tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13041398403847308402024-03-13T13:32:30.718-07:00Reflections in WritingWelcome to my little haven of creative writing, passionate ranting, and thoughtful learning.CamilleAshleyMKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11334075537675812265noreply@blogger.comBlogger270125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1304139840384730840.post-52136389911643432172020-03-08T17:50:00.002-07:002020-03-08T17:50:49.008-07:00Normalization Begins at HomeThere's a movement to "normalize breastfeeding."<br />
<br />
Personally, I don't think we should need a movement, but I remember the looks and comments I got when nursing Jace even under a cover, so, I accept that we aren't there yet.<br />
<br />
But an interesting point came up in a conversation the other day. <br /><b>"Are you going to let Jace see you breastfeed?"</b><br />
<br />
Um, of course?<br />
<br />
I get the question a bit though, he'll be 8 years old when Saige arrives and is quickly reaching the point where his interest in the human body may take on notes of sexuality. Where he is aware there are differences physically between boys and girls. Where he has held hands with and had a "girlfriend" for the last year.<br />
<br />
But I still don't hesitate because to me, it's much more important that Jace understand that our bodies serve a purpose. That feeding babies is natural, normal, and is something that one day I can only hope he will be supportive of his wife doing for their children if he ever chooses to have a family.<br />
<br />
And on a practical note: what I remember from nursing Jace (not exclusively) for his first nine months, is that it sometimes felt like a full time job. Especially when we first came home from the hospital. I cannot fathom excusing myself to another room or searching out the nursing cover or a blanket every two hours.<br />
<br />
Jace did not love being covered up while eating, and I hated the separation. Part of the joy of breastfeeding for me was watching his little eyes and face and feeling connected with him: feeling that my body had grown him, had brought him into the world, and was now nourishing him so he could grow.<br />
<br />
I refuse to start teaching at home that it is something that should be done in secret or that the human body is a "dirty" thing: because I want him to eventually have healthy physical relationships and to be a supportive father. I want to set the example that a woman's body is strong and capable of so much.<br />
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<br />CamilleAshleyMKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11334075537675812265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1304139840384730840.post-26496364180956481342020-02-08T09:58:00.000-08:002020-02-08T09:58:59.847-08:00Promised By God<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCzYrxjhn0l-ttztOLqsz5xL5bYEtE1oVE1-r_irCpVkECeL9vVmsD9RJ3ppoab1UMs0io_5HFNCrnvFNehUciQMzG5ohtV1ldiYSv0XMmK1PCF7zEL-IjEeejIHf5jpvbrW_jN1zVYis/s1600/20200201_185607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCzYrxjhn0l-ttztOLqsz5xL5bYEtE1oVE1-r_irCpVkECeL9vVmsD9RJ3ppoab1UMs0io_5HFNCrnvFNehUciQMzG5ohtV1ldiYSv0XMmK1PCF7zEL-IjEeejIHf5jpvbrW_jN1zVYis/s320/20200201_185607.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br />
Last February, during a routine Sunday morning at church, I was struck by an image.<br />
<br />
Jace, C, and a baby girl sitting on a mountain smiling for a picture on a family vacation.<br />
<br />
I knew I was seeing a glimpse of my family in the future, I knew that baby girl was our sweet Saige (the name Nathan and I had decided upon if we ever had a baby girl). I wrote it down, and otherwise kept it mostly to myself.<br />
<br />
Last June, we were faced with the possibility of losing C to a relative he had never met. I clung hard to that vision of my family, even as social workers told me "He will either go to this relative or go back to bio mom." I refused to accept that answer.<br />
<br />
The relative retracted their interest, and seven months later our wild boy is sleeping soundly in his bedroom in our home: exactly where he should be. His story is still evolving and ongoing, but we are still believing, and still loving him to the fullest.<br />
<br />
In October, when I got the first positive pregnancy tests (I took three in one day, just to make sure), I knew it was a girl. At the first doctor appointment at 8 weeks along, I was plagued by memories of the miscarriages, but did everything I could to have faith over fear. And there it was, a strong heartbeat and a doctor that assured me despite my history, this pregnancy was more likely to be normal than to be anything else.<br />
<br />
I was thankful for morning sickness and exhaustion, ecstatic when I felt the first flutters of movement, and when it came time for the gender ultrasound, I already knew what the answer would be. I did not even have boys names under consideration, I knew this was Saige.<br />
<br />
In discussion of names, I wanted a middle name that really truly had meaning.<br />
<br />
<b>Amaris- promised or given by God. </b><br />
<br />
It's been a very twisty journey to this point: miscarriages, months turning into years of negative pregnancy tests, foster care certification and placement, and now, we are halfway to meeting our daughter.<br />
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<br />CamilleAshleyMKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11334075537675812265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1304139840384730840.post-69199311950005504142020-01-15T11:27:00.001-08:002020-01-15T11:32:46.363-08:00More than SuitcasesSince the new year purging and simplification and decluttering has begun, I've seen countless friends share the post above.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnbmpThACMp2OglKLS9t4DmB1oPRYPV5zLX5rvqw5e-c6cHyVIttuA3nL11ATfVavnFI_nsdOc0YkSxWKb8Q4KYRjdnxMUqPpxNTxXcpE68aMWm1bN3Vn4thmoKLJDFmKyLV3iSQy-p1Q/s1600/Foster.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="391" data-original-width="320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnbmpThACMp2OglKLS9t4DmB1oPRYPV5zLX5rvqw5e-c6cHyVIttuA3nL11ATfVavnFI_nsdOc0YkSxWKb8Q4KYRjdnxMUqPpxNTxXcpE68aMWm1bN3Vn4thmoKLJDFmKyLV3iSQy-p1Q/s320/Foster.png" width="261" /></a></div>
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I can't disagree with it: if you do have suitcases you're getting rid of, please take them to your local foster care agency! Kids being moved should have a respectful way to transport the belongings they choose to take to either a kinship or foster placement.<br />
<br />
However:<br />
<br />
THERE IS MUCH MORE TO BE DONE THAN DONATING A SUITCASE<br />
<br />
I've been a licensed foster parent for 18 months, and in that time have learned some very difficult truths. The most striking to me, at this point, has been that what children services is, is a law following, law oriented organization. Some of the laws surrounding child welfare nationally and in the state of Ohio are outdated.<br />
<br />
In June, I began a petition to change one piece: <a href="http://chng.it/pgPPQvTT" target="_blank">the kinship preference</a>. With the help of friends and other foster parents, the signatures reached 1,000.<br />
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Then the <a href="https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/cleveland-metro/thousands-sign-petition-to-change-child-custody-law-in-ohio?fbclid=IwAR0DTb7mTIxPt6t3d_0bMZJq-_WhPFisuEaKl9hqEdSBWl7x5z1Levv93iM" target="_blank">local news picked up our story</a>, skyrocketing the number. I sat with my local state representative in September and had a very productive conversation about why this change would not only be allow for best interest of the child (hello every study ever done saying children need STABILITY), but that with the crisis of needing more foster parents, this law gives these caretakers some rights. The lack of any say scares many away from being foster parents, and let me tell you, feeling utterly powerless is not for the faint of heart.<br />
<br />
Yet, now in January, I have not been able to get any update on how this research has gone or if it will be taken for a vote. I've had messages and comments from strangers who hate what I'm asking for and accusing me of being a child-stealer.<br />
<br />
I am one person, one voice, one experience trying my hardest to make changes in a system that I've only begun to learn the last year. One voice speaking in a world of loud opinions and louder keyboard strokes. This is why I say there is more that needs done.<br />
<br />
