tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21750904595166593032024-03-13T10:19:46.528-05:00The Strong FamilyKristal {Love, Grace & Hope}http://www.blogger.com/profile/00293030256432566592noreply@blogger.comBlogger274125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2175090459516659303.post-22294658732167315342015-01-01T06:00:00.000-06:002015-01-01T06:00:01.566-06:00Love, Grace & Hope<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy New Year!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">You'll find me over at <a href="http://lovegraceandhope.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Love, Grace & Hope</a>. I'd love to you to stop by and check it out. That's where you'll find me from now on. :)</span><br />
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Kristal {Love, Grace & Hope}http://www.blogger.com/profile/00293030256432566592noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2175090459516659303.post-90855515825307771832014-10-03T13:19:00.000-05:002014-10-03T13:19:13.974-05:00Until next year....<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hey y'all!! It's been quite awhile since I've spent much time around here. There have been a lot of big, life changing events that have happened the last few months that have kept me away. I've missed blogging and staying in touch with all of my blogger friends, though! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've sat down at the computer a few different times to write what's been on my heart lately, but it's just not coming out. So, while I've already taken an unintentional break from blogging, I've decided to take an official break from blogging until the New Year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I'll still be around, though, on <a href="http://instagram.com/the_strongfamily#" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Instagram</span></a> {the_strongfamily} and <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/kristalstrong06/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Pinterst</span></a> so I'd love to stay in touch with you that way! I'm already looking forward to coming back at the first of the year. I hope you'll stop by next year and say hello. :)</span>Kristal {Love, Grace & Hope}http://www.blogger.com/profile/00293030256432566592noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2175090459516659303.post-14499425695572430592014-09-15T06:00:00.000-05:002014-09-15T07:33:06.607-05:00Home Tour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Good morning, y'all!! It's been awhile since I've stopped by my little corner of the blog world, but I'm excited to be back today and give you a little peek into our home and some of my favorite places and things you'll find here. Thank you, <a href="http://www.makemeupmia.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;">Mia</span></a>, for nominating me. You can check out her beautiful home <a href="http://www.makemeupmia.com/2014/09/tour-through-blogland-favorites-from.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;">here</span></a><span style="color: #a64d79;">.</span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When you first walk into our home, you'll be greeted with our entryway collage and table. I love this little collage because half of the things I made myself and I'm immediately reminded to keep my mind on Him no matter what. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HQjlibrtSa8/VBLtCkYn5VI/AAAAAAAAGe4/ZpPvkMGCFCw/s1600/entryway%2Bcollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="wall collage" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HQjlibrtSa8/VBLtCkYn5VI/AAAAAAAAGe4/ZpPvkMGCFCw/s1600/entryway%2Bcollage.jpg" height="266" title="entryway collage" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Once you're in our entryway, you can turn to the left and enter our living room. This is our favorite room to cozy up in during the winter months. Turn on the fire, maybe pop in a movie, read books together, whatever. It's a cozy place to be together.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PR7hXi-KEZQ/VBLtFCHGxdI/AAAAAAAAGfA/yEwF50Q42vQ/s1600/living%2Broom%2B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="living room" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PR7hXi-KEZQ/VBLtFCHGxdI/AAAAAAAAGfA/yEwF50Q42vQ/s1600/living%2Broom%2B.jpg" height="366" title="living room" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our kitchen is a work in progress for sure, but I love our white cabinets. This was the biggest project we took on ourselves before moving in. Refinishing cabinets is not something I'm in any hurry to do again, but I'm thrilled with the results.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bcJMZP9_lc8/VBLtHwW1SwI/AAAAAAAAGfI/KPMhTYq6gkA/s1600/Kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="kitchen remodel" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bcJMZP9_lc8/VBLtHwW1SwI/AAAAAAAAGfI/KPMhTYq6gkA/s1600/Kitchen.jpg" height="266" title="kitchen" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In our den, just off the kitchen, you'll find my little office space. I love this area. I found the most perfect desk off of Craigslist for a steal of a deal! Now you know where I'm sitting and working on posts. :)</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NPpHRHs-qP4/VBLtJ2JTMZI/AAAAAAAAGfQ/JE_uMF7MIz4/s1600/desk%2Barea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="work space" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NPpHRHs-qP4/VBLtJ2JTMZI/AAAAAAAAGfQ/JE_uMF7MIz4/s1600/desk%2Barea.jpg" height="275" title="office space" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My final place is our bedroom. It, too, is a work in progress, but it's our little retreat and I love it. That little pillow, I love you because, has a pocket on the back to slip little notes into with reasons why you love the other. I'm a sucker for those kind of notes. </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-20PLAClcYTs/VBLtLeFKt_I/AAAAAAAAGfY/HL5xwqbV4pw/s1600/bedroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="master bedroom" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-20PLAClcYTs/VBLtLeFKt_I/AAAAAAAAGfY/HL5xwqbV4pw/s1600/bedroom.jpg" height="262" title="master bedroom" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There's a little look into our home. I'd love to show you more glimpses as I finish projects and we make more updates. Now it's your turn! I'd love to see your favorite places or things in your home! I'm passing the baton to another real life bestie of <a href="http://www.makemeupmia.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;">Mia</span></a> and I, Angela at <a href="http://awifewelllived.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;">A Wife Well Lived</span></a>.</span></div>
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<a href="http://instagram.com/the_strongfamily#" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Instagram</span></a><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">/</span><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/kristalstrong06/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pinterest</span></a><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">/</span><a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/8849585/the-strong-family" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bloglovin</span></a><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">/</span><a href="https://twitter.com/KristalStrong06" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Twitter</span></a></div>
Kristal {Love, Grace & Hope}http://www.blogger.com/profile/00293030256432566592noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2175090459516659303.post-64788257045012849702014-08-04T06:56:00.001-05:002014-08-04T06:56:29.153-05:00Weekending<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hi y'all!! It's been a <em>long</em> time since I've stopped by my little slice of the internet to say hello and share what we've been up to lately. July was a whirlwind of a month and, quite honestly, I'm happy to see it go!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">August kicked off with a bang! Friday night, Robert and I picked up our <em>brand new </em>Honda Pilot!! We're really excited about it and enjoying it very much. Our van served us well for over 3 years, but we were ready for a change. And this is the perfect fit for our family.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Saturday brought Robert's 30th birthday!! Due to some unexpected changes in plans, I had to cancel the surprise party I had planned for him. His birthday wasn't as exciting and fun as I would have liked it to be. :( However, I'll be rescheduling his (non-surprise now) party and we'll have a great time with friends.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">We ended the weekend with a cookout with our neighbors. It's so nice having neighbors who are friends, too! :)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana;">How was your weekend?!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://instagram.com/the_strongfamily#" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Instagram</span></a><span style="color: #e06666;">/</span><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/kristalstrong06/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Pinterest</span></a><span style="color: #e06666;">/</span><a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/8849585/the-strong-family" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Bloglovin</span></a><span style="color: #e06666;">/</span><a href="https://twitter.com/KristalStrong06" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Twitter</span></a></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.blovedboston.com/" title="Weekending "><img alt="Weekending " src="http://i1016.photobucket.com/albums/af282/blovedboston/weekendgraphic_zpsa968e672.jpg" style="border: currentColor;" /></a></div>
