough to speak those words while standing, with a sleeping Matilda in my arms, in front of a sea of organ donors (their families) and organ recipients at the Rejoice and Remember ceremony at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City.<br />
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Nothing can express the amount of love and gratitude that filled every ounce of the grand church. There were tears, hugs, smiles, and even laughter. There was a rabbi, a priest, and everyone in between - all who have been impacted by organ donation. All speaking in thanks and appreciation for those who donated a piece of themselves, so that others could live.<br />
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<img border="“0”" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUy9Xfj9mBf3O7NjJpfiVfH6iyR0pFSbCZflrLLHz6X9F2zG2kT6dSJsoss24xj3l9ogHCIY3evQOSjITVaUCxhWJm0awVC7BA1j_eFzwKDtVW8RQRN955am9UWCKrirGtzRu9ZWc_o3c/s1600/rejoiceandremember2.png" width="“650”" />
<img border="“0”" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj46TQTHDUUrQ3uf_qQdTOHzb0Tr4A9GyNJOw5O6dsKXIcSSHo9yqERsIca5vGC8QwzMPOVYBD-06CnXysddvG5u0uT_8DY2XWbxtqxmoEaMA_b87wjyPaCklPmc3YbU28Rshxik1VhBUU/s1600/rejoiceandremember3.png" width="“650”" />
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<img border="“0”" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRFWrk9cuUBTLM2HZtIcx3pYf_LUWKjv-LdgItaibDLnYJL6AlRIzccnPE_DAWPF5Wnm1Q_PI_gMmo_GRJqtvNpBc3MjhDn8Jyht0xbCYwfkfjPkcDglxtSZU6apo-Opt5g9HmlI8YWFA/s1600/rejoiceandremember6.png" width="“650”" />
<img border="“0”" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6kpigFURuPY_h_-B6c_l41lAXzvD_n5txQNgWlSifZnr8uCiwBrfO5pZjH1btGlETeM16ZRQr6l-VOUYJLvHWkKo2KZ4gcxu8PALSrTa-OUzKmX2yksem2lmUN6qaBHLGoM7e4JJr7so/s1600/rejoiceandremember7.png" width="“650”" />Cloudy Day Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02052617934624601981noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311129406421946566.post-91896758046054573242017-04-19T06:00:00.000-04:002017-05-02T12:13:52.514-04:00literary luau: a spring break adventure<img border="“0”" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilRsftbL9zWHuS-TZA-zBB2cyBS6rhOksgRgDMIOfeWBxpQKhEJMUJTfnjTBuyx661aFIb1971CCs5f5Wukd-iP89KrPvMxRUXzbwzt0Jstk0s_JFiiChboKPvo7aykcPQtiNUzfAQyXI/s1600/bookfair1.png" width="“650”" />
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Spring comes to us a little later than most of the U.S. March and April can seem to last forever as the snow continues to fall and the temperatures remain low. So, this year, we decided to bring the spring to us! A group of friends and I hosted a free event for everyone in our town to come together in the school gym for a <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/occasions-and-events/luau-a1-550298.fltr?cm_re=Version_A-_-Zone1_panel1-_-link" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Literacy Luau in partnership with Oriental Trading Company</a>.<br />
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It was a fun night full of laughter, dancing, crafting, and, most importantly, book reading! Every child left the event with at least five free books in hand, giving them plenty of reading material to last until our true spring comes.<br />
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With a few fun things sent from <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/occasions-and-events/luau-a1-550298.fltr?cm_re=Version_A-_-Zone1_panel1-_-link" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Oriental Trading Company</a>, the gym was transformed into a tropical oasis. It doesn't take much to create lasting memories in the eyes of a child!<br />
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Here are the activities we had available at the event:<br />
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<b>1. Snack Activity</b> - with a couple large bowls of fruit loops and a bundle of yarn, the kids made tropical necklaces and bracelets!<br />
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<b>2. Bookmark Making</b> - we taught the kids how to make bookmarks and decorated them like birds!<br />
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<b>3. Autobiography Corner</b> - I found a printable for the kids to fill out, color, and decorate!<br />
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<b>4. Book Walk</b> - we used tropical music and books for prizes in this non-traditional take on a "cake walk". <br />
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<b>5. Beach Ball Fun</b> - with such affordable beach balls, we wrote action words, letters, and rhyming words on the beach balls to use in literacy catch games.<br />
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<b>6. Book Exchange</b> - at this station, we had hundreds of donated books that kids could choose from. As they entered this area, they were also gifted a colorful lei. <br />
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<b>7. Sand Box Treasures</b> - a large sandbox was brought in and filled with new sand. We then added sea shells, gems, and other small treasures for the younger kids to dig up. This activity could be taken a step further with letters or sight words written on the treasures.<br />