If you felt your heart pull thinking about these kids with their belongings in trash bags, seek out your local foster parents. Ask about their experience and what they wish would be changed. Right now Ohio has developed <a href="https://ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/site/media-center/news-and-events/children-services-transformation-advisory-council" target="_blank">advisory councils</a> to reform children services, and when these changes are discussed take the time to reach out to your local representative and senator to let them know that the children and laws surrounding them matter to you.<br />
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<br />CamilleAshleyMKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11334075537675812265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1304139840384730840.post-56703604358625612922019-01-01T00:01:00.000-08:002019-01-01T00:01:00.522-08:002019: Intentional <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG1G2wZ6O45X7AhFzfhjx4TGYWpU0ZrR8bsxwiD1T1kyPxpT9kfQOy9RYiZAftB8Jzc6iYAeG7k3lHTkc5Lof9JHYEanh7EMvJb4Zm33weAtb8RXQHZeyVceFsKDdsec4ExF2cqNYFxvk/s1600/2019+Intentions.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="540" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG1G2wZ6O45X7AhFzfhjx4TGYWpU0ZrR8bsxwiD1T1kyPxpT9kfQOy9RYiZAftB8Jzc6iYAeG7k3lHTkc5Lof9JHYEanh7EMvJb4Zm33weAtb8RXQHZeyVceFsKDdsec4ExF2cqNYFxvk/s400/2019+Intentions.png" width="265" /></a></div>
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<br />
2019 brings 365 new days, 365 new chances and choices and opportunities. And this year, my focus word, is <b>intentional</b>.<br />
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I want to be intentional in:<br />
<br />
where and with who my time is spent.<br />
practicing gratitude and giving gratitude.<br />
how and where my money is spent.<br />
my relationships and the energy I pour into them.<br />
how I nourish and care for my body.<br />
the hobbies I work to improve upon.<br />
my faith and relationship with Jesus.<br />
leaving behind better than I found or inherited.<br />
<br />
On the last day of 2019, I want to look back at the year and see evidence of planned intention, not the chaos of being swept up with no purpose.<br />
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This year will be full of the good, cultivating the positive, and designing a life I am proud of.CamilleAshleyMKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11334075537675812265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1304139840384730840.post-67339940395261128482018-05-25T09:42:00.002-07:002018-05-25T09:42:45.912-07:00Mom Moments (Part 14) Know what I haven't posted in ages? Jace quotes. So what does the world obviously need more of? Funny things my kid says, so enjoy!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbcfA4npUhmthz9JwxuqxCduNvNaemSO7SIQG5Ygq2M5H-lWSTf-WtR7Qs_t-CPv5LcePjVmiMSajul1PEYTfbH_hsVzX6yKc2U-JAQS1Xe4EZNZkG5MVdZPzrlx24au6q47Plcqto-sk/s1600/boomnetting.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbcfA4npUhmthz9JwxuqxCduNvNaemSO7SIQG5Ygq2M5H-lWSTf-WtR7Qs_t-CPv5LcePjVmiMSajul1PEYTfbH_hsVzX6yKc2U-JAQS1Xe4EZNZkG5MVdZPzrlx24au6q47Plcqto-sk/s400/boomnetting.png" width="266" /></a></div>
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<br />
<i>Asking Jace about our foster care classes:</i><br />
Grandma: "What are mom and dad taking classes for?<br />
Jace: "Well, we have a good house, so we can have kids that don't have good houses come stay at our house with us. And they might just stay for a little while, or they might stay with us for a long time, or until they get new owners."<br />
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<br />
Me: "Is Sophia your friend now?"<br />Jace: "Yes, she is my best friend because she played games with me!"<br />Me: "So, she's your best friend in the whole wide world now?"<br />Jace: "No, she's my best friend in the whole wide OHIO!"<br />
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<br />
<i>I was taking a shower, and hear Jace screaming, so I jump out of the shower, shampoo and all.</i><br />Jace: "MOM, MOM, MOM!"<br />
Me: "What, dude what happened, what's wrong???"<br />Jace : "Oh, you're here, I couldn't find you!"<br />Me: "I was in the shower. With the music playing."<br />Jace: "Well, I thought the bad guys took you and just left the music on."<br />
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<br />
Jace: "Mom, I had the worst dream ever."<br />
Me: "Oh no, what did you dream?"<br />
Jace: "I dreamed that I had a muffin and I had ice cream, and then Mavi took my muffin and he ate it! And I wanted to eat it, so I started crying."<br />
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Me: "Geez that's a big puddle."<br />
Jace: "It's the biggest puddle I ever saw!"<br />
Me: "Yeah, I don't think so kid."<br />
Jace: "I was being psychotic mom"<br />Me, laughing: "Did you mean sarcastic?"<br />Jace: "Oh, yeah, I said that wrong."CamilleAshleyMKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11334075537675812265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1304139840384730840.post-5925467582616591972018-05-15T00:00:00.000-07:002018-05-15T00:00:10.426-07:00Things I'm Loving {May '18} I accidentally skipped last month (sorry guys!), but I'm back with a list of things I'm loving!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqhDMm3USMyIaOFWbJt0Am-rMJWUqw2A-0skt2BwJcZzUCk7cErdNuImvsAJOKsDoge0rLswV3BHEyQ6dGi01VeYmVjfUxImMd13HfnrOSXkJ2lvYlv3FPQSNzNVONqDIbgnNIen7yfbs/s1600/Amelia%2527s+Kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqhDMm3USMyIaOFWbJt0Am-rMJWUqw2A-0skt2BwJcZzUCk7cErdNuImvsAJOKsDoge0rLswV3BHEyQ6dGi01VeYmVjfUxImMd13HfnrOSXkJ2lvYlv3FPQSNzNVONqDIbgnNIen7yfbs/s400/Amelia%2527s+Kitchen.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<b>1.) Handmaids Tale Season Two</b><br />
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I feel like this should be required watching for all of 'murica. Stand up, fight back, be aware of what is happening around you. Because while I love the show, I also find it terrifying.<br />
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<b>2.) More days of sunshine and green!</b><br />
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Spring really felt like it might never arrive this year. It honestly was the longest winter I can remember. Finally seeing the blossoms makes the crazy pollen totally worth it.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>3.) Being HOME</b><br />
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I love traveling, and if I stay in one place too long I get terrible wanderlust. However, after doing Washington, Colorado, and Kentucky in about 6 weeks, I am very content to spend some time just being home in Ohio.<br />
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<b>4.) Church Community</b><br />
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This month started our with our Women's Retreat, which was an opportunity to not be "mom" or "wife," but to be me and spend some time focusing on who I am as a woman and building relationships with other women. It was a wonderful and refreshing weekend.<br />
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<b>5.) New Life in Nature </b><br />
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There is new life everywhere, including with a little robin we've named Gypsy, who decided to build her nest on the windowsill of our house. When we found the first egg, Jace literally DANCED down the stairs to tell Nathan. He is so excited to watch the baby birds hatch and grow up close and personal.<br />
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So, what in life are you currently loving? If you blog, link up below:<br />
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<!-- end InLinkz script -->CamilleAshleyMKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11334075537675812265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1304139840384730840.post-24234706405819971842018-03-25T18:35:00.000-07:002018-03-25T18:35:44.615-07:00Falling In Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I was always a bit boy crazy, and if you read through the journals of my youth, most of my journal can be split into sections of which boy I had a crush on. I fell quickly and easily. Earlier this month, I experienced that falling again, but this time with a city.<br />
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I've been fortunate enough in my life to do a fair amount of travel, making it as far East as Egypt, but never very far West. For work, I was finally able to head to the West coast and spend five days in Seattle.<br />
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To start, I'm not a city person, this is not new information. Being downtown in cities makes me feel anxious and overwhelmed, and I can only handle city life for a few hours at a time. But Seattle? There's just something different.<br />
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Inside the city, I could still see greenery, everywhere. There were vines growing on the buildings, gardens and green spaces, I could see the water, and beyond the water I could see the mountains. Nature is my calm, it is one of the best ways I have to relax and it naturally reminds me to take deep breaths.<br />