Kristal {Love, Grace & Hope}http://www.blogger.com/profile/00293030256432566592noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2175090459516659303.post-61173388327483592992014-07-08T06:00:00.000-05:002014-07-08T06:00:08.218-05:00Weekend recap (on a Tuesday, ha!)<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy Tuesday y'all!! I hope you had a great weekend celebrating the 4th of July with your family and friends. We had a full weekend with Robert's parents visiting from Chicago. I'll let the pictures do most of the talking, but as you'll see we had a fun time together.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">{Friday}</span> <span style="color: black;">We enjoyed the day together at home doing a little bit of this and that and a lot of pool time. I made some yummy ribs, apparently some of the best ribs my father-in-law has ever had, potato salad and strawberries and blueberries for dinner. Then it was off to the fireworks show!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">{Saturday} <span style="color: black;">We drove over to the <a href="http://www.okczoo.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">OKC zoo</span></a> followed by <a href="http://www.pops66.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">POPS</span></a> for dinner. It was our first time to either place and it was a really fun day! </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F-U7PtW_Wpc/U7tNNbPYgzI/AAAAAAAAGdA/3nYAjKXOmLQ/s1600/July+5+collage_2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Oklahoma City Zoo" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F-U7PtW_Wpc/U7tNNbPYgzI/AAAAAAAAGdA/3nYAjKXOmLQ/s1600/July+5+collage_2.jpg" height="333" title="OKC zoo" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">{Sunday}</span> We enjoyed church followed by a big lunch with my side of the family. I'm so grateful that our families are actually friends and enjoy spending time together. After lunch, the boys went fishing and Betsy and I worked around the house on little projects I've been wanting to do. We finished the day with a long, humid walk just myself, Robert and Betsy. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was a fun, family weekend! How was your weekend?!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://instagram.com/the_strongfamily#" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Instagram</span></a><span style="color: #e06666;">/</span><a href="https://twitter.com/KristalStrong06" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Twitter</span></a><span style="color: #e06666;">/</span><a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/8849585/the-strong-family" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Bloglovin</span></a><span style="color: #e06666;">/</span><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/kristalstrong06/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Pinterest</span></a></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.blovedboston.com/" title="Weekending "><img alt="Weekending " src="http://i1016.photobucket.com/albums/af282/blovedboston/weekendgraphic_zpsa968e672.jpg" style="border: currentColor;" /></a></div>
Kristal {Love, Grace & Hope}http://www.blogger.com/profile/00293030256432566592noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2175090459516659303.post-54783356916225765322014-07-07T06:37:00.001-05:002014-07-07T06:37:23.752-05:00Land of the Free Because of the Brave<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy Monday!! We have a had a full holiday weekend with my inlaws visiting from Chicago. So full, in fact, I haven't had a chance to recap our fun. Come back tomorrow to see what fun we had this July 4th weekend.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Until then, head on over to <a href="http://www.oklahomawomenbloggers.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Oklahoma Women Bloggers</span></a> to read my post about thanking the men and women {and their families} who so graciously serve our country and allow us the opportunity to celebrate our great land like we did this weekend.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'll see you back here tomorrow for my weekend recap!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://instagram.com/the_strongfamily#" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Instagram</span></a><span style="color: #e06666;">/</span><a href="https://twitter.com/KristalStrong06" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Twitter</span></a><span style="color: #e06666;">/</span><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/kristalstrong06/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Pinterest</span></a><span style="color: #e06666;">/</span><a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/8849585/the-strong-family" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Bloglovin'</span></a></span></div>
Kristal {Love, Grace & Hope}http://www.blogger.com/profile/00293030256432566592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2175090459516659303.post-37036927272960643102014-07-02T06:00:00.000-05:002014-07-02T06:00:01.090-05:00Monthly Faves<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy Wednesday! I'm excited to link up with <a href="http://www.makemeupmia.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Mia</span></a> and <a href="http://adeeperjoy.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Kelli</span></a> for my current faves. It's a hodge podge of sorts, but what I'm loving right now. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">{Collin and Emma}</span> Did you really think I could make it through a favorites post without mentioning these cuties?! I didn't think so. But really, they are just the best of friends and adore playing together. Collin is really growing and maturing so much and it is so sweet watching the two of them together.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sunwarrior-Classic-Rice-Protein-Vanilla/dp/B002IKKRYO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1404263183&sr=8-1&keywords=sunwarrior+protein" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">{Sunwarrior Protein Powder}</span></a> <span style="color: black;">I'm loving this protein powder!!! I'll mix it up with some Almond Milk and bam! I'm on my way to building strong, lean muscles. :)</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://www.target.com/p/archer-farms-monster-trail-mix-26-oz/-/A-12943140#prodSlot=medium_1_2&term=archer+farms+monster+mix" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">{Archer Farms Monster Trail Mix}</span></a> <span style="color: black;">I mean, does this need much explanation?! If I'm exercising, I have to reward myself for it, right?! But seriously, this stuff is amazing!!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">{My lovebug}</span> Oh, he'll just <em>love </em>that I shared my nickname for him, but oh well. :) He's my fav!! And last month we celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary and that celebration included those giant, delicious pieces of pie you see! Yum!!!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, what are your current favorites {anything counts!}?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://instagram.com/the_strongfamily#" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Instagram</span></a><span style="color: #e06666;">/</span><a href="https://twitter.com/KristalStrong06" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Twitter</span></a><span style="color: #e06666;">/</span><a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/8849585/the-strong-family" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Bloglovin'</span></a><span style="color: #e06666;">/</span><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/kristalstrong06/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Pinterest</span></a></span></div>
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Kristal {Love, Grace & Hope}http://www.blogger.com/profile/00293030256432566592noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2175090459516659303.post-76609960012557690142014-06-30T06:00:00.000-05:002014-06-30T06:18:17.417-05:00Weekend Recap-#23 checked off!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy Monday! It's been a good, busy summer so far which means I've been a bit haphazard with my blogging. So, thanks for coming back!! :) You can always keep up with our fun on <a href="http://instagram.com/the_strongfamily#" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Instagram</span></a>, too. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Saturday was "the" day of the weekend. It started off with a blate (blog date) with my bestie <a href="http://www.makemeupmia.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Mia</span></a> and <a href="http://trueagape.net/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Cassie</span></a>. We enjoyed a delicious lunch at <a href="http://www.cosmo-cafe.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Cosmo Cafe</span></a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Later Saturday afternoon, I headed off to get my first {and likely only} tattoo. Now, this is seriously the craziest thing I have ever done. Some of you may be thinking, "Wow really?!" Others may be thinking, "I cannot believe you got a tattoo!!" Where ever you are in that spectrum, the truth remains, I did it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The older I get, the more I giggle to myself at the things I said I would <em>never </em>do and here I am doing them. From getting a tattoo to parenting decisions, I'm eating my words. That being said, I seriously doubt I'll get another tattoo, but I'm definitely not going to say I will <em>never </em>get another tattoo. I've officially marked #23 off my <a href="http://kristalstrong.blogspot.com/2014/06/30-by-30.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">30 by 30</span></a> list.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Starting tomorrow, you'll also find my over at <a href="http://www.oklahomawomenbloggers.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Oklahoma Women Bloggers</span></a> as their July Blogger of the Month. I'll be stopping by a few times throughout the month with new posts. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://instagram.com/the_strongfamily#" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Instagram</span></a><span style="color: #e06666;">/</span><a href="https://twitter.com/KristalStrong06" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Twitter</span></a><span style="color: #e06666;">/</span><a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/8849585/the-strong-family" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Bloglovin'</span></a><span style="color: #e06666;">/</span><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/kristalstrong06/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Pinterest</span></a></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.blovedboston.com" title="Weekending "><img src="http://i1016.photobucket.com/albums/af282/blovedboston/weekendgraphic_zpsa968e672.jpg" alt="Weekending " style="border:none;" /></a></div>