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<b>8. Guest Readers</b> - towards the end of the night, we gathered everyone into one area (that we had covered in beach towels) and invited two guest readers come forward. The school's reading intervention teacher and the local children's librarian. They both dressed in Hawaiian shirts and read beach-based stories that the kids adored! During this time we also handed out juice and water.<br />
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It was seriously such a fun night!<br />
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<i>Although I partnered with <a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/occasions-and-events/luau-a1-550298.fltr?cm_re=Version_A-_-Zone1_panel1-_-link" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Oriental Trading Company,</a> all opinions are my own. AND although this event took place at the school, my kids and I created a similar scene for the pictures in this post for two reasons. First, I wanted to focus on the event as a host instead of trying to take beautiful pictures. Second, I don't post pictures of other children unless I know the parents well and have talked about it with them.</i><br />
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<img border="“0”" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSDiql2pa0Cz1tEBAHWceMTq2ZR_4_u_nUAiPdgRYhDXoSv9cBZFqWhWYpFMq_u9WJxbkJn3EqQA5Yuyf4GtVaoPiBzw7OJL9BhIOLcuzPeSNC2ObxZJG_sztK57jBMQu9J2eQcU6rk1k/s1600/bookfair2.png" width="“650”" />
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<img border="“0”" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVFh-Oa5fdh-leqT0oiqQzTxp3C8qIekd1xeU8jQ5wOjsiQB3svn9AS1zmvKQIry5EMyTrKDiSBsc8dN3IvsJgrmVijzQl34816yJMa_XeYtsC13IV50oo-bqW4gJ78228SmVjm50bwvQ/s1600/bookfair4.png" width="“650”" />
<img border="“0”" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs-0Y4XOslecsNO-CQXaK-GZqnecsEMEMauFN9apU3uxibtcP_C8G3VEDC3H8ipaA8JZCfjBcC0mx6QT3aPOwaJbOkha57DDILNMyu4wDKKfC-L6v7zQl2tpZZMxp9_NF2NXmsXdkogWY/s1600/bookfair5.png" width="“650”" />
<img border="“0”" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi89R5eK2L2jD25LuXgcKEX83rPc3z7CtZecE2zT2HN6U35_ox0-TtlZzujmJJGtQQ0vPYB1ZNG0ybUYHapdfhlTxcxEBfuUMkIvetH4t9wSFZYBRT7p5TsBZuP7267OQdPXZTJ8BqyhSg/s1600/bookfair6.png" width="“650”" />
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<img border="“0”" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVTHVsgnFWiAC2XksYT8F02LRQAdSvBkoWd-mFg05RG6CaiSoxLQSOo3RsMBK6Iu76hVKK8rB_q26_1IWrdViLRV9gcK6ojEGbNPAjuYiZa0d-Xljsx7iPdj5k490AB0bJbA7xUNCk2oY/s1600/bookfair10.png" width="“650”" />
<img border="“0”" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfPf-RJgM1h_FpurlGqNfV1U9VoKnaAOdaWi0Fl3l6qghzxIT1EB_loTZwFKVTwSBOVqysAff6owY-QtLsAxAwrNF8t5MM4TL4MNju7ZbmW4_i_vqrRdSin74hyphenhyphen1ay7l-QfQ9JZlqPSy0/s1600/bookfair11.png" width="“650”" />Cloudy Day Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02052617934624601981noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311129406421946566.post-27508942320489582702017-04-17T06:00:00.001-04:002017-04-17T22:44:35.693-04:00modern space and simply framed<img border="“0”" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSIw2pXvD8GeY_jlguI0h5z2EmX3eBggoBF2v1VtAelOLyXTgzZH5QaTTkaCru52vMbPjrGH28Ok7x7EJMzvLXg9Ia3CU9HEkjKt3sKS-vBxfDFNm0SWndBFN8EVhei-6v8ym4LKAH4S8/s1600/modernspace1.png" width="“650”" />
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My kids (Parker, 6 at the time, and Matilda, 4) came to me just before Christmas with the grand idea to share a room. They were giddy with excitement, so it wasn't hard to agree and celebrate with them.<br />
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So, I asked what they envisioned, what they wanted in a room together. Parker wanted green walls, Matilda wanted lots of orange, and they both wanted bunk beds and glow in the dark stars on the ceiling.<br />
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We worked with that! But if we were going to do "space" as a theme, I wanted it to be non-traditional. I was thrilled when my husband found these <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/visions-of-the-future/?ref=producthunt" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">free prints from NASA</a>. They are colorful and futuristic, what more could I ask for?!<br />
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Next, I when to the Sherwin Williams website, uploaded my favorite prints and <a href="https://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/color/try-on-colors/snap-it" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">matched colors for the walls directly from prints</a>. I will post more about the colorful wall, exact paints we used, and how we achieved the look in another post.<br />
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Last, I built two beautiful frames with <a href="https://simplyframed.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Simply Framed</a> that would fit right above my <a href="http://www.cloudydaygray.com/2016/11/the-long-goodbye.html" target="_blank">father's childhood dresser</a>, which I painted. As soon the frames went up on the walls, everything else fell into place. We seriously could not love this space more!<br />
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<i>This post was made in partnership with <a href="https://simplyframed.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Simply Famed</a>, but all opinions are my own!