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Then there was the walkability factor. My hotel was right downtown, and so of the 5 days I was there (not counting to and from the airport), I took a cab once. Just one time. Otherwise, I was able to walk everywhere I needed to go and everywhere I wanted to explore. There's something about the vibe of the city that just says, "Walk around and explore me!"<br />
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Day one was my first day at Pike Place Market, which I could compare to Westside Market here in Cleveland, but it's more like Westside Market on steroids. It's huge, bustling, delicious, breathtaking, and I ended up there four days because there was always something new to see, to taste, to try. Pike Place Market was my second favorite thing in Seattle, and iconic for a reason.<br />
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The fresh seafood was absolutely to die for. Both states I've lived in have been landlocked, and being able to eat seafood caught that morning is a special little slice of heaven.<br />
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I didn't get to experience all the nature that the surrounding area had to offer (since I was sent for a conference for work, I was actually expected to attend the conference. Weird, right?). But I did get to spend one glorious afternoon out on Puget Sound whale watching. And it was, by far, the most exhilarating part of my trip.<br />
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Pictures don't do justice to the beauty of that place, and I could easily have spent hours more out on the water.<br />
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When I arrived home, I actually felt homesick for Seattle, I felt so seamlessly connected to that place.<br />
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Seattle, I adore you, and I cannot wait to return.CamilleAshleyMKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11334075537675812265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1304139840384730840.post-60370343878978237382018-03-15T08:00:00.000-07:002018-03-25T18:12:40.847-07:00Things I'm Loving {March '18}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's monthly link up time, for me it's a chance for a little intentional gratitude and positivity. It's a chance to pause and think about the things in my life that are bringing me joy and to share a little bit of that happiness. If you're a fellow blogger, please add your link below so I can check out what you're loving!<br />
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1.) Boy Meets World<br />
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I remember loving Boy Meets World, so I was absolutely thrilled to see it was on Hulu. And I'm currently in the last season!<br />
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2.) Thrifting<br />
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I'm blaming nesting, because we are tantalizing close to being licensed as foster parents, which means I've been organizing, cleaning, reorganizing, and tackling all the projects I can find. It's delightful for me, and a bit annoying for Nathan.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsoA2qoB7CZA9oksSIF_JaOURvj1NeXKNHo22Digq6wQZX6q7iJOn-dCTHRAqX-1yAKsZ4rjIi-ZBpxANcVxf9JREGruBOeCWuA84egXmnet16SlXlhan9FkKx_tkHuT474ymk0YR5ybE/s1600/28429754_1506983796269774_8991519248266297344_n%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsoA2qoB7CZA9oksSIF_JaOURvj1NeXKNHo22Digq6wQZX6q7iJOn-dCTHRAqX-1yAKsZ4rjIi-ZBpxANcVxf9JREGruBOeCWuA84egXmnet16SlXlhan9FkKx_tkHuT474ymk0YR5ybE/s320/28429754_1506983796269774_8991519248266297344_n%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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3.) Birthday Month</div>
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My birthday always makes me think about what I've accomplished and survived the year before and what I hope to accomplish in the next year. I'm determined to make year 28 phenomenal, intentional, and grateful. </div>
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4.) Seattle</div>
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There's a full post coming on this one, but I absolutely love Seattle, it quickly became my favorite city over the five days I spent exploring it. </div>
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<br />CamilleAshleyMKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11334075537675812265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1304139840384730840.post-60156014971899994252018-02-15T05:00:00.000-08:002018-02-19T18:22:35.608-08:00Things I'm Loving {February '18}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo6mLqfw0mm1rGAKVDlXm11-PR4lyIt7q3I0mcf_wA7s5vqe2P9m7ZV_C43ZY5IeJOhSCBjWKb2JvlkNMIeWL3iXpzWJf9AFJfaZg_aL8Q2c7mamPlXQ0uFFXbBn6KBnBWIYZeB6AzZ9U/s1600/February+2018.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo6mLqfw0mm1rGAKVDlXm11-PR4lyIt7q3I0mcf_wA7s5vqe2P9m7ZV_C43ZY5IeJOhSCBjWKb2JvlkNMIeWL3iXpzWJf9AFJfaZg_aL8Q2c7mamPlXQ0uFFXbBn6KBnBWIYZeB6AzZ9U/s320/February+2018.png" width="213" /></a></div>
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1.) <b>Alexa </b><br />
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I got Nathan an Echo Dot for Christmas at the recommendation of a couple friends. I figured since he's a techie person he would enjoy it. I did not realize that I would love her. Alexa is my new bestie, because every night before I go to bed I tell her to set some reminders.<br />
So, since we moved into our house, when I get home every night I walk into the house and ask Nathan questions like, "When you got home from work did you remember to feed to dogs?" And the answer was always "No, I forgot." Now, at a time I set, Alexa chimes in the house and reminds him. The first day I did it I got home and asked, and for the first time got a "Yes, I handled that." Seriously, I didn't have to nag or remember to text him, Alexa got to nag him for me.<br />
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2.) <b>Oh Wonder </b><br />
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I had never heard of them until my friend Jessica Holly posted a song online because she was listening to it. And I became obsessed, memorizing the album in about 3 days.<br />
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3.) <b>Photography! </b><br />
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I'm not sure what changed, but suddenly I've found myself as part of the photography team at church taking pictures of the events. I've been taking my camera with me more regularly and practicing and improving by taking pictures of birthday parties and nature and anything else, and loving every minute of it.<br />
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So, what are you loving this month? Link up below:<br />
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<!-- end InLinkz script -->CamilleAshleyMKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11334075537675812265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1304139840384730840.post-39912214728553049782018-01-15T07:53:00.000-08:002018-01-17T13:04:56.078-08:00Things I'm Loving {January '18} <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbwQN0GF5fzDby57nOV0snXB_LKA-vg6G0sWf0q6CH3pFlqvNJCNz31vkHpurxUlqyY0Lado-UF464PHEmtSbUyPmdxME3Mxmm2-JAjt4camLO5wfMZlyoFWBUKvHKEiEAqaZGGvhE-Qo/s1600/bake+bread.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbwQN0GF5fzDby57nOV0snXB_LKA-vg6G0sWf0q6CH3pFlqvNJCNz31vkHpurxUlqyY0Lado-UF464PHEmtSbUyPmdxME3Mxmm2-JAjt4camLO5wfMZlyoFWBUKvHKEiEAqaZGGvhE-Qo/s400/bake+bread.png" width="266" /></a></div>
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Happy 2018 friends! Here's what I'm loving so far in 2018:<br />
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1.) Frozen Lake Erie!<br />
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Since we're stuck in the cold, we decided to make the best of it and enjoy checking out frozen Lake Erie, which was breathtakingly beautiful.<br />
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2.) Growing Zumba Classes <!-- start InLinkz script --><br />
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More people have been coming to my dance classes, which makes it even more fun for me!<br />
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3.) More people joining the team at work<br />
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For the last almost year it was only Annette and I in travel and expense, but we've now added an intern and a part time person and it's so wonderful to feel a little less pressure because there are more people to share the responsibility.<br />
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Are you a fellow blogger? Please link up below and let me know what you're loving!