Kristal {Love, Grace & Hope}http://www.blogger.com/profile/00293030256432566592noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2175090459516659303.post-57569366579120582982014-06-26T06:37:00.004-05:002014-06-26T06:37:59.834-05:00Pray for Mayberry<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today I come to you both brokenhearted and hopeful. As some of you may know, <a href="http://www.makemeupmia.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Mia's</span></a> brother was involved in a terrible accident on <a href="http://www.makemeupmia.com/2013/09/prayformayberry.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">September 1, 2013</span></a> that has left him <em>fighting for his life</em> ever since. It has been a roller coaster ride of deep valleys and hopeful highs. However, the circumstances around the accident are <em>frustrating</em>, to say the <em>least</em>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Yesterday, the <a href="http://www.hlntv.com/slideshow/2014/06/25/christian-mayberry-paralyzed-atv-accident-mom-fight-justice" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Nancy Grace show</span></a> released a story about Christian and the family with an attempt to draw attention to their situation in the hopes of finding Christian the treatment he <em>needs</em>, while bringing justice to him and the family. This leads you to my broken, yet hopeful heart. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The attention of the <a href="http://www.hlntv.com/slideshow/2014/06/25/christian-mayberry-paralyzed-atv-accident-mom-fight-justice" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Nancy Grace story</span></a> brings the hope that <em>somebody</em>, <em>somewhere</em> will hear his story and know of a place where Christian can receive the rehabilitation he <em>needs</em>. But it also reveals haters who are waiting and ready to pounce on the family and tear them to shreds over things they know <em>nothing</em> about and assumptions they've made that are <em>completely untrue</em>!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The latter fires me up <em>bad</em>. Knowing <a href="http://www.makemeupmia.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Mia</span></a> and her family in the intimate way I do absolutely breaks me heart as I watch them reel from the effects of mean, hateful words spoken to them and about them in this darkest of times. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">What I'm asking you is to <em>please </em>read and share <a href="http://www.hlntv.com/slideshow/2014/06/25/christian-mayberry-paralyzed-atv-accident-mom-fight-justice" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">the story</span></a> and help us get the word out about Christian and the help he needs <em>right now;</em>and in the end, bring justice to Christian. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">And <em>please, please</em> use your words to speak <em>life</em> to <a href="http://www.makemeupmia.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Mia</span></a> and her family. The haters are loud and their words sting deep, <em><span style="color: #073763;">but we have to power to bring life and hope to the Mayberry family. Let's be loud!!</span></em></span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://instagram.com/the_strongfamily#" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Instagram</span></a><span style="color: #e06666;">/</span><a href="https://twitter.com/KristalStrong06" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Twitter</span></a><span style="color: #e06666;">/</span><a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/8849585/the-strong-family" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Bloglovin'</span></a><span style="color: #e06666;">/</span><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/kristalstrong06/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Pinterest</span></a></span></em></div>
Kristal {Love, Grace & Hope}http://www.blogger.com/profile/00293030256432566592noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2175090459516659303.post-79986804073719818012014-06-23T06:00:00.000-05:002014-06-23T06:00:07.096-05:00Weekend Fun<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy Monday! I hope you had a nice weekend kicking off the official start of summer! We had a good one with lots of sun and pool time and even a good summer thunderstorm. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We kicked off the weekend fun <span style="color: #674ea7;">Friday</span> night with a little trip to Cherry Berry. Can't go wrong with some frozen yogurt! Yum!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Saturday</span> brought <a href="http://www.makemeupmia.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Mia</span></a> and I's pool date. Before jumping in the pool, though, we had our booty's kicked at boot camp that morning. Can I just tell you how stinkin sore my legs <em>still</em> are....so sore! We had a great time lounging by the pool, chatting away, and cooling off in the water with the kiddos. This was also the first time I put on a bikini in <em>years</em>, thank you <a href="http://toneitup.com/category/fitness/bikini-series/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Bikini Series</span></a> and my fav <a href="http://toneitup.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Tone It Up</span></a> girls!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">On <span style="color: #674ea7;">Sunday</span> after <a href="http://thechurch.at/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">church</span></a>, Robert took Collin to a local lake for a little fishing. He sent me a pic of Collin in action. :) Funny enough, Collin is the only one who caught fish this trip. They had a great time and I have a feeling this will become a more regular thing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">It was a perfect kick off to summer. Summer is already flying by but I'm happy to say I'm really <a href="http://kristalstrong.blogspot.com/2014/06/june-monthly-focus.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">savoring</span></a> it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://instagram.com/the_strongfamily#" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Instagram</span></a><span style="color: #e06666;">/</span><a href="https://twitter.com/KristalStrong06" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Twitter</span></a><span style="color: #e06666;">/</span><a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/8849585/the-strong-family" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Bloglovin'</span></a><span style="color: #e06666;">/</span><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/kristalstrong06/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Pinterest</span></a></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.blovedboston.com/" title="Weekending "><img alt="Weekending " src="http://i1016.photobucket.com/albums/af282/blovedboston/weekendgraphic_zpsa968e672.jpg" style="border: currentColor;" /></a></div>
Kristal {Love, Grace & Hope}http://www.blogger.com/profile/00293030256432566592noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2175090459516659303.post-83327631285461021222014-06-20T07:59:00.002-05:002014-06-20T07:59:59.091-05:00Five on Friday<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Good Friday morning!! Can I just say how glad I am the weekend is upon us?! What a week it's been!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">{one}</span> Today you can find me guest posting over at <a href="http://www.abrewofblessings.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">A Brew of Blessings</span></a>! Tara and her hubby are off enjoying some sunshine and vacation time and she allowed me to take over her blog for the day! Go check out my thoughts on <a href="http://www.abrewofblessings.com/2014/06/beauty-of-hosting.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Hosting</span></a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">{two}</span> Wednesday afternoon into Thursday brought an impromptu visit from <a href="http://kristalstrong.blogspot.com/2013/09/we-love-neighbor.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Neighbor</span></a>! We love her and her visits!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">{three}</span> Well, I did it! Tomorrow marks the first official day of summer and the end of the <a href="http://toneitup.com/category/fitness/bikini-series/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Bikini Series</span></a>. I have <i>loved </i>these last 8 weeks, have noticed a change in my body and certainly have found a love of<a href="http://kristalstrong.blogspot.com/2014/05/workout-love-who-me-tiu-giveaway.html" target="_blank"> <span style="color: #e06666;">working out</span></a>!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">{four} </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.makemeupmia.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Mia</span></a> and I have plans to kick off the first day of summer, with a day at the pool!! We're both looking forward to it as we haven't had a day at the pool together all season yet. Time to change that!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">{five} </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This coming Tuesday (June 24) is our 8th anniversary!! I can't believe how quickly these 8 years have flown by. I could not imagine sharing my life with anybody else. Y'all know how smitten I am with him. :) I'm sure I'll have a post all about us, just like I did last year when I talked about the <span style="color: #e06666;"><a href="http://kristalstrong.blogspot.com/2013/06/7-years-and-still-in-love.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">top 7 things I've learned</span></a> </span>thus far in our marriage. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I hope you have a great weekend kicking off the official start of summer!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://instagram.com/the_strongfamily#" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Instagram</span></a>/<a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/8849585/the-strong-family" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Bloglovin'</span></a>/<a href="https://twitter.com/KristalStrong06" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Twitter</span></a>/<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/kristalstrong06/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Pinterest</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Linking up with</span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.the-good-life-blog.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Darci</span></a>/<a href="http://meetatthebarre.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Amanda</span></a>/<a href="http://www.thelaurenelizabeth.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Lauren</span></a>/<a href="http://thediaryofarealhousewife.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Jenni</span></a></span></div>