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<img border="“0”" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBRhb3P1-X0hRuchxNfkXmRDJK3F8a8zNx1BFEfivTsUtL4_NV800PBESINchHfZjNWwgdAb9z3rBp74EeIhKfIRgnslsqe33YUDvwBE93weM9jYmGutnPR1R7_uE1pfgDr3tT99_5KGo/s1600/modernspace2.png" width="“650”" />
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<img border="“0”" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGtUX_wER5TJYcAIeiE8-x8a2A8Z-VcwS3AFiDMrcYQC-dRaCbGAFPZbFE2DHwVuvDLmySJxc1Uk5rzwwTFpO-3RvPMCdGDcuekZ7T1VCLpVVVy7bW8tOS3muFdKVHs63hgF9K-pWPXNY/s1600/modernspace5.png" width="“650”" />
<img border="“0”" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMgHAP-XfaJtrXEAbVDDBDPYyo8vUdupcbdFFmmjEOAeD033gTACVOFF7nkz8IClnws68SbacxkR1MHetM1H-PTfaXPC41InHq1E4obxDUB5v3kH5j7OroYrW-rMPIzUH3qBxYUOorI9o/s1600/modernspace6.png" width="“650”" />
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<img border="“0”" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNrcFGPif0mCXwbZQat9Vnf64Gbxp8g2COs386fAI-EURP0Hd91Mo3Zoanbesn642635ccNKAHp0hF2NDStCpABMoVNkKsum08rej6-JN8pS8JJnMTGZaZxHvACtz4FhN-gJoI8OFPcnU/s1600/modernspace10.png" width="“650”" />
<img border="“0”" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSqqN2H4TrMCW1W6Z18JRzbFG3EOWsVYNtxzcdsWCpau5SzhSr75rmIcKmSCvoqF_ZlWkWRacpMIyGdboXgofbUbJb6Q0ffLUDfB3FFIfNRuaSoyrMD_gYUhdkt0pNX450nqpd9qHSago/s1600/modernspace11.png" width="“650”" />Cloudy Day Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02052617934624601981noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311129406421946566.post-79621221566424664602017-04-17T06:00:00.000-04:002017-05-02T16:41:32.277-04:00she gets it<img border="“0”" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRhi0IFzPK_oHhhaMC0YHv8PNNuoLr3eFGMYX4iv-jaSTR-lMVRCNuSY5bjV7tjMUlVZvHfs8EMkkYqe0xUHrzS71xV3GKkV2PlWC367pVPcS3dEO6AO5AcUFSUElVW6VRRFI6NIJfIvo/s1600/shegetsit1.png" width="“650”" />
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I love going to church because it grounds me. It gives me the opportunity to reflect on my own actions, strive for kindness, and gather hope. Although, the space where I have felt the most close to God was in the hospital with Matilda and <a href="http://www.cloudydaygray.com/p/howidonatelife.html" target="_blank">witnessing the miracle of her second chance at life</a>.<br />
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There is something within Matilda that transcends this earth. Sure, she is just a regular kid. <i>But</i>, she comes <a href="http://www.cloudydaygray.com/2014/12/the-last-rite.html" target="_blank">from an extraordinary event.</a> An event that doctors called a miracle. An event where everything fell into place so miraculously. An event that has caused <a href="http://www.cloudydaygray.com/2016/04/long-live-matilda.html" target="_blank">a beautiful ripple of hope</a> in the transplant community.<br />
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On Good Friday, I took the kids to church with me, and when it came time to venerate the cross Matilda snuck away. She confidently marched to the front of the church and crossed over to where priests were standing. Now, at this point, Parker and I were just staring in surprise at what she was doing, but my instinct wasn't to chase after her, it was to wait and allow her to return once she realized she was alone.<br />
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What Matilda did next, made the entire church gasp in awe. She stood in front of the cross. Looking up, she gently embraced the cross with both hands, slowly put her forehead to the cross, and with so much love she quietly kissed it. Then, turning to everyone in the congregation, she flashed the brightest smile and danced her way back to where I was standing. Tears filled my eyes, joy burst out of heart, and as I lifted her into my arms I told her I was so proud.<br />
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During Easter mass on Sunday, the priest retold the story of a little girl who approached the alter to kiss the cross. His words echoed in the church as he repeated the phrase he wanted us all to remember, "She gets it." <i>She gets it</i>. He made the point that it wasn't what she did, but how she did it. She didn't walk away quietly with her head down, she danced.<br />
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She was filled with joy, <i>she gets it</i>.