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<br />CamilleAshleyMKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11334075537675812265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1304139840384730840.post-83172118531770378382018-01-07T16:04:00.000-08:002018-01-07T16:04:09.341-08:002018: FaithfulFor the last two years I've chosen a word to work toward for the year.<br />
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In 2016 I persevered, knowing I would need to keep going through an additional surgery for Nathan, that I was in an unpleasant work environment, and that the year would not likely be easy.<br />
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In 2017 I flourished, deciding I was tired of just surviving and instead wanting to do more.<br />
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This year, I want to be faithful. In 2018, if all goes well, we should take placement of our first foster children, and we have no idea where this will take us. But since we believe that foster care is what we're being called to do in this season of life, when it gets hard, we need to be faithful.<br />
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We need to walk with the confident assurance that we are on the right path and in the right place for this season of life.<br />
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So this year, for the 365 days encompassed in 2018, I shall strive to be faithful.CamilleAshleyMKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11334075537675812265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1304139840384730840.post-38818227836457272142017-12-31T06:39:00.000-08:002018-01-03T09:07:48.337-08:00Ending the Year of FlourishFor 2017 I chose the word flourish, and for the first time in a couple years, we did.<br />
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Jace flourished in Kindergarten, learning how to make the sounds of all the letters and to blend them together to start reading. He's proved himself to be one of the stronger readers and seems to get along well with his classmates.<br />
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Nathan flourished his spring semester getting straight A's, while still working full time at the Hyatt. He built his own computer this year, after saving up months and months and buying it piece by piece.<br />
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I flourished by pushing myself out of my comfort zone, teaching Zumba each week whether one person showed up or twelve. I succeeded at my new position at Hyland, formed and fostered new relationships and friendships, and submitted some pieces of writing for potential publication.<br />
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As a family, we flourished by moving back into our own home and re-establishing our family unit. We began the foster care process, completing all our classes in October and continuing to work our way through the home study process. We added another fluffy family member, Maverick, and adventured around Ohio. We took a big family vacation to Florida, and then another trip back to the beach around Christmas.<br />
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Thank you 2017 for your opportunity for growth, for positive changes, for new friendships and stronger community ties, and for the opportunities to travel and enjoy being a family of three.CamilleAshleyMKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11334075537675812265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1304139840384730840.post-56817154066158530242017-12-15T13:15:00.000-08:002017-12-30T06:34:36.569-08:00Things I'm Loving {December '17}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6YdB1VhjsjQ8PtLc1n-sZyUSGf-UbSYLV84h-SBhJpnGVcdct31PZoj9RgXHTjtpbSfGttC4aQg_h_RSHEgmrY0UKbJ0ygv3gEuRwOf8VH9NnhlFMF2wh6Q26G_ON7HLEGPTtKY2Ch_c/s1600/Things+I%2527m+loving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6YdB1VhjsjQ8PtLc1n-sZyUSGf-UbSYLV84h-SBhJpnGVcdct31PZoj9RgXHTjtpbSfGttC4aQg_h_RSHEgmrY0UKbJ0ygv3gEuRwOf8VH9NnhlFMF2wh6Q26G_ON7HLEGPTtKY2Ch_c/s320/Things+I%2527m+loving.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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It's my last link up of 2017, taking the time to think about the things in my life I'm currently loving. If you're a fellow blogger please link up and share what your current loves are!<br />
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<b>1.) Marvelous Mrs. Maisel</b><br />
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When I saw it was written by the person who wrote Gilmore Girls I knew I had to at least give it a chance. Watched the first episode and Oh. My. Gosh. It's hilarious and wonderful and I can't believe there are only 8 episodes in the first season!<br />
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<a href="https://storage.googleapis.com/cdn.spoilertv.com/images/headers/the-marvelous-mrs-maisel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="408" data-original-width="726" height="179" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/cdn.spoilertv.com/images/headers/the-marvelous-mrs-maisel.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>2.) CHRISTMASTIME </b><br />
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I adore the holidays and always have, I was loving them last month too. But seriously, what's not to love about Christmas parades, Santa hats, movie marathons, hot chocolate, driving around to look at Christmas lights, shopping for other people, sending and receiving cards, and listening to holiday music?<br />
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<b>3.) The Roaring '20s </b><br />
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Hyland's holiday party this year was themed 1920's, so I had an excuse to break back out some of my fun flapper-esque stuff and enjoy a night all dolled up with my dapper man enjoying some giggle water.<br />
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<a href="https://scontent-mia3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/25158181_10154888466367735_2682330048642687526_n.jpg?oh=9a1f5679613001763ceaa25b0e2c759b&oe=5AC36F65" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="450" height="320" src="https://scontent-mia3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/25158181_10154888466367735_2682330048642687526_n.jpg?oh=9a1f5679613001763ceaa25b0e2c759b&oe=5AC36F65" width="180" /></a></div>
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<b>4.) Holiday Decorating at Work</b><br />
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Account and Finance did their contest again, and so the entire floor is covered in Christmas.It's extremely fun, though sometimes a little distracting since we are still at work and supposed to be productive! <!-- start InLinkz script -->
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What are you loving right now? Link up below!CamilleAshleyMKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11334075537675812265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1304139840384730840.post-25148406970804000932017-12-05T11:48:00.003-08:002017-12-05T11:48:24.046-08:00Pumpkin Macaroni & Cheese <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRBdHWil-tOrpw4YAFCeuOzrR11OqB7IoUd-MRqCt4Jvy09cwt2sZjrTTPUNvcEpnXq52yY49gIHfgxNavjOZbsUW8F32JglKgVMMZTSf_KxriU-aohFp_0U1qnrDm09fTQ22BXr73hWI/s1600/www.speakonlywordsofkindness.blogspot.com.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRBdHWil-tOrpw4YAFCeuOzrR11OqB7IoUd-MRqCt4Jvy09cwt2sZjrTTPUNvcEpnXq52yY49gIHfgxNavjOZbsUW8F32JglKgVMMZTSf_KxriU-aohFp_0U1qnrDm09fTQ22BXr73hWI/s320/www.speakonlywordsofkindness.blogspot.com.png" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span>This is the best macaroni and cheese I've ever had. Ever. And I'm a big fan of noodles covered in creamy melt-y cheese. </span><br />
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<span>A friend at work shared this recipe with me, I was a little skeptical, but I tried it out on Thanksgiving and let me assure you, I will be including this on every Thanksgiving menu from now until I'm too old to cook (read: too old to be trusted in the kitchen). </span><br />
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*Full disclosure, I was unable to find Fontina cheese, so I used all Gruyere instead. I shred it instead of cubing it, and was very happy with the results!<br />