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Kristal {Love, Grace & Hope}http://www.blogger.com/profile/00293030256432566592noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2175090459516659303.post-81586214699462315252014-06-18T06:00:00.000-05:002014-06-18T06:00:09.462-05:0030 by 30 <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The idea of turning 30 hasn't really bothered me, at least the closer I get to it, it doesn't bother me. Ha! Up until the last few weeks, I hadn't given much thought to a bucket list. On a whim, though, I decided it would be a pretty fun way to end my 20's and start my 30's. So I've put together a little 30 by 30. I only have a couple crazy ones and you'll probably laugh at most of them, but here they are. These are the things I'd like to do before May 4, 2015. {I only have 25 things, 30 is a lot!, so if you have suggestions, I'd <i>love </i>to hear them!}</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N5Ivi1ctGaw/U6DYwjBCCdI/AAAAAAAAGZk/uUO0FPaJOug/s1600/30+by+30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="30 by 30" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N5Ivi1ctGaw/U6DYwjBCCdI/AAAAAAAAGZk/uUO0FPaJOug/s1600/30+by+30.jpg" height="210" title="30 by 30 bucket list" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. Watch a sunrise with Robert</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. Dance in the rain with the kids</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. <i>RUN</i> a 5k</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4. Serve at a soup kitchen</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5. Lead someone to Christ{or more}</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">6. Complete a 5k obstacle course with Robert</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">7. Girls trip!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">8. Attend an <a href="http://theinfluencenetwork.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Influence net</span></a> class{or more}</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">9. Do a cookie/recipe exchange with friends</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">10. Meet one blogger friend in person{or more}</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">11. Add sponsorship to my blog</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">12. Take the kids to Disney World</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">13. Go on a picnic</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">14. Catch lightning bugs with the kids</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">15. Enjoy a strawberry cupcake from <a href="https://www.cravecupcakes.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Crave</span></a>{in Houston}</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">16. Weekend getaway with Robert</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">17. Regularly use my <a href="http://www.bestbuy.com//site/promo/canon-t3i-02282014?ref=30&loc=KW-4326" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">fancy camera</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">18. Do one pull up by myself</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">19. Watch a meteor shower</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">20. Teach myself to play the piano</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">21. Be a tourist in my own city</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">22. Get my passport</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">23. Get a tattoo</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">24. Go to a drive in movie</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">25. Repel down a building{is this even possible?!}</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There's my bucket list {or most of it}! Several of those I have already done, but I'd love to do them again. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;">I want to know...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">What do you think I should add to my list?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><a href="http://instagram.com/the_strongfamily#" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Instagram</span></a><span style="color: #e06666;">/</span><a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/8849585/the-strong-family" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Bloglovin'</span></a><span style="color: #e06666;">/</span><a href="https://twitter.com/KristalStrong06" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Twitter</span></a><span style="color: #e06666;">/</span><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/kristalstrong06/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Pinterest</span></a></span></span></span></div>
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Kristal {Love, Grace & Hope}http://www.blogger.com/profile/00293030256432566592noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2175090459516659303.post-71430622929772778572014-06-16T06:00:00.000-05:002014-06-16T06:00:10.064-05:00Weekending<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Good Monday morning!! I hope you enjoyed a wonderful weekend with your loved ones! We had another full weekend and for that I am grateful!</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QhpHdscdaHw/U55H7GaOL8I/AAAAAAAAGZM/k4kBILpJ80k/s1600/kims+wedding+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QhpHdscdaHw/U55H7GaOL8I/AAAAAAAAGZM/k4kBILpJ80k/s1600/kims+wedding+collage.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Friday night</span> brought Kim and Steven's wedding! Mia and I were SO excited for Kim!! We have been through a lot </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">with her and </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">could not </i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">have been more excited for this special day to have finally come for them! She was </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">gorgeous </i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and we had an absolute blast with </span><a href="http://www.makemeupmia.com/" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Mia</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> and Dustin!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Saturday</span> was FULL! We actually had <i>no </i>plans for Saturday, but it turned out to be jam packed with things to do. Mostly unexciting things that needed to get done around and for the house, but it felt good to accomplish them.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kT1fTFEzIKs/U55I2XPYGzI/AAAAAAAAGZU/xhJEUe0vh9M/s1600/fathers+day+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kT1fTFEzIKs/U55I2XPYGzI/AAAAAAAAGZU/xhJEUe0vh9M/s1600/fathers+day+collage.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Sunday </span>brought Father's Day and a chance to celebrate the men in our lives. I <i>could not </i>be more grateful for the incredible, Godly men God has blessed me with, <a href="http://kristalstrong.blogspot.com/2013/09/one-incredible-man.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">my Dad</span></a> and <a href="http://kristalstrong.blogspot.com/2014/04/thankful-thursday-week-14.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">my husband</span></a>! We enjoyed a delicious lunch at Cheesecake Factory, followed by a fun cookout at home with my family of four. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There's a quick look at my weekend. How was your weekend?!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://instagram.com/the_strongfamily#" target="_blank">Instagram</a>/<a href="https://twitter.com/KristalStrong06" target="_blank">Twitter</a>/<a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/8849585/the-strong-family" target="_blank">Bloglovin'</a>/<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/kristalstrong06/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.blovedboston.com/" title="Weekending "><img alt="Weekending " src="http://i1016.photobucket.com/albums/af282/blovedboston/weekendgraphic_zpsa968e672.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
Kristal {Love, Grace & Hope}http://www.blogger.com/profile/00293030256432566592noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2175090459516659303.post-79597889854162520522014-06-13T06:00:00.000-05:002014-06-13T06:00:11.969-05:00Five of Friday<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy Friday y'all!! This is an especially happy Friday because one of my dear friends is marrying her love tonight! Yay!! So excited for you, Kim! Can't wait to celebrate with you and Steven tonight. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today I thought I'd highlight some of my favorite things from songs to shoes to coffee mugs, so here we go!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">{one}</span> The kids and I are basically obsessed with <a href="http://www.forkingandcountry.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i>For King and Country</i>'s</span></a> new song <span style="color: #6aa84f;">"Fix My Eyes"</span>. Whenever it comes on, we crank it up and sing it loud! Always fun to do with the kids. :)</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/iXGuWHb5INk?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">{two} </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The <a href="http://getyourprettyon.com/style-me-challenge-summer-2014/" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #990000;">Summer Style Challenge</span></i></a> starts Sunday and I'm excited! I have most of the pieces and am looking forward to sharing the looks with you each week. What I'm enjoying most about these challenges is that I requires me to not forget about myself, but that's a whole other post. :)</span><br />
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<br /><span style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">{three} </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My sweet friend, <a href="http://awifewelllived.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Angela</span></a>, got me the cutest <a href="http://shopcrystalfaye.com/collections/coffee-mugs/products/eat-blog-love-coffee-mug" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">mug</span></a> for my birthday and I'm obsessed with it. I enjoyed my morning coffee out of it every day! You can get your own mug at <a href="http://shopcrystalfaye.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e69138;">Crystal Faye designs</span></a>. </span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EIptfvOja7E/U5oQ3glKh1I/AAAAAAAAGYk/qMJhVkMK-xQ/s1600/eat+blog+love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Crystal Faye mugs" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EIptfvOja7E/U5oQ3glKh1I/AAAAAAAAGYk/qMJhVkMK-xQ/s1600/eat+blog+love.jpg" height="320" title="Eat Blog Love" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://shopcrystalfaye.com/collections/coffee-mugs/products/eat-blog-love-coffee-mug" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Eat Blog Love</span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">{four} </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've been drooling over these <a href="http://www.zappos.com/sperry-top-sider-angelfish-linen-oat" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Sperry's</span></a> since I stumbled upon them at <span style="color: #93c47d;"><a href="https://www.nordstromrack.com/" target="_blank">Nordstrom Rack</a>.</span> I didn't buy them that day, but I sure can't get them out of my mind...</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ea9999; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.zappos.com/sperry-top-sider-angelfish-linen-oat" target="_blank">Sperry Angelfish</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