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<img border="“0”" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFhn4wVPHs1TRkFaK5WW90ljRLmMySHoKSUutwc5tHnDjXEr2vaI801evuvAaVj7si9OdWbQmqlA07ksncYqFkdmx1ZjkIcNEPjn4m_0IgiRAW6LP9mME0DCwjAnEreCd4prRHOgj0n7s/s1600/shegetsit2.png" width="“650”" />
<img border="“0”" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWnNTVaQzjm-qhcb64OyZmO0lLIWcubyq5VqHYeEM9uFK-Jz1T0YoIcjJsWDTAPw_Q-Psbt3BBROX-_46mdzFeSSAWKPcS1WbOBy19Vyg5WTxRys7Do-at3NJzULaAjGkKxaSCeEB5YZ8/s1600/shegetsit3.png" width="“650”" />
<img border="“0”" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBVb8Dvzplamai8wSK_uYdMC-aiQElXRGsACwuPdnc1D37IJ97uw2bgN7lDx906kG317EW4ulUAmQwt2cUKyp1CBHfyMpqY6prrrTInvIdHt3F16lQYtSwDdk3A1NHgWI1AybJYI10dgo/s1600/shegetsit4.png" width="“650”" />Cloudy Day Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02052617934624601981noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8311129406421946566.post-5508487973439621042017-04-10T06:00:00.000-04:002017-04-12T08:44:45.899-04:00this little miggy stayed home<img border="“0”" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjriybZbmy92JnGJt87_CCku5jVfgxJ0TNyxLcRB15-I0DB7h4ES56v0MobvDUN8Si5WppkU5cTR4QvPkGrW_L27AuMPj9D7VBitNbiSXVoF_noNXFJ1WccWNXR4TKygkSUIu4H2nn2VWE/s1600/matilda3.jpg" width="“650”" />
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This year at Altitude Summit, I met the most amazing person, Miggy of <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thislittlemiggy/" target="_blank">This Little Miggy Stayed Home</a>. We had chatted online, but this was the first time we had the opportunity to spill our guts and really dive deep into both of our experiences as mothers of children with special needs. Our stories are very different, but our emotions, our shared hope for our daughters, and our relationships with doctors, nurses, hospitals follow the same thread.<br />
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I plan to do a <a href="http://www.cloudydaygray.com/search/label/Cloudy%20Day%20Interviews?max-results=9" target="_blank">Cloudy Day Interview</a> with Miggy soon, but for now you can learn more about her by checking out her site <a href="http://www.thislittlemiggy.com/" target="_blank">This Little Miggy Stayed Home</a>. You will be sure to leave inspired. AND while you are over there, stop by this article - <a href="http://www.thislittlemiggy.com/2017/04/in-2012-my-life-changed-forever.html" target="_blank">Special Needs Spotlight: Matilda</a> to read my interview with her. My favorite answer is to the very last question, so be sure to make it all the way to the end.<br />
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And, don't forget that it is National Donate Life Month! This is the perfect opportunity to share Matilda's story and start a conversation about pediatric organ donation.Cloudy Day Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02052617934624601981noreply@blogger.com