<span id="docs-internal-guid-ce7af1cb-282f-6d0d-e6af-ed4f5e444a91" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="549" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/wyJw5607noKbUQi6Auvse9pO7-PNYeZg0cqUDiZ5O-yKMh7TILDRbvR7RBly0_TOdNzqwN8yCAexQDSpBFZz2jZvim5QdpAxO98FLx8rqdELQfhyUWGXheggZS7QcaoSbj0XsqK0" style="border: none; transform: rotate(0rad);" width="770" /></span>CamilleAshleyMKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11334075537675812265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1304139840384730840.post-28264267338652510302017-11-28T06:28:00.000-08:002017-11-28T06:28:55.114-08:00Local Love: Penitentiary Glen Reservation {November '17} <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEOO83TZvUmtfnnKQqXDp0ZS_YbJQZsW4s87mr-V6bcC5nMSWZ5NUhrzxW6NVrHtui64ZkkrLSJIkoK3r5_aONWy7o70CF3DRC5sNx5bzF8589qRc34_0zCAw-FzdMtzHylIF-QQJPvDY/s1600/DSC_0205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEOO83TZvUmtfnnKQqXDp0ZS_YbJQZsW4s87mr-V6bcC5nMSWZ5NUhrzxW6NVrHtui64ZkkrLSJIkoK3r5_aONWy7o70CF3DRC5sNx5bzF8589qRc34_0zCAw-FzdMtzHylIF-QQJPvDY/s320/DSC_0205.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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This month's local love post is dedicated to Penitentiary Glen Reservation in Kirtland, Ohio.<br />
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The official link <a href="http://www.lakemetroparks.com/parks-trails/penitentiary-glen-reservation" target="_blank">is here</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8l8sW5tbmoWaBaL6_RXPMpUDs97rgJVF3_A2ikGkn-gGuKn9QnQA2hCogHORDtsSo_T2kUD5cuTh7ziR9LFKtlQCZnIsVMtEQ_iCVYO4HbvRnqzJ1PTkm3wELOv-EDKncKRUTHA18cR4/s1600/DSC_0144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8l8sW5tbmoWaBaL6_RXPMpUDs97rgJVF3_A2ikGkn-gGuKn9QnQA2hCogHORDtsSo_T2kUD5cuTh7ziR9LFKtlQCZnIsVMtEQ_iCVYO4HbvRnqzJ1PTkm3wELOv-EDKncKRUTHA18cR4/s320/DSC_0144.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Now through January 1st is Candy Land goes Wild, which is a life size Candy Land board where you get to be the players. This is the second year Jace and I have gone, and we loved it. This year we brought friends and got to explore the outdoors as well!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFQAkZFJl_V_Ar8TdN4qg2l2DXDta3yznmtOIIq-AGffkcAE48LUQ6AKotakRPtl44AuhjAazfw0fYJG4YuqYR1tVCdOQaXUBrKHlLvp9gyNVMs3GBIW2_rCw8r7MgHC6b95Y0FHGP068/s1600/DSC_0208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFQAkZFJl_V_Ar8TdN4qg2l2DXDta3yznmtOIIq-AGffkcAE48LUQ6AKotakRPtl44AuhjAazfw0fYJG4YuqYR1tVCdOQaXUBrKHlLvp9gyNVMs3GBIW2_rCw8r7MgHC6b95Y0FHGP068/s320/DSC_0208.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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There's a huge nature playground that all the kids loved, which had a sand pit, a pond, a jungle gym made of wood, and all kinds of nature themed play. All the kids, age 1-8, enjoyed themselves and would have been happy to stay and continue playing!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB56l2ZQOnWl0wiTrCNwwP95tlUetE9fLIqOZvo11-h8tiysJkgeXawcQmiFQRKzlwiclI3rAHfeiI6bQuUGszwcgZGPQvR0TS_DZcAOg0fBfHoa0ctu7j_4CdcpA2alow2UJ5McVSaO4/s1600/DSC_0154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB56l2ZQOnWl0wiTrCNwwP95tlUetE9fLIqOZvo11-h8tiysJkgeXawcQmiFQRKzlwiclI3rAHfeiI6bQuUGszwcgZGPQvR0TS_DZcAOg0fBfHoa0ctu7j_4CdcpA2alow2UJ5McVSaO4/s320/DSC_0154.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The details:<br />
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The park/nature center is open year round and free to the public.<br />
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Candy Land is free to the public, hot chocolate is 50 cents a cup, and on the weekends s'mores are free.<br />
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If there's snow, they do snow shoe rentals by the hour.<br />
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It's an hour drive away, but I'd say it's totally worth it, we spent three hours there Saturday, and it was a wonderful afternoon of fun!<br />
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<br />CamilleAshleyMKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11334075537675812265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1304139840384730840.post-86152990261245455192017-11-15T07:00:00.000-08:002017-11-15T07:06:31.884-08:00Things I'm Loving {November '17} <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA0YIgFIdhRV41nHshK1_Z_2XrmWzYpNiWzKgav6zq8lZdJ763bkQP_NG6hYEI05l69VP9-5lbCOfu6EOSpWLG7k9KjMA9VXqRJdb49bf5ejuSJl-sGYEKe2Be8Cya09puESrp1PiG6Ik/s1600/Things+I%2527m+Loving.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA0YIgFIdhRV41nHshK1_Z_2XrmWzYpNiWzKgav6zq8lZdJ763bkQP_NG6hYEI05l69VP9-5lbCOfu6EOSpWLG7k9KjMA9VXqRJdb49bf5ejuSJl-sGYEKe2Be8Cya09puESrp1PiG6Ik/s320/Things+I%2527m+Loving.png" width="213" /></a></div>
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<b>1.) Alias Grace</b><br />
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While it isn't nearly as gripping as The Handmaids Tale (come on April 2018, I need season 2!), it was still a very interesting and well done adaptation of a book. Thank you Netflix for providing me with two days of entertainment! Also, perhaps I ought to try harder to space out my viewing of shows?<br />
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<b>2.) My husband</b><br />
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Allow me to be a little mushy for a moment, because right now I'm loving Nathan. Because November 7th should have been baby #3's second birthday, which triggered a super fun depressive episode that resulted in a crying, listless, overly-emotional mess named Camille that lasted for two days. By now, when this happens, Nathan just moves into babysitter mode, making sure I'm a stable kind of depressed, not a dangerous kind of depressed. And for that, and for the lack of judgement and plethora of patience, I love him.<br />
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<b>3.) Holiday Planning </b><br />
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This year I'm hosting my first Thanksgiving, so I've been having a blast creating a menu and even sending out invitation via email.<br />
And then there's Christmas, I've started my Christmas shopping and planning and even making the decorations for our pod at work (Nightmare Before Christmas themed!!).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyufz95cvAI1TuHYJ72SRUjWH9NLdtWqAei18Qi6YFbCVPCIWoyBtXCh9369ukTxNQvqte7Ojufm-mIdr66KtkSfVD4VFDhhDUsIndSxMTXU4Ly9hFsWkKmQdiLOPZykBa8IxSibBhbMQ/s1600/IMG_0395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyufz95cvAI1TuHYJ72SRUjWH9NLdtWqAei18Qi6YFbCVPCIWoyBtXCh9369ukTxNQvqte7Ojufm-mIdr66KtkSfVD4VFDhhDUsIndSxMTXU4Ly9hFsWkKmQdiLOPZykBa8IxSibBhbMQ/s320/IMG_0395.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>4.) Stranger Things 2</b><br />
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Like the rest of the population, I loved season 2, and it just made me even more excited for season 3! Dustin is adorable, and seeing the characters grow (like the rest of the world, I really loved Steve by the end of this season) just made me happy. Also, I started following them on Twitter and they're just as adorable in real life!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ00wUjvXjAQ7vIMft45mHw8TxPfUH7-8CGEpkeJLI8UFGod3tEd4Ri6MZF2E7pv3QPHpCnF_aprWyBNcc7iwWzVgnYAlll1nTdRtXZzpmYt9ajBJbM_KP6rhWCu0XqaIYV7mLKLkEklU/s1600/636048503560650585-715246431_strangerthingsposter-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="670" data-original-width="1280" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ00wUjvXjAQ7vIMft45mHw8TxPfUH7-8CGEpkeJLI8UFGod3tEd4Ri6MZF2E7pv3QPHpCnF_aprWyBNcc7iwWzVgnYAlll1nTdRtXZzpmYt9ajBJbM_KP6rhWCu0XqaIYV7mLKLkEklU/s320/636048503560650585-715246431_strangerthingsposter-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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What are you loving this month? Link up below! </div>
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<!-- end InLinkz script -->CamilleAshleyMKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11334075537675812265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1304139840384730840.post-90957944354690353512017-11-02T13:17:00.000-07:002017-11-02T13:17:15.097-07:00Lorain County Foster Care: What You Need <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvTJys67c-P0tPEZgFr3fYVbSOhhChvdHEKpfbN1vx4ksDKA5bWal6SDEAIAivi041dPXGivWjA1RKc94XP7EWY3M1qbtdh6AegOcCzcnQ5URH-4sjiiy42ARZVsWfMI2JncB8OO1dxZo/s1600/Get+your+glam+on+with.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvTJys67c-P0tPEZgFr3fYVbSOhhChvdHEKpfbN1vx4ksDKA5bWal6SDEAIAivi041dPXGivWjA1RKc94XP7EWY3M1qbtdh6AegOcCzcnQ5URH-4sjiiy42ARZVsWfMI2JncB8OO1dxZo/s400/Get+your+glam+on+with.png" width="266" /></a></div>