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<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">{five} </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A new season of <a href="http://www.aetv.com/duck-dynasty" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d;">Duck Dynasty</span></a> started this past Wednesday. The Robertson crew always makes me laugh. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dlsLMxAEBb8/U5oXR_GmECI/AAAAAAAAGY8/No1uY_aCl7g/s1600/duck+dynasty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Duck Dynasty" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dlsLMxAEBb8/U5oXR_GmECI/AAAAAAAAGY8/No1uY_aCl7g/s1600/duck+dynasty.jpg" height="298" title="Duck Dynasty" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">I hope you have a fun weekend and have a chance to </span><a href="http://kristalstrong.blogspot.com/2014/06/june-monthly-focus.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f1c232;">savor</span></a><span style="color: #0b5394;"> time with family and friends!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://instagram.com/the_strongfamily#" target="_blank">Instagram</a>/<a href="https://twitter.com/KristalStrong06" target="_blank">Twitter</a>/<a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/8849585/the-strong-family" target="_blank">Bloglovin'</a>/<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/kristalstrong06/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Linking up with</span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.the-good-life-blog.com/" target="_blank">Darci</a>/<a href="http://meetatthebarre.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Amanda</a>/<a href="http://www.thelaurenelizabeth.com/" target="_blank">Lauren</a>/<a href="http://thediaryofarealhousewife.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jenni</a></span></div>
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Kristal {Love, Grace & Hope}http://www.blogger.com/profile/00293030256432566592noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2175090459516659303.post-60119753501773368382014-06-11T06:00:00.000-05:002014-06-11T08:02:05.317-05:00Masterpiece<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"For we are Gods masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." Ephesians 2:10 </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When you read that, do you let it sink in? I mean <i>really</i> soak in deep, reaching every last fiber of your being. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I read this verse the other day, it really struck me that<i> I am God's <span style="color: #674ea7;">masterpiece</span></i>. His <i><span style="color: #674ea7;">masterpiece</span></i>. I am His work of art! And not just <i>any</i> piece, His <i>finest</i> and <i>best</i>! Do I believe that?! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This life is hard. And it can drag us through the mud, mucking up the beauty that God <i><span style="color: #f1c232;">always</span></i> sees within us. We believe the <span style="color: #b45f06;">lies</span> of the world...we are not good enough; we have messed up one too many times; we are unlovable.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>Those.are.lies.</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We <i>are</i> <span style="color: #cc0000;">loved</span>, we <i>are</i> <span style="color: #cc0000;">enough</span>, we <i>are </i><span style="color: #cc0000;">valuable</span>! He gave His life for you and me! We are worth <i>so much more</i> than the finest piece of art you can find in this world.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Believe it, Sister!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>You</b>, <i>yes you</i>, are a <span style="color: #e06666;">beautiful</span> <i><span style="color: #674ea7;">masterpiece</span></i>!!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Walk in that Truth today!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7j3zo20CLVY/U5ebjyjboXI/AAAAAAAAGYE/tOx3G_MlpaA/s1600/ephesians+2_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Ephesians 2:10" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7j3zo20CLVY/U5ebjyjboXI/AAAAAAAAGYE/tOx3G_MlpaA/s1600/ephesians+2_10.jpg" height="640" title="Masterpiece Ephesians 2:10" width="456" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://frenchpressmornings.com/2013/10/encouraging-wednesdays-ephesians-210/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Via</span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://instagram.com/the_strongfamily#" target="_blank">Instagram</a>/<a href="https://twitter.com/KristalStrong06" target="_blank">Twitter</a>/<a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/8849585/the-strong-family" target="_blank">Bloglovin'</a>/<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/kristalstrong06/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Linking up with <span style="color: #999999;"><a href="http://rachelwojo.com/a-prayer-for-when-you-feel-disappointed/" target="_blank">Rachel,</a><a href="http://www.ourjoyhisglory.com/" target="_blank"> Leslie</a></span> & <a href="http://www.makemeupmia.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Mia</span></a></span></div>
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Kristal {Love, Grace & Hope}http://www.blogger.com/profile/00293030256432566592noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2175090459516659303.post-44883611609956734612014-06-09T06:00:00.000-05:002014-06-09T06:00:09.169-05:00Weekend Recap<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy Monday!! I'm skipping my normal <a href="http://kristalstrong.blogspot.com/search/label/Recipes" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">recipe</span></a> post this week because I just didn't have anything too exciting to share with y'all. And I definitely don't want to share a "so-so" recipe. :) So, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I thought it would be fun to recap our weekend!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8S2n-a5JMxM/U5UhiQZ9aMI/AAAAAAAAGXY/YeN_ypumtgY/s1600/summer+time+collage.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="the strong family" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8S2n-a5JMxM/U5UhiQZ9aMI/AAAAAAAAGXY/YeN_ypumtgY/s1600/summer+time+collage.jpeg" height="640" title="pool" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yes, Emma is wearing two pairs of sunglasses :)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Robert played in a basketball tournament <i>all day</i> on Saturday, so we didn't see him until about 6:00 that night. Luckily, the weather was <i><span style="color: #f1c232;">gorgeous</span></i> so the kids and I parked it at the pool <i><span style="color: #f1c232;">all.day.long</span>.</i> I feel I should tell you, I'm a huge weeny when it comes to the water temperature and me <i>actually</i> getting in to swim. Therefore, up until Saturday, I hadn't made it in past my calves. Sad, I know. BUT, per the request of my kiddos, I jumped in with them {over and over and over} and splashed the day away. It was <i><span style="color: #f1c232;">so.much.fun</span></i> to play in the pool with them!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Later that afternoon, one of my besties, <a href="http://awifewelllived.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Ang</span></a>, her hubby and baby Robert (!) came over to enjoy the <span style="color: #f1c232;">sunshine</span> and splash in the water with us. We had a great time chatting and enjoying the pool. Robert made it home just as we were getting out of the water. Oops! :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">We made our way inside and got dressed and talked a little about dinner. I had some chicken in the crock pot with plans to make <a href="http://mixandmatchmama.blogspot.com/2014/03/dinner-tonight-bbq-chicken-and-corn.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #660000;">BBQ Chicken & Corn Burritos</span></a> that night, so I invited them to stay for dinner. But what's a party without the whole crew together?! So, we called up <a href="http://www.makemeupmia.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Mia</span></a> and Dustin and they joined us for dinner too! Dinner turned out delicious and nobody left hungry, thankfully. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">After dinner, we set out on our first Geo-Caching adventure. Have y'all heard of this before? We just learned about it this week and decided to go look for some treasures. It was a lot of fun and we found one, with lots of plans to geo-cache some more. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">THIS. This weekend is <i><span style="color: #f1c232;">exactly</span> </i>what I hope(d) our summer would look like. This is <i><span style="color: #f1c232;">exactly</span></i> what I was talking about when I coined this the <a href="http://kristalstrong.blogspot.com/2014/06/june-monthly-focus.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">summer to savor</span></a>. We thoroughly enjoyed time with friends, making memories together and just enjoying one another's company! I'm looking forward to many more weekends laughing and splashing with the kids in the <span style="color: #f1c232;">pool</span> and impromptu <span style="color: #f1c232;">dinner and adventures</span> with our friends and family!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://instagram.com/the_strongfamily#" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Instagram</span></a><span style="color: #e06666;">/</span><a href="https://twitter.com/KristalStrong06" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Twitter</span></a><span style="color: #e06666;">/</span><a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/8849585/the-strong-family" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Bloglovin'</span></a><span style="color: #e06666;">/</span><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/kristalstrong06/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Pinterest</span></a></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.blovedboston.com/" title="Weekending "><img alt="Weekending " src="http://i1016.photobucket.com/albums/af282/blovedboston/weekendgraphic_zpsa968e672.jpg" style="border-image: none; border: currentColor;" /></a></div>
Kristal {Love, Grace & Hope}http://www.blogger.com/profile/00293030256432566592noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2175090459516659303.post-37942432032543516312014-06-05T08:13:00.001-05:002014-06-05T08:13:16.050-05:00Thankful Thursday Week 23<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy Thursday, y'all!! We're half way through the year, can you believe it?! My wonderful co-hosts and I have loved taking one day a week to focus on gratitude and we thank you <em>so much</em> for joining with us! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With summer upon us, we've decided to take a little break from this weekly linkup to allow more time to spend with family and friends and enjoy the season. We all want to <a href="http://kristalstrong.blogspot.com/2014/06/june-monthly-focus.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #674ea7;">savor this summer</span></a>! We plan to pick back up in the fall, though. So until then, come back throughout the summer and see what we're all up to. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://katieelizabethchicago.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Katie Elizabeth</span></a><span style="color: #e06666;">/</span><a href="http://www.makemeupmia.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">MakeMeUpMia</span></a><span style="color: #e06666;">/</span><a href="http://carlyblogshere.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">CarlyBlogsHere</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As I talked about on <a href="http://kristalstrong.blogspot.com/2014/06/june-monthly-focus.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Tuesday</span></a>, I'm really focusing on <a href="http://kristalstrong.blogspot.com/2014/06/june-monthly-focus.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #674ea7;">savoring this summer</span></a> with my family and friends. We have enjoyed pool time every.single.day. and it has been <em>wonderful! </em>We may not spend <em>all </em>day out there, but we spend a good amount of time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm really trying to do what needs to get done (because really, the house doesn't take care of itself), but let go of the things that really don't matter and are more of a preference of how I like things. I'm thankful for this change in thinking because we have been able to spend impromptu swim time and visit time with our <a href="http://www.oklahomawomenbloggers.com/bloom-where-you-are-planted/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #674ea7;">neighbors</span></a>. I'm looking forward to lots of intentional time with family and friends this summer! :) </span></div>