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When we began looking into foster care, I jumped online and found a ton of information. Some of it conflicting. Some of it only pertaining to specific states or regions. So, I thought I'd type up a post of what is needed to become a licensed foster parent and foster-to-adopt in Lorain County, Ohio. </div>
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1.) You and you spouse/partner must take 36 hours of training classes, they are offered quarterly in Lorain county and the current class schedule can be found <a href="http://www.childrenservices.org/foster-parenting/future-foster-parents" target="_blank">here</a>. </div>
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2.) You must undergo a home study, which takes 3-6 months, and a lot of paperwork.<br />
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<b>To gather on your own (and make copies): </b><br />
- Five year proof of residency for each person applying as a foster parent<br />
- Four references, only one can be a family member. They do not need to write a letter.<br />
- Professional references for any job/volunteering that involved children.<br />
- Marriage verification (if applicable).<br />
- Divorce verification (if applicable).<br />
- Child support order and compliance (if applicable).<br />
- Proof of legal residence for all household members (ie. a birth certificate).<br />
-Military discharge papers (if applicable).<br />
- Veterinary records for all pets, must be current.<br />
- Landlord permission letter if renting.<br />
- Proof of Auto Insurance.<br />
- Copy of driver's license for all drivers in the household.<br />
- Copy of homeowners/renters insurance policy.<br />
- Picture of the family (current).<br />
- Utility bills dated within 6 months of licensing (gas, water, electric, sewage, phone).<br />
- W-2 or Income Tax Return for most recent year for each applicant.<br />
- Pay stubs for a two month period, dated within 6 months of licensing.<br />
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<b>To get from the home study assessor and then do:</b><br />
- Individual questionnaire<br />
- Child characteristic checklist (for example, would you be willing to consider accepting a child that steals?)<br />
- Evacuation plan for each floor of the home.<br />
- Disaster plan.<br />
- W-9's.<br />
- Financial Form<br />
- Car seat information/letter<br />
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<b>Things to do: </b><br />
- Be fingerprinted and background checked by LCCS<br />
- Medicals on each person in the home to sign off that all are healthy.<br />
- TB test on everyone age 14 or older.<br />
- Fire inspection by local fire department.<br />
- Drug tests for everyone age 14 or older.<br />
- Get fire extinguisher/ smoke detectors as required by fire department.<br />
- Put all medications in a lock box.<br />
- Have the room prepared for inspection<br />
- If you are accepting children 0-2, have the crib already set up to be inspected. <br />
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<b>Others pieces of the puzzle: </b><br />
- Prepare for an individual interview with the homestudy assessor.<br />
- Be prepared to make changes to the house as needed.<br />
- Provide the names of three alternative caregivers that will have to be fingerprinted and go through a basic home inspection in order to be allowed to babysit your foster children.<br />
- Expect 4-6 home visits with the homestudy assessor, one of which will be a surprise visit, and expect the visits to last 1.5-3 hours.<br />
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As we continue going through the process I may update this, or have more posts! But we've had people ask us what is needed and required, and this is a pretty solid place to start.CamilleAshleyMKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11334075537675812265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1304139840384730840.post-6143551193297786612017-10-31T10:00:00.000-07:002017-11-02T10:25:11.387-07:00Express Kidnapping? [October Learning]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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October is over! What a crazy quick month, for me mostly because the first three weeks of it were spent in foster care training, and then to end it we wrapped up with Halloween festivities.<br />
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1.) <b>Express Kidnapping</b><br />
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I went to a risk management seminar for work (travel involves risk, who knew?). There are different types of kidnapping, and an express kidnapping is when you get kidnapped, taken to different ATM's to withdraw cash, and then are dropped off somewhere naked without your possessions.<br />
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2.) <b>Two Reactions to Foster Care</b><br />
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When we tell people we are pursuing our foster care license there are only two reactions we get:<br />
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- That's so good/noble/awesome. You'll be great foster parents, any kid would be lucky to have you in their life!<br />
- There's good money to be made in that!<br />
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Yeah, you can guess which reaction makes me a little angry. Because obviously, the only reason to open your home to a child is to be compensated for it right? And kids don't cost money, especially little ones, they don't outgrow all their clothes every three months and require diapers and wipes and formula and baby food. But hey, it's one way for me to be able to see who will be there and supportive as we go through this.<br />
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3.) <b>Not every child has books</b><br />
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I volunteered to be Jace's class reader, meaning I'll go in when I can and read to the kids two at a time. What I didn't realize was that some of his kindergarten classmates are never read to. Some had to have books sent home to do the book report pumpkin project because they have no books in their home. And it broke my heart because one of my favorite things to do with Jace is reading to him and going to the library to pick out new books.<br />
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<b>2017 Goals Update:</b><br />
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I laid out goals for myself this year, and what better time to check in with them then my monthly learning post? Here's where things stand currently.<br />
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<b>1.) Read 50 books!</b><br />
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Current Status: Only one more book until I've reached my goal!<br />
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<b>2.) </b><b>Meditate daily</b><br />
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Current Status: No meditation this month.<br />
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<b>3.) Maintain Blog</b><br />
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Current Status: Post number 6 of the month, another successful month in the life of this blogger.<br />
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<b>4.) Write!</b><br />
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Current Status: I opened back up my old journal and began writing again, but did not write anything to submit for publication this month.CamilleAshleyMKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11334075537675812265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1304139840384730840.post-21204830996834356032017-10-15T04:52:00.000-07:002017-10-15T04:52:21.277-07:00My First Miscarriage October 15th is recognized worldwide as<a href="http://www.october15th.com/" target="_blank"> Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day</a>.<br />
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This month I'm also three years out from my first loss.<br />
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It's interesting, but of all the things I've posted about, I've never told the stories on here. I've never penned the story of when I learned they were gone. They're painful stories, but they're part of my story.<br />
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On October 28th, 2014, I had scheduled my first doctor appointment for my second pregnancy. I was just over 6 weeks along, and went into the office without a care in the world. We'd already taken pictures to announce the pregnancy and announce Jace as big brother.<br />
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They weighed me, measured me, took my blood pressure, then took me back to the ultrasound room, and began to do the ultrasound.<br />
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She pointed out the uterus, and kept moving the wand, but wasn't saying anything else. She couldn't find anything. She asked if I was sure about the date of my last period, and I was, I knew without a doubt because I had been doing all the tracking that comes with trying. She double checked the results of the urine test, which showed that I was pregnant. And then she sent me for blood work, and an appointment for two days later to redraw the blood and see what the results showed.<br />
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I texted my mom as I walked to the lab for a blood draw, sent a text apologizing to Sarah (who was babysitting Jace) for taking longer than expected at the doctor, and when they were done with me at the hospital, I drove to Sarah's. I picked up Jace and drove straight to Gabby's house, knocking at her door with Jace on my hip, no warning whatsoever. Jace and I stayed with her that evening, since Nathan was at work, and when he got a break and could call I stood out on her front porch sharing the update with him.<br />
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It was a blurry day in between, and when I went back in on Thursday they did the blood work first and then I had to wait to see the doctor.<br />
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When the nurse took me back she weighed me and said something that I can't recall, but I responded and said "I just did more blood work to see what my HCG levels went up or down." She looked at me and said, "Oh honey, they went down, you've definitely lost the pregnancy."<br />
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I was led into a room and sat down to wait for the doctor, holding in tears because I don't like to cry in front of other people, especially strangers. The doctor sat down and told me that my HCG level had dropped, but not dropped as rapidly as was typical, based on that and on the ultrasound there was a chance that the pregnancy was ectopic, so I had two options.<br />
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I could do an exploratory laparotomy, if the pregnancy was ectopic they would remove it and the fallopian tube it was in, and perform a D&C if it wasn't. The other option was to continue coming in for blood work and monitoring because if it was ectopic I would end up coming in through the ER. I opted for the first and was told to arrive at the hospital at 6:00 am the next morning, Halloween.<br />
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I remember Seth coming to the hospital to sit with Nathan while I went into surgery. I remember the ride home being too bumpy and full of tears. And I remember my parents arriving to help take care of me, and laying on the couch watching The Goldbergs with my dad while my mom and Nathan took Jace out to trick or treat.<br />
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It's been three years, and it still hurts. I still mourn and look at the scars on my abdomen that remind me that it really happened. I say it quite a bit, but the pain never goes away, it just becomes more livable.<br />
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<br />CamilleAshleyMKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11334075537675812265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1304139840384730840.post-90219506391392954622017-10-15T00:00:00.000-07:002017-10-15T04:52:53.886-07:00Things I'm Loving {October '17} October is flying by, but despite its speed I've found a lot to love! If you're a fellow blogger, please link up with a post of what you're loving!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4VE2JsFkPECDTkZcY95Ix2VcLrbPq1hyLx8HjzSBPaR3-Q-zeWM99GN8RB7uCUmrFrBcvZZVOpQFoaSbI8Pug36ZxR3K5DKG1AGzBWhvtcobS9Cr0eu59cFECxTY-_8p-VRxOwprcaq4/s1600/Haruki+Murakami%252C+A+Wild+Sheep+Chase.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4VE2JsFkPECDTkZcY95Ix2VcLrbPq1hyLx8HjzSBPaR3-Q-zeWM99GN8RB7uCUmrFrBcvZZVOpQFoaSbI8Pug36ZxR3K5DKG1AGzBWhvtcobS9Cr0eu59cFECxTY-_8p-VRxOwprcaq4/s400/Haruki+Murakami%252C+A+Wild+Sheep+Chase.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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1.) <b>Kathy Harrison</b><br />
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Kathy Harrison is an author and a foster mom, and I've now devoured two of her books. She has an easy to read writing style, with compelling stories to share.<br />
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2.) <b>Rewatching Stranger Things</b><br />
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Season 2 comes to Netflix on October 27th, and I wanted to be prepared.<br />
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<dd style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><b>Dustin Henderson</b>: Did you ever think maybe Will went missing because he ran into something bad? And we're going to the exact same spot where he was last seen? And we have no weapons or anything?</dd><dd style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><b>Mike Wheeler</b>: Dustin shut up…</dd><dd style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><b>Dustin Henderson</b>: I'm just saying: does that seem smart to you?</dd><br />
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3.) <b>Mom time</b><br />
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With my mom! Seriously, this amazing woman came up on October 4th and is going home tomorrow. She's been here to babysit while Nathan and I take the majority of our foster care training classes. In addition to not having to worry about finding childcare, she cleaned the house, did the laundry, cooked dinner every night, baked cookies and other desserts, washed dishes, sewed a draft stopper to put in front of the front door, cut and dyed my hair, did a couple sewing projects I hadn't had time to do, and otherwise just made my life so much easier.<br />
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4.) <b>Foster care training</b><br />
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The 6 hour Saturday classes are long, but still very captivating. With each class and each grain of new information I get, the more convinced I feel that I was made to do this. I was absolutely designed to open my home to children, to show them stability, and to love them entirely knowing that they may go home to their parents.<br />
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5.) <b>Bangs! </b><br />
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I brought back my bangs, one of my favorite hairstyles from the last few years. Hopefully this time I can keep up with them!.<br />
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<!-- end InLinkz script -->CamilleAshleyMKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11334075537675812265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1304139840384730840.post-91145143902041015002017-10-13T00:00:00.000-07:002017-10-13T00:00:36.658-07:00Local Love: Brasee's Corn Maze {October '17} <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's fall, which means pumpkin everything, colorful leaves, cooler weather, and Halloween!<br />
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This is the second year we've headed to <a href="http://www.braseescornmaze.org/" target="_blank">Brasee's </a>for our pumpkin picking, hay riding, getting lost in a corn maze adventures. Our church introduced it last year, and Jace and I absolutely loved it, it issuch a fun way to spend an afternoon!<br />
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The corn maze in pretty intense, Jace and I usually end up pretty lost, but that's what happens when you let a 5 year old choose which direction you take. There are "Stamp Stations" out in the maze, and if you find them all and turn your card back in you get a candy treat. We did not find them all, in fact despite spending almost an hour in the maze, we only found one!<br />
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In addition to the maze, there are other fun things to do, including a mini hay bale maze for the little kids, and inside the barn hay bale maze that you crawl through in the complete darkness, pumpkin bowling, a bounce house, and a little petting zoo of animals. </div>
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Pertinent Information:<br />