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<!-- end InLinkz script -->Kristal {Love, Grace & Hope}http://www.blogger.com/profile/00293030256432566592noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2175090459516659303.post-21435417108901092032014-06-03T06:00:00.000-05:002014-06-03T06:00:04.701-05:00June Monthly Focus<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For the last couple months (<a href="http://kristalstrong.blogspot.com/2014/04/serving-with-joy.html" target="_blank">April</a> and <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/kristalstrong06/" target="_blank">May</a>), I've had a <em>Monthly Focus</em> and I so enjoyed being intentional about a particular area each month. This month, I've decided on a word as my focus: <span style="color: #e06666;"><em><span style="font-size: large;">savor</span>.</em></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;">Life has been moving <em>so</em> fast the last few months that as we enter summer, I want to <span style="color: #e06666;">savor</span> each day to the fullest. I want to enjoy all the sunlight of the day, play hard with the kids, listen to their stories, splash in the pool, <em>be </em>together as a family and soak up this time together.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">This is our last summer before Collin officially starts school. As we move closer and closer to that time, I'm more and more grateful for the opportunity to homeschool him {and Emma} {and that's a whole other post}. But, it's also a bit bittersweet. I mean, how did we get to the school years so quickly?!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">This summer feels like the perfect time to <span style="color: #0b5394;"><em><span style="color: black;">breathe</span>. </em></span><span style="color: black;">Breathe deeply of the summer air, the laid back schedule, the good {<em>and the not so good}</em> together...</span><span style="color: #e06666;">savor </span><span style="color: black;">the moments.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Our <a href="http://thechurch.at/video/eat-pt-1/" target="_blank">church service on Sunday</a> confirmed my desire to <span style="color: #e06666;">savor </span><span style="color: black;">the moments this summer {and beyond} with not just my family, but with my Savior, too. To sit a little longer in His presence and just <em>be </em>with Him. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'll be honest, I'm not entirely sure what this is going to look like in my life this month. But this is what's on my heart. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What are your thoughts? How do you savor the days? How do you slow down and soak up the beauty in each day?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://instagram.com/the_strongfamily#" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Instagram</span></a><span style="color: #e06666;">/</span><a href="https://twitter.com/KristalStrong06" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Twitter</span></a><span style="color: #e06666;">/</span><a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/8849585/the-strong-family" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Bloglovin'</span></a><span style="color: #e06666;">/</span><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/kristalstrong06/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Pinterest</span></a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Linking up with one of my favs: <em><a href="http://www.themoderntulipblog.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">The Modern Tulip</span></a></em></span></div>
Kristal {Love, Grace & Hope}http://www.blogger.com/profile/00293030256432566592noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2175090459516659303.post-58393417890792043712014-06-02T06:00:00.000-05:002014-06-02T06:00:02.465-05:00Baked Spaghetti Pie, Garlic Bread and Spring Salad<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy Monday! I hope you had a great weekend! I had a wonderful time celebrating my bestie, <a href="http://www.makemeupmia.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Mia{MakeMeUpMia},</span></a> on Saturday for her birthday. Then, Sunday afternoon, <a href="http://www.makemeupmia.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Mia</span></a> and I were able to celebrate the pending arrival of <a href="http://trueagape.net/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Cassie's {True Agape}</span></a> sweet little girl. A fun, full weekend!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">As you look ahead to this week, you might be needing a <span style="color: #0b5394;"><em>fast,</em> <em>family friendly</em></span> meal. Well, I have just the dinner for you! </span><br />
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<em><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;"><u>Baked Spaghetti with Garlic Bread and Spring Salad</u></span></em></div>
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<em><u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Baked Spaghetti Pie</span></u></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">8oz spaghetti, cooked</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">2 eggs, beaten</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">8oz tomato sauce</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1 tbsp Italian seasoning</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1.5 cups Mozzarella cheese</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1. Toss spaghetti with eggs & 1/2 cup cheese.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">2. Pour into a greased pie plate to form a crust.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">3. Spread ricotta over the crust, then top with tomato sauce, then Italian seasoning.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">4. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">5. Top with 1 cup mozzarella cheese.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">6. Bake 5 more minutes, cool 5 minutes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">7. Cut into wedges, enjoy!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I picked up a frozen loaf of garlic bread and a <em>fresh</em> Spring Salad mix from my local farmer's market to pair with this dinner. Delish!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://instagram.com/the_strongfamily#" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Instagram</span></a><span style="color: #e06666;">/</span><a href="https://twitter.com/KristalStrong06" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Twitter</span></a><span style="color: #e06666;">/</span><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/kristalstrong06/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Pinterest</span></a><span style="color: #e06666;">/</span><a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/8849585/the-strong-family" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Bloglovin'</span></a></span></div>
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Kristal {Love, Grace & Hope}http://www.blogger.com/profile/00293030256432566592noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2175090459516659303.post-56195928724064152382014-05-30T06:00:00.000-05:002014-05-30T06:00:05.117-05:00Friday Favorites<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's Friday!! I don't know about you, but my days this week have really been thrown off. That usually happens when Robert gets an extra day off work, but that's ok! I'll take the time with him! :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have an exciting weekend ahead because...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">{one}</span> Tomorrow is one of my very best friends birthday, <a href="http://www.makemeupmia.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ea9999;">Mia from MakeMeUpMia</span></a>. She is <em>awesome!</em> She's the real deal and I'm <em>so blessed and thankful</em> to call her one of my besties!!!! Stop and wish her an early happy birthday, would ya?! :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">{two}</span> Tball pictures arrived yesterday. I realize I'm a <em>little</em> biased, but honestly, could he be any cuter?!</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1u9hdE6xJoc/U4eT41VrO_I/AAAAAAAAGTs/e9mX1RIxxKI/s1600/tball+5_29.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1u9hdE6xJoc/U4eT41VrO_I/AAAAAAAAGTs/e9mX1RIxxKI/s1600/tball+5_29.jpeg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">{three}</span> In case you missed it earlier this week, I had the chance to guest post on <a href="http://www.oklahomawomenbloggers.com/" target="_blank">Oklahoma Women Bloggers</a>. I shared some thoughts to "<a href="http://www.oklahomawomenbloggers.com/bloom-where-you-are-planted/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;">Bloom Where You're Planted</span></a>" </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dzBePq6RZGo/U4eVD2h-jsI/AAAAAAAAGT4/icjQf4cRqYM/s1600/bloom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dzBePq6RZGo/U4eVD2h-jsI/AAAAAAAAGT4/icjQf4cRqYM/s1600/bloom.jpg" height="320" width="247" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">{four}</span> Also this week, I shared my <a href="http://kristalstrong.blogspot.com/2014/05/workout-love-who-me-tiu-giveaway.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #674ea7;">workout routine {that I love}</span></a> and my thoughts on the importance of caring for yourself. </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5IRj0cWGMdY/U4eVcXHgp1I/AAAAAAAAGUA/tjSQWZAiHYk/s1600/care+for+yourself.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5IRj0cWGMdY/U4eVcXHgp1I/AAAAAAAAGUA/tjSQWZAiHYk/s1600/care+for+yourself.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">{five}</span> We finished up <a href="http://shereadstruth.com/category/plans/nehemiah14/" target="_blank">Nehemiah</a> and are starting <span style="color: #0b5394;">Titus</span> on Monday. I would <em>really love </em>for you to join me in this <span style="color: #0b5394;">Titus</span> study! It won't take much of your time and all you need is a Bible{or just an Internet connection to get you to <a href="http://shereadstruth.