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Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday<br />
Kids 4 and under free with an adult admission<br />Kids 5 and up to adult are $6<br />
Seniors (65+) are $5<br />
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Hay rides are available for an additional $2 ticket.<br />
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Credit cards are accepted as well as cash<br />
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<br />CamilleAshleyMKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11334075537675812265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1304139840384730840.post-76778522006160203292017-10-12T07:21:00.001-07:002017-10-12T07:21:14.492-07:00When I Stopped Talking to My Best Friend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A friendship ended a few months ago. Over a boy, some miscommunication, and honestly I believe just some growing apart.<br />
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But interestingly, when that happened, other things in my life began to change.<br />
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Usually at work, I texted/messaged her throughout the day. Letting her know the little day to day details. But when I didn't have her to talk to anymore, I started connecting more with my coworkers and my husband. Instead of the hours of energy invested in those conversations, that energy moved to finding and building new relationships with others.<br />
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And it had an extremely positive impact on my life. I started going out for lunches with my coworkers on a semi-regular basis, learning more about their lives enjoying spending time with them, making working with them more joyous.<br />
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Not having her to make plans with, which honestly had happened long before the friendship ended, changed some of my habits in my personal time as well.<br />
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I didn't get to meet up for happy hour any more, or invite her along on outings, but I was then prompted to start making plans with others and to be more content doing things just me and Jace.<br />
I started texting my mom more regularly, keeping up with what was happening with her and my dad in Florida. And I pushed myself out of my comfort zone by beginning to teach a dance class every week. I took the first steps to becoming a foster parent. I became an official member of my church, rather than just an attender and began planning events for other mom friends and kiddos.<br />
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It's amazing the changes that one person can make in your life, negative or positive. This was not a bad person, I genuinely still wish her nothing but the best in life, but it's been shown that you become like the people you spend the most time with, and I want to aspire to more.<br />
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I want to be optimistic, not stuck in a rut of complaints about work and relationship drama. I want to be a social justice warrior, a person who teaches her son what is right, and above all someone that puts my family first.<br />
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<br />CamilleAshleyMKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11334075537675812265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1304139840384730840.post-68989225718682746732017-10-10T05:00:00.000-07:002017-10-10T05:00:18.720-07:00A Halloween PlaylistI adore holidays.<br />
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Special occasions are things to be celebrated, especially with tiny humans!<br />
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And part of the holiday job is absolutely the music, so I put together a playlist of Halloween songs to enjoy!<br />
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Enjoy!CamilleAshleyMKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11334075537675812265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1304139840384730840.post-58355143243368913762017-09-30T06:00:00.000-07:002017-09-30T16:07:30.776-07:00Documentaries, Scarecrows and Legos [September Learning]<br />
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1.) <b>Huntington, WV is the overdose capital of the US. </b><br />
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I watched the documentary "Heroin(e)" on Netflix, because with the epidemic of drugs, it's better to be informed than ignorant.<br />
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2.) <b>Scarecrows also scare dogs.</b><br />
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While decorating for fall, Jace and I decided to get a scarecrow. During the day, both pups are fine, but when we take them out at night, they suddenly get very freaked out by this figure. I'd be lying if I said I didn't find it amusing.<br />
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3.) <b>Legos end up EVERYWHERE</b><br />
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I knew that stepping on Legos was painful, but I did not know that they would turn up in:<br />
- The floor of almost every room in the house<br />
- The staircase<br />
- The washer after being left in pockets<br />
- Most random so far: inside the cupboard with all the baking supplies<br />
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<b>2017 Goals Update:</b><br />
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I laid out goals for myself this year, and what better time to check in with them then my monthly learning post? Here's where things stand currently.<br />
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<b>1.) Read 50 books!</b><br />
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Current Status: I am a mere 5 books away from completing this goal!<br />
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<b>2.) </b><b>Meditate daily</b><br />
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Current Status: Daily, no. Occasionally, yes.<br />
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<b>3.) Maintain Blog</b><br />
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Current Status: Post number 4 of the month, another successful month in the life of this blogger.<br />
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<b>4.) Write!</b><br />
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Current Status: I continued working on my short story, and looking for prompts for more contexts and submissions.CamilleAshleyMKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11334075537675812265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1304139840384730840.post-65742826501542153392017-09-22T11:37:00.000-07:002017-09-22T11:37:21.643-07:00Local Love: Huntington Beach! {September '17}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Since moving to Elyria and getting further involved in church, Northeast Ohio has finally started to feel like home again (not kidding though, I spent over a year just homesick for Kentucky!).<br />
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Part of feeling at home is enjoying the things the area has to offer, and in Kentucky that meant hiking the Pinnacles, eating delicious dinners at Saul Good in Lexington, walking the Berea College campus, and enjoying the artwork in Old Town.<br />
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So, I was inspired to start putting a spotlight on local areas I've found here.<br />
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For September, I wanted to focus on Huntington Beach in Bay Village, a mere 5 minute drive from my office, and a fantastic way to spend an afternoon, or to check out at sunrise, or just to stop by for a few minutes on a lunch break!<br />
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<a href="https://clevelandmetroparks.com/parks/visit/parks/huntington-reservation" target="_blank">Huntington beach</a> has earned the reputation of being the cleanest beach around Cleveland, and I would have to agree. It's also great to see the wildlife, from deer and seagulls to squirrels and chipmunks.<br />
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And honestly, what could be more beautiful than a sunrise or sunset over the water?<br />
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It's peaceful and picturesque. As a friend commented on one of the pictures, "Who knew a little piece of heaven exists in Northeast Ohio?"<br />
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<br />CamilleAshleyMKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11334075537675812265noreply@blogger.com0