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">SheReadsTruth</span></a>}, but I know it'll change your life. Will you consider joining myself and the <a href="http://shereadstruth.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">SheReadsTruth</span></a> community from June 2-12 and digging into <span style="color: #0b5394;">Titus</span>?!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Do you have any weekend plans?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://instagram.com/the_strongfamily#" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Instagram</span></a><span style="color: #e06666;">/</span><a href="https://twitter.com/KristalStrong06" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Twitter</span></a><span style="color: #e06666;">/</span><a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/8849585/the-strong-family" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Bloglovin'</span></a><span style="color: #e06666;">/</span><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/kristalstrong06/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Pinterest</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Verdana;">Linking up:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://www.the-good-life-blog.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Darci</span></a><span style="color: #999999;">/</span><a href="http://meetatthebarre.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Amanda</span></a><span style="color: #999999;">/</span><a href="http://thediaryofarealhousewife.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Jenni</span></a><span style="color: #999999;">/</span><a href="http://www.thelaurenelizabeth.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Lauren</span></a></span></div>
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Kristal {Love, Grace & Hope}http://www.blogger.com/profile/00293030256432566592noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2175090459516659303.post-53328898796176659162014-05-29T06:53:00.003-05:002014-05-29T06:53:45.516-05:00Thankful Thursday Week 22<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy Thursday!! My goodness the days are flying by! Do you realize this is our last Thursday of May?! June starts Sunday!! Sheesh! My <em>Thankful Thursday</em> posts are great reminders throughout the week to slooooow down and soak up the beauty of everyday. Won't you join my co-hosts and I in gratitude today?! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.makemeupmia.com/" target="_blank">MakeMeUpMia</a>/<a href="http://carlyblogshere.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">CarlyBlogsHere</a>/<a href="http://katieelizabethchicago.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">KatieElizabeth</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">{one} How on earth is Emma big enough for a big girl bike?! Well, she is and after seeing this picture, my sweet parents went out <em>that day</em> and bought Emma her first big girl bike! If you follow me on <a href="http://instagram.com/the_strongfamily#" target="_blank">IG</a>, you've seen she's already riding like a pro!</span><br />
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{two} Robert and I were on our way home from church and lunch Sunday afternoon {my parents had taken the kiddos with them after lunch so they could "ride in Papa's truck!"} As we were passing Sams Club, we were stopped by a mini parade by the Budweiser horses! It's a bit difficult to see, but the the horses were <em>beautiful!!</em><br />
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{three} <a href="http://www.makemeupmia.com/" target="_blank">My bestie</a> helped me mark something off my <a href="http://kristalstrong.blogspot.com/2014/05/birthday-fun-and-30-by-30-bucket-list.html" target="_blank"><em>30 by 30</em> list</a> {which I'll be sharing with you soon}. I ate sushi!!<br />
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{four} Sweet snuggles!! I am <em>constantly </em>overcome with love and gratitude at being these cuties Momma!! Love my babies!!<br />
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<a href="http://instagram.com/the_strongfamily#" target="_blank">Instagram</a>/<a href="https://twitter.com/KristalStrong06" target="_blank">Twitter</a>/<a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/8849585/the-strong-family" target="_blank">Bloglovin'</a>/<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/kristalstrong06/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">What about you?! What are you thankful for this week?</span></div>
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<!-- end InLinkz script -->Kristal {Love, Grace & Hope}http://www.blogger.com/profile/00293030256432566592noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2175090459516659303.post-70944229658079052412014-05-28T06:00:00.000-05:002014-05-28T06:00:02.739-05:00Workout love, who me?! {TIU Giveaway!}<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will be the first to admit, I've never been big on working out. Sure, there have been times in my life (especially after having my kiddos) that I've buckled down and exercised to lose weight. I've even trained, well I say trained <em>very loosely</em>, and completed my first 5k. But, I've never truly enjoyed it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><em>Until now</em>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">At the beginning on <a href="http://kristalstrong.blogspot.com/2014/05/may-monthly-focus.html" target="_blank">this month</a>, I committed to taking care of myself spiritually and physically. I've really come to understand that I'm <em>much </em>better at caring for those I love, when I'm caring for myself. That means being intentional about meeting (and focusing throughout the day) with Jesus and <em>exercising</em>!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Enter the <a href="http://toneitup.com/" target="_blank">Tone It Up</a> girls. {Thank you, <a href="http://www.makemeupmia.com/" target="_blank">Mia</a>, for introducing me to the them!}</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I knew I didn't want to join a gym, but rather, figure out a way to work out at home, <em>around my schedule</em>. So, I decided to join the <a href="http://toneitup.com/category/fitness/bikini-series/" target="_blank">Bikini Series</a>. I'd been following Katrina and Karena for a while, doing some of their workouts here and there, and I <em>really</em> enjoyed the workouts. So, I decided to take the plunge and join the challenge. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I had <em>no idea</em> when I signed up how much this would change my life. Honestly, I wasn't even sure if I would <em>finish</em> the 8 week program. But, I'm going strong and <em>loving</em>, yes I said <em>loving</em>, working out!! In fact, I <em>look forward</em> to my work outs each day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I commit about an hour a day to exercising. I do cardio on our elliptical for 30 minutes each day. {I know most people would prefer to run outside when the weather is nice, but I love doing the elliptical.} I turn on an episode of <a href="http://www.mylifetime.com/shows/army-wives" target="_blank">Army Wives</a> and am off, enjoying my workout. Then, I do whatever exercise set the <a href="http://toneitup.com/category/fitness/bikini-series/" target="_blank">Bikini Series</a> calls for that day. The workouts aren't too long, roughly 20 minutes, but are<em> so good!</em> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I've noticed a <em>huge</em> difference in myself physically and mentally since starting the challenge. When we were in Albuquerque, I wasn't able to work out and I just didn't feel good. I missed working out! Who would have <em>ever</em> thought I'd say that?! Not me!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">What I finally understand, after hearing people saying it over and over, is that you have to find something you <em>enjoy</em> doing for exercise. I've found what works for me and my lifestyle is changing to include exercise every day(or most days). It might be different for you and that's ok! The point is to take care of your body the best you can so you can be here as long as possible with, and for, those you love. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What is it for you? What's your motivation to exercise? What's your favorite way to exercise?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don't forget to enter the giveaway below for your chance at winning an <em>awesome</em> prize package full of Tone It Up goodies!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><em>If you are looking to make a slight change towards a healthier lifestyle with yummy recipes, supportive women and workouts you can do from home, this could be your plan! Even if you are skeptical, entering the giveaway won't hurt! You could win a $110 prize package including The Beach Babe workout DVD, Tone It Up apparel and... well the rest is a secret! Who doesn't love a good surprise?</em></span>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hzfWO_cyCHA/U3km5_2umpI/AAAAAAAADb0/1Ssf3829o04/s1600/May+Group+Giveaway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hzfWO_cyCHA/U3km5_2umpI/AAAAAAAADb0/1Ssf3829o04/s1600/May+Group+Giveaway.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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:: <a href="http://www.themoderntulipblog.com/" target="_blank">The Modern Tulip</a> :: <a href="http://kristalstrong.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kristal Strong</a> :: <a href="http://www.makemeupmia.com/" target="_blank">Make Me Up Mia</a> :: <a href="http://birdietobe.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Birdie To Be</a> :: </div>
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<a href="http://www.asouthernstyleblog.com/" target="_blank">Southern Style</a> :: <a href="http://jessisdesign.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jess's Designs</a> :: <a href="http://www.ericajacquline.com/" target="_blank">Erica Jacquline </a>:: <a href="http://kidsandcabernet.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kids and Cabernet</a> ::<br />
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<em>The giveaway ends Thursday May 29th at midnight. </em></div>
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<em>Winning entry will be verified so please be honest.</em></div>
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Kristal {Love, Grace & Hope}http://www.blogger.com/profile/00293030256432566592noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2175090459516659303.post-45566068779645485352014-05-27T06:00:00.000-05:002014-05-27T15:11:41.378-05:00Bloom Where You're Planted {Guest Post on OWB}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today you can find me guest posting over on the <a href="http://www.oklahomawomenbloggers.com/" target="_blank">Oklahoma Women Bloggers</a> page. I'm writing on "Blooming Where You're Planted". I'd love for you to pop on over and check it out and let me know your thoughts. Here's a little teaser for ya...:) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><em>{Aren't these flowers beautiful?! To me, they are beautiful for more than their physical appearance. They are beautiful because they represent a sweet friendship with one of my neighbors, an elderly woman who has been widowed for more than 20 years. She picked them from her yard & brought them over one day just because...}</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">You can read the rest of my post <a href="http://www.oklahomawomenbloggers.com/bloom-where-you-are-planted/" target="_blank">HERE</a>!</span><br />
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</span>Kristal {Love, Grace & Hope}http://www.blogger.com/profile/00293030256432566592noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2175090459516659303.post-30904882236211025072014-05-26T06:00:00.000-05:002014-05-26T06:00:02.444-05:00Poppy Seed Chicken, Soy Sauce Green Beans & Blueberry Bread<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy Memorial Day!! To all of the soldiers{and families} who have served and are serving now, THANK YOU!!!!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/375769162629161271/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Via</span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hopefully you're enjoying this day with family and friends, cooking out, as we unofficially kick off summer. That's what we're doing! Yay!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Surely you'll need a meal idea later this week, though, and I have just the meal for you....<em>Poppy Seed Chicken, Soy Sauce Green Beans and Blueberry Bread</em>. </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ObafyntX-iw/U4KoEvUkJDI/AAAAAAAAGSM/AQHcBoRijw0/s1600/Poppy+seed+chicken.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ObafyntX-iw/U4KoEvUkJDI/AAAAAAAAGSM/AQHcBoRijw0/s1600/Poppy+seed+chicken.JPG" height="571" width="640" /></a></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Poppy Seed Chicken</em></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">8 cups cooked chicken, chopped</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">2 cans cream of chicken soup</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">2 cans cream of celery soup</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">16 oz sour cream</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">2-3 tablespoons poppy seeds</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Topping:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1/2 stick butter, melted</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1 cup crushed crackers</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">shredded cheese (at your discretion)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Mix ingredients together and put in a 9x13in baking dish.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Put crackers on top and drizzle with butter. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Sprinkle with cheese.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Serve over rice and enjoy!</span></div>
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<u><em><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Soy Sauce Green Beans</span></em></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">2 cans green beans (or 1 pound fresh)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">soy sauce</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Drain green beans and place in pot.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Drizzle with soy sauce and heat through.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Enjoy!</span></div>
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<u><em><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Blueberry Bread</span></em></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">{totally cheated and used a box mix}</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.target.com/p/betty-crocker-blueberry-muffin-mix-16-9-oz/-/A-13016245#prodSlot=medium_1_1&term=betty+crocker+blueberry" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Betty Crocker Blueberry Muffin Mix</span></a><u></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Enjoy!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://instagram.com/the_strongfamily#" target="_blank">Instagram</a>/<a href="http://instagram.com/the_strongfamily#" target="_blank">Twitter</a>/<a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/8849585/the-strong-family" target="_blank">Bloglovin'</a>/<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/kristalstrong06/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></span><u></u></div>
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Kristal {Love, Grace & Hope}http://www.blogger.com/profile/00293030256432566592noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2175090459516659303.post-31951960204868920062014-05-23T06:00:00.000-05:002014-05-23T06:09:57.753-05:00Five on Friday-Summer favorites & TIU giveaway<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy Memorial Day weekend!! Thank you to ALL who are serving, and have served, our country! </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tyiHD730UZY/U36kc3riUAI/AAAAAAAAGRo/cuxsyicPJ88/s1600/memorial+day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tyiHD730UZY/U36kc3riUAI/AAAAAAAAGRo/cuxsyicPJ88/s1600/memorial+day.jpg" height="320" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/375769162629161271/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Via</span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With Memorial Day weekend being the unofficial kick off of summer, I thought I'd highlight 5 things I love and I'm looking forward to this season.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">{</span><em><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Pool Time}</span> </em>As I mentioned <a href="http://kristalstrong.blogspot.com/2014/05/thankful-thursday-week-21.html" target="_blank">yesterday</a>, we love having our pool right outside our back door. As this week has already indicated, we'll be spending every day we can splashing and playing in the pool! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">{</span><em><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Tan Lines}</span> </em>Going along with pool time, I'm looking forward to tan lines. The kiddos are already getting brown and it's only been a week! I know this is silly, but my favorite tan line is my wedding ring tan line. :) #nerdalert</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><em><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">{Late Nights}</span> </em>I love how laid back summer is....you spend all day playing outside in the pool {or ocean, if you're super lucky}, come in for an easy dinner {like BLTs and corn on the cob}, go <em>back out</em> for more play time and, eventually, crash hard in bed, much later than normal, from a fun day outside. Ah, bliss!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><em><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">{Ice Cream}</span> </em>Honestly, need I say more?! Ok, I will. I feel that, especially in the summer time, ice cream is <em>necessary</em> every.single.day. Just my opinion. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><em><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">{Beach Time}</span> </em>We may live land locked in Oklahoma, but we always get to look forward to a week at the beach in Gulf Shores, Alabama. It's become our home away from home and I love it! </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qgIdxCa4Wb4/U36o2nSkybI/AAAAAAAAGRw/8rFVawhWJ8U/s1600/Summer+time.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qgIdxCa4Wb4/U36o2nSkybI/AAAAAAAAGRw/8rFVawhWJ8U/s1600/Summer+time.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/156570524519002166/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Via</span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em>What are some things you're looking forward to this summer season?</em></span><br />
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<em><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana;">Don't miss the <a href="http://www.toneitup.com/" target="_blank">TONE IT UP</a> giveaway I'm co-hosting with some awesome ladies!! It's no secret I'm LOVING the <a href="http://toneitup.com/category/fitness/bikini-series/" target="_blank">Bikini Series</a> and think Katrina and Karena are great!! Enter below, visit the other great bloggers participating in the giveaway and then come back Wednesday for a recap of my time thus far with the <a href="http://toneitup.com/category/fitness/bikini-series/" target="_blank">Bikini Series</a> and <a href="http://www.toneitup.com/" target="_blank">Tone It Up</a> workouts!</span></em></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hzfWO_cyCHA/U3km5_2umpI/AAAAAAAADb0/1Ssf3829o04/s1600/May+Group+Giveaway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hzfWO_cyCHA/U3km5_2umpI/AAAAAAAADb0/1Ssf3829o04/s1600/May+Group+Giveaway.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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:: <a href="http://www.themoderntulipblog.com/" target="_blank">The Modern Tulip</a> :: <a href="http://kristalstrong.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kristal Strong</a> :: <a href="http://www.makemeupmia.com/" target="_blank">Make Me Up Mia</a> :: <a href="http://birdietobe.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Birdie To Be</a> :: </div>
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<a href="http://www.asouthernstyleblog.com/" target="_blank">Southern Style</a> :: <a href="http://jessisdesign.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jess's Designs</a> :: <a href="http://www.ericajacquline.com/" target="_blank">Erica Jacquline </a>:: <a href="http://kidsandcabernet.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kids and Cabernet</a> ::<br />
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<em>The giveaway ends Thursday May 29th at midnight. </em></div>
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<em>Winning entry will be verified so please be honest.</em></div>
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/7bcd5011/" id="rc-7bcd5011" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://instagram.com/the_strongfamily#" target="_blank">Instagram</a>/<a href="https://twitter.com/KristalStrong06" target="_blank">Twitter</a>/<a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/8849585/the-strong-family" target="_blank">Bloglovin'</a>/<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/kristalstrong06/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Linking up with:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://www.the-good-life-blog.com/" target="_blank">Darci</a>/<a href="http://www.thelaurenelizabeth.com/" target="_blank">Lauren</a>/<a href="http://meetatthebarre.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Amanda</a>/<a href="http://thediaryofarealhousewife.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jenni</a></span></div>
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Kristal {Love, Grace & Hope}http://www.blogger.com/profile/00293030256432566592noreply@blogger